Guidance on using shielding on patients for diagnostic radiology applications

Over the last 70 years or so, it has been a common practice amongst radiological professionals to place radiation protective material directly on the surface of a patient during radiodiagnostic procedures to help reduce the dose to critical organs. This has led to
 the expectation amongst patients and professionals alike that this would continue.
 However, an increasing number of studies have raised concerns regarding the efficacy and
 effectiveness of such ‘contact shielding’.

This has led to an inconsistency in application and, 
in some cases, friction between patients demanding shielding and professionals judging it is 
unnecessary or even potentially harmful.
Therefore a working party consisting of representatives from various UK radiological
professional bodies was established to consider the evidence‐base for patient contact
shielding and produce a consensus of opinion as to what constitutes best and agreed
 practice, with the aim of improving consistency in application of such shielding.

This work challenges the historical perspective that using contact shielding only provides a
benefit for the patient.

Rather it suggests that contact shielding can adversely interfere with 
the imaging (leading to a repeat test) and, if misplaced or allowed to move during an
examination, can actually lead to increased patient radiation exposure, rather than the 
reverse.

Overall, the findings suggest that contact shielding provides minimal or no benefit
 and professionals should concentrate on other areas of radiation protection which are more 
effective in optimising the patient radiation exposure.
The recommended cessation of the widespread practice of applying patient contact
 shielding requires a major cultural change in outlook regarding radiation safety and practice 
amongst medical professionals, educators, regulators and the public alike.

The adoption of
 these guidelines into clinical practice will therefore also require a suitable education 
programme ,which could incorporate some of the material provided here.

Full patient shielding guidance summary.