Abstract
Existing natural latex radiation-attenuating gloves (RAGs) contain a high loading of radiation attenuation filler that reduces their mechanical properties to below Food and Drug Administration (FDA) medical glove requirements. RAGs are commonly formulated using Hevea natural rubber latex and lead-based fillers. The former can cause life-threatening allergic responses and the latter are known for their toxicity. In this work, a new lead-free RAG formulation based on circumallergenic guayule natural rubber latex (GNRL) and non-toxic radiation attenuation filler bismuth trioxide (Bi2O3) was developed. GNRL films with Bi2O3 loadings ranging from 0 to 300 PHR at different thicknesses were prepared. Radiation attenuation efficiencies (AE) at 60, 80, 100, and 120 kVp were determined and attenuation isocontour curves predicted film thickness and Bi2O3 loading required to meet or exceed the radiation attenuation requirements of ASTM D7866 and commercial RAGs. Optimal curing conditions for GNRL/Bi2O3 films with 150 PHR Bi2O3 were investigated by varying curing temperatures and time from 87 °C to 96 °C and 65 min to 90 min, respectively. In general, as the loading of the filler increased, the density of the films increased while the thickness decreased. GNRL/Bi2O3 films with 150 PHR Bi2O3 and 0.27 mm provided 5% more AE than RAG market average attenuation at the same thickness. The films with 150 PHR Bi2O3 cured under near-optimal conditions (90 °C/85 min, and 87 °C/65 min) met both the radiation attenuation standard (ASTM D7866) and the natural latex surgeon and examination glove standards (ASTM D3577 and D3578, respectively). Thus, gloves made using our formulations and protocols demonstrated potential to meet and surpass medical natural latex glove standards, offer a single product for both infection control and radiation protection instead of double-gloving, provide a greater degree of comfort to the user, and simultaneously reduce contact reactions and eliminate potential latex allergic reaction.
Highlights
Radiographic imaging is used in a wide variety of medical examinations and procedures to diagnose or treat illnesses [1–3]
The films cured with these conditions had modulus at 500% strain of 4.4 ± 0.7 MPa, tensile strength of 25.1 ± 0.2 MPa, and elongation at break of 788.0 ± 68.2%. These results demonstrated that guayule natural rubber latex (GNRL)/Bi2O3 films with 150 PHR Bi2O3 loading met attenuation standards (ASTM D7866) and tensile properties for surgical gloves (ASTM D3577) and examination gloves (ASTM D3578) (Table 7)
Isocontour plots indicated that GNRL radiation-attenuating gloves (RAGs) could be made thinner than gloves currently in the marketplace, and that higher attenuation levels and user protection may be achieved without exceeding current RAG thicknesses
Summary
Radiographic imaging is used in a wide variety of medical examinations and procedures to diagnose or treat illnesses [1–3]. X-ray imaging exams, such as computed tomography (CT), increased by 20% from 2006 to 2016 [6], with an annual increase of 1% to 5% in the same period [4] This trend is anticipated to advance at a rapid rate with improved imagingbased technology, increased recognition and implementation of interventional radiology services, and hybrid operating rooms that improve patient outcomes and reduce patient hospitalization [7]. Physicians performing interventions with radiographic equipment assume a unique occupational risk compared to other imaging-based specialties as they are required to be in the procedure room where radiation is emitted. It is well-established that radiation exposure to an individual is inversely proportional to the square distance from the X-ray source; radiation exposure significantly increases the closer the worker is to the X-ray source. Radiation monitors are provided in order to measure the cumulative radiation exposure to the body and hands to ensure that ALARA levels are not exceeded
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