Evaluation of the transmission properties of Xenolite TB lead-free aprons. Issue 7 (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maguire, Danielle; McCavana, Jackie; Lucey, Julie; Seymour, Eileen
• Is Part Of: Physica medica. Volume 32:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 948
• Page End: 949
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Medical physics -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Imagerie médicale -- Périodiques; Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Rayons X -- Sécurité -- Mesures -- Périodiques; Physique -- Périodiques; Médecine -- Périodiques; 610.153
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2016.05.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-1797

Abstract

Abstract : The introduction of lead-composite and lead-free aprons has alleviated some of the physical strain for users, but validation of their attenuating properties requires more rigorous testing compared to an apron with lead composition. The aim of this project was to evaluate Xenolite TB lead-free vest and skirt aprons and to determine whether they are fit for purpose in an IR room and if they meet the manufacturer's specifications. The lead equivalency and the % transmission are quoted by the manufacturer at 80 kV and 100 kV in narrow-beam geometry. The broad beam attenuation co-efficients of different kV X-ray beams in lead, both primary and secondary, are published (BIR, 2000)[1], however attenuation coefficients for narrow beam geometry are not readily available. The attenuation coefficient for lead therefore firstly had to be determined for the beam qualities specified by the manufacturer. The mathematical Lambert W model derived by Mathieu et al. (2011)[2] was used. The attenuation of the aprons will be measured as specified in Irish Standard I.S. EN 61331-1:2014 "Protective devices against diagnostic medical X-radiation – Part 1: Determination of attenuation properties of materials" for both narrow- and broad-beam geometries and the lead equivalency determined. The attenuation of the aprons will then be tested for other beam qualities, both primary and scattered beams and geometries which may be more applicable to a clinical situation. These results will be presented. The design and fit of the lead aprons will be investigated using TLDs identify possible gaps in protection.