In plain language
In laboratory measurements behind a damaged lead apron, larger holes and cracks let through notably more scattered radiation, while defects under about 1 cm made little difference. This may help departments set realistic apron rejection criteria.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Dosimetry measurement study
- Who was studied
- Phantom or simulation (no people)
- Where
- Finland
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Air kerma rate increased behind the damaged apron compared with the intact apron.
Key figures: up to 165 µGy h-1
Based on average annual operator fluoroscopy times, a damaged apron could add measurable annual air kerma behind the damaged area.
Key figures: 9.7 mGy annual air kerma increase
Small defects did not meaningfully increase air kerma under tested conditions.
Key figures: defects smaller than approximately 1 cm
Defect size and location both affect apron shielding, so rejection criteria should consider defect position.
Limits to keep in mind
Measurements were made with a dosimeter behind a single apron under two fluoroscopy settings, not on staff; annual estimates rely on one hospital's fluoroscopy times and reflect air kerma behind the defect, not effective dose.
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How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.