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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 4. Medical Imaging Procedures
Published on: October 3, 2016
Operational management of X-ray protective devices in radiology: An integrated practice protocol for integrity,
R Gerasia1, L Federico2, G Fiorello3
1Radiology Service, Istituto Mediterraneo per i trapianti e terapie di alta specializzazione - IRCCS ISMETT, Via Ernesto Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy; AITRI, Italian Association of Interventional Radiographers, Via S. Gregorio, 53, 20124 Milano, Italy.
Objectives:
This study aimed to develop an integrated operational protocol for the management of radiation-protective personal protective equipment in radiology. The protocol addresses both radiation safety and infection control, translating international recommendations into a standardized, practice-oriented model.
Key Findings:
A narrative review of guidelines and literature, combined with expert consensus, led to the definition of six operational domains: identification and traceability, shielding integrity, external fabric condition, closure system functionality and storage, cleaning and disinfection, and safe disposal. Radiation-protective eyewear was also included due to its essential role in preventing lens exposure. The framework introduces detailed checklists, classification criteria, and recommended actions for each domain. It emphasizes systematic inspections, dual documentation, and advanced tracking technologies to strengthen accountability. Infection prevention principles were integrated in response to evidence of radiation-protective personal protective equipment contamination with multidrug-resistant organisms, reinforcing the need for standardized cleaning and traceability protocols. The approach also incorporates sustainability principles, particularly regarding the safe disposal of lead-containing garments.
Conclusion:
The proposed protocol offers a novel, comprehensive, and practical framework that unifies radiation protection, infection control, and environmental responsibility. By addressing variability in current radiation-protective personal protective equipment management, it highlights the dual role of protective garments and accessories as essential safety devices and potential vectors for microbial transmission.
Implications For Practice:
This protocol translates regulatory requirements into operational tools that can be readily implemented in interventional departments. Its application can enhance occupational safety, reduce infection risks, and ensure transparent institutional compliance. Moreover, it supports a culture of safety and sustainability, fostering both staff protection and environmental stewardship in interventional departments.
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