Gonad protection for the antero-posterior projection of the pelvis in diagnostic radiography in Dublin hospitals

Abstract

Gonad shielding during diagnostic X-ray procedures is an effective way of reducing radiation dose to patients' reproductive organs and reduces the risk of genetic effects in future generations. The utilisation of gonad shielding, the availability of shields and the existence of written protocols for the use of radiation shielding for antero-posterior projections of the male and female pelvis were examined in four major Dublin hospitals. A retrospective study of 198 pelvic radiographs revealed that only 2% ( n=4) of images had evidence of gonad shielding. All four images that demonstrated shielding showed that the shield was malpositioned with either important bony anatomy obscured or gonads not sufficiently protected. Some of the hospitals surveyed had inadequate supplies of gonad shields in the general radiography rooms and no written protocols were available. The results of this study indicate that patients in the hospitals investigated are receiving avoidable gonad irradiation due to the omission, or malpositioning of gonad shields during pelvis examinations. In line with recent EC recommendations appropriate shielding of the gonads during pelvis AP examinations should be encouraged.