Effectiveness of UV-C Disinfection on Bacterial Contamination of Lead Aprons in Radiology Departments

Lead protective aprons are widely used by healthcare workers and patients during radiological examinations and interventional procedures to reduce radiation exposure. However, inadequate cleaning and disinfection may result in bacterial contamination, posing a potential risk of healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an automated ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection cabinet in reducing bacterial contamination on lead protective aprons used in computed tomography (CT) examination rooms, interventional procedure suites, and intensive care unit (ICU) bedside imaging environments.

A total of 12 lead aprons that had been in frequent clinical use for more than six months without cleaning were collected. The aprons were sourced from CT examination rooms, interventional procedure rooms, and ICU bedside imaging areas. Bacterial cultures were obtained from all aprons both before and after exposure to UV-C disinfection.

Prior to disinfection, bacterial contamination was detected at all sampling sites. The thyroid shield had the highest median colony count [12.0 (IQR, 8.8-16.0) CFU], followed by the lead protective cap [9.5 (IQR, 8.3-14.3) CFU], lead apron [6.5 (IQR, 3.8-8.0) CFU], and lead skirt [5.5 (IQR, 2.3-7.3) CFU]. Following UV-C disinfection, the median bacterial colony count at all sampling sites was reduced to 0 CFU. Mean reductions ranged from 4.92 to 11.17 CFU, corresponding to reduction rates of 98.3% to 100.0%. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed statistically significant decreases in colony counts at all sampling sites (all P ≤ 0.004). Overall, UV-C disinfection achieved a 99.49% reduction in bacterial contamination.

These findings indicate that the automated UV-C disinfection cabinet significantly reduces bacterial contamination on lead aprons, thereby strengthening infection control measures and improving safety for both patients and healthcare personnel in radiological care environments.