In plain language
Across 64 studies of 15,014 mostly physician fluoroscopy users, 87% always used lead aprons, but only 46% always used thyroid shields and 17% lead goggles, with use varying by country development level.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Systematic review or meta-analysis, Meta-analysis
- Who was studied
- Orthopedic surgeons, Other physicians, Mixed lab staff
- Size
- n = 64 studies
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Pooled prevalence of consistent ('always') lead apron use was high.
Key figures: 87% (95% confidence interval (CI):78-94; n = 6,383)
Fewer than half of workers consistently used thyroid shields.
Key figures: 46% (95% CI: 26-66, n = 5,236)
Consistent use of lead goggles was low.
Key figures: 17% (95% CI:8-29; n = 3,704)
Apron use was higher in countries with a very high Human Development Index, while thyroid shield and goggle use was reported as lower.
Key figures: p = 0.03 (aprons); p < 0.01 (thyroid shields and goggles)
Included participants were mostly physicians, with orthopedics/traumatology the most represented specialty.
Key figures: 64 studies; 15,014 participants; 94% physicians; 45% orthopedics/traumatology
Limits to keep in mind
Pooled prevalence estimates come from primary studies with moderate risk of bias and wide confidence intervals, and participants were overwhelmingly physicians, especially orthopedics/traumatology, limiting generalizability to nurses, technologists and other lab staff.
Related research summaries
- Literacy in the Scope of Radiation Protection for Healthcare Professionals Exposed to Ionizing Radiation: A Systematic Review (2024, Systematic review)
- Radiation exposure of eyes, thyroid gland and hands in orthopaedic staff: a systematic review (2012, Systematic review)
- Increasing Awareness and Reducing Occupational Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories: Working to Eliminate Lead and Complications of Radiation in Cardiovascular Team Study (2026, Cross-sectional survey)
- Occupational Radiation Exposure and Thyroid Nodules in Healthcare Workers: A Review (2025, Narrative review)
- Radiation in the Orthopedic Operating Room: What We Know, What We Do, and What Needs Attention (2025, Narrative review)
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.