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LEAD COMPOSITE VS. NONLEAD PROTECTIVE GARMENTS: WHICH ARE BETTER? A MULTIVENDOR COMPARISON
S M B Peters1, D Zweers2, F de Lange1
1Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6500 HBNijmegen, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
This study aims to provide more insight in attenuation characteristics and corresponding lead (Pb) equivalences of a broad range of commercially available lead composite and nonlead protective garments. Thirty garments of five manufacturers (listed as 0.25-0.35-0.50 mm Pb equivalent) were tested. Transmission values were determined at 70, 90 and 110 kVp using an inverse broad beam geometry. Pb equivalence was determined using lead sheets as reference material. A substantial variability in photon transmission across garments was found. Differences between lead composite and nonlead garments were not statistically significant. Depending on tube voltage, between 9 and 12 out of 30 garments had a lower Pb equivalence than the indicated value. This work shows that lead equivalence as indicated on a garment's label may overestimate its protective performance. Depending on the application a more thorough verification of the effectiveness of protective garments at the desired kVp is warranted.
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