Abstract
PurposeThis technical note presents an inexpensive tool and method for determining lead equivalency using digital radiography x‐ray equipment.MethodsA test tool was developed using commercially available lead tape (3M™ Lead Foil Tape 421). The test tool consisted of nine varying lead thick squares arranged in a larger square (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 1.0 mm). It was imaged on a DR plate with a digital portable x‐ray unit across a range of energies (60–120 kVp) and two beam filtrations. Lead equivalency was determined by using the linear relationship between dose to the detector and pixel values in the raw images. The lead equivalency of the tape was validated using known lead thicknesses (physically measured with caliper). Additional lead equivalency measurements were made for protective eyewear, a thyroid shield, and a lead apron.ResultsThe test tool and method measured the two known lead thicknesses to be –9.7% to 7.1% different from the actual values across the range of energies under normal x‐ray beam conditions and under a 1‐mm copper filtered x‐ray beam. The additional lead equivalency measurements of radiation protection apparel across energies ranged from –6% to 20% for both beam conditions when compared with the values provided by the manufacturer.ConclusionThis work validates the test tool and methodology as an inexpensive alternative to checking the lead equivalency of radiation protection apparel in a clinical setting. The methodology is equipment independent with a few prerequisites.
Highlights
IntroductionRadiation protection apparel is used widely in the medical environment to provide shielding against primary and scattered radiation for patients and radiation workers
The importance of radiation protection has been well documented under the current assumption of the linear no‐threshold (LNT) model.[1,2,3] Despite the LNT model limitations, its purpose is to safely address the risk associated with exposure to radiation
The results were similar for the 1‐mm copper filtered x‐ray beam condition
Summary
Radiation protection apparel is used widely in the medical environment to provide shielding against primary and scattered radiation for patients and radiation workers. One of the main concerns with radiation protection apparel is their attenuation properties.[4,5,6,7,8] With the use of nonlead radiation shielding materials, it is often of importance to know the attenuation properties of the radiation protection apparel in question. | 153 standards available that address how to measure the attenuation properties of this radiation protection apparel:. ASTM F 2547‐18 Standard test method for determining the attenuation properties in a primary x‐ray beam of materials used to protect against radiation generated during the use of x‐ray equipment. ASTM F 3094‐14 Standard test method for determining protection provided by x‐ray shielding garments used in medical x‐ray fluoroscopy from sources of scattered x‐rays
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