Main factors influencing the use of scrotum shields during X-ray examinations in major hospitals in Norway and Denmark

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of scrotum shields and to find out if scrotum shields are used according to national guidelines. The reasons for not utilizing scrotum shields were also investigated.

Material and methods

A questionnaire was presented to radiographers in order to monitor their actual use of scrotum shield and the main reasons for not using it. Seventy Norwegian and 21 Danish radiographers answered the questions. Images from PACS at the Norwegian hospital were scrutinized. The effectiveness of the shields was studied by phantom measurements using an EDD diode instrument.

Results

For an unshielded dose of 1 mGy in the primary field, omitted doses of 0.8 mGy or more could be expected in the primary field and 0.2–0.3 mGy at a distance of 5 cm from the edge of the field. PACS information showed that scrotum shield was applied only in 63 out of 359 images. Thirty five percent of the Norwegian and 10% of the Danish radiographers answered that the use of scrotum shields increases the examination time. Twenty five of the 70 Norwegian and none of the Danish radiographers found it embarrassing to ask the patient to use the shields.

Conclusions

Utilization of a scrotum shield is effective even when the scrotum is outside the primary radiation field. Shields are seldom used at three Norwegian hospitals, but are used almost in every case at the Danish hospital. Embarrassment and lack of time are the main reasons for not using the shields.