A Comprehensive Guide to Buying the X-Ray Protective Clothing

X-ray examinations help to identify fracture points and diagnose some diseases. But, while most patients are not regularly exposed to this ionizing radiation, several radiographers are at the risk of excess exposure, which may cause some long-term side effects. Therefore, various x-ray protective clothing has been designed to limit radiation exposure.

Here, we’ll discuss x-ray protective clothing, its types, properties, and factors to consider before purchasing them. Also, you’ll know where to get X-ray protective clothes in bulk at wholesale rates.

What is X-Ray Protective Clothing?

X-ray protective clothing includes every garment radiology technicians wear to limit direct or secondary exposure to X-rays and ionizing radiation. While the imaging procedure may seem ordinary to patients, excessive exposure to x-rays can cause health hazards.

 X-ray technicians wear protective gear.Radiology technicians are at higher risk of x-ray hazards as they work on patients daily. This exposure may seem insignificant from a single procedure point of view, but when considered based on long-term exposure, the possible rim exposure to x-rays can cause cataracts, hair loss, skin defects, infertility, and cancer. However, the risk of the said hazards depends on age, gender, radiation doses, and body part. Although x-ray benefits generally outweigh its risks, they shouldn't be overlooked. 

The three bedrock for radiation protection is time, dose, and shielding. With shielding in mind, various personal protective equipment (PPE) can help limit radiation exposure in patients and medical staff. These PPEs include lead aprons, thyroid shields, gloves, gonad shields, glasses, caps, etc. X-ray protective clothes are applied in fluoroscopy, dentistry, mammography, etc., with different usage specifications for patients and radiology technicians. For patients, PPEs are worn on areas not being imaged regardless of the procedure. However, x-ray workers should be completely shielded.

X-ray protective clothing must be stored appropriately and regularly reviewed to ensure effectiveness.

The Types of X-ray Protective Clothing

X-ray protective aprons

Aprons for x-rays protection are available in two models: front aprons and those that wrap around the body. In most cases, the latter is preferred due to its wider surface area. These aprons are commonly made of lead, but some are made with lead-free materials. Also, depending on the materials used, x-ray aprons come in different thicknesses. The standard thickness for lead aprons is 0.25mm, 0.35mm, and 0.5mm. While the thin models are light and more comfortable, they may not offer efficient protection against radiation.

X-ray protective thyroid collars

The thyroid gland, if exposed to excess radiation, can develop cancers. Hence, thyroid collars or shields are worn around the neck to prevent this. Most times, thyroid collars usually accompany x-ray protective aprons.

X-ray protective gonad shields

Gonad shields help preserve the fertility of patients and technician as they cover the gonads and other parts of the reproductive system. The gonad shields are available in different sizes and are suitable for all age groups. Some shields offer only front covering, while others provide front and back protection and may have a tie or velcro fastener.

X-ray protective gloves

Gloves are essential x-ray protective wear as the hands are vulnerable to radiation. When radiology technicians support patients, especially the elderly, some radiation beams may hit their hands. Thus, technicians use lead or lead-free X-ray gloves to limit radiation dose. While these gloves offer protection, x-ray workers must ensure a reasonable distance from the radiation beam.

X-ray protective caps

Hair loss is a side effect of excess x-ray exposure. With this in mind, x-ray protective caps have been designed. These caps may be leaded or lead-free; some offer front and side head protection with mesh overhead coverings, while some offer complete head protection. X-ray caps have different styles: some are tied around the head, while others may have elastic bands or velcro fasteners.

X-ray protective glasses

The eye lenses have high radiation sensitivity and thus need protection. With this in mind, lead eyeglasses must always be worn when working in a radiation unit. A cataract which is a cloudy deposit that forms in the eye lens is caused by radiation therapy. Leaded eyeglass should have a minimum lead equivalent of 0.25mm to offer radiation protection. Also, the glasses must cover the eyes fully, unlike regular eyeglasses; otherwise, scattered radiation can be deposited on the eyes through the open spaces.

X-ray protective sleeves

X-ray aprons are usually short-sleeved or sleeveless. Gloves offer hand protection, but they do not cover arms. Therefore, x-ray protective sleeves are designed to make the radiation garment a complete kit leaving no part of the upper body left out. The sleeves may be led with velcro fasteners.

The material of x-ray protective clothing

Generally, X-ray protective clothes are made of lead, composite, or lead-free materials.

Lead

Lead is the standard shielding material for x-rays due to its high density. It also shields against gamma rays. Since the inception of x-ray interventions, lead has been used in making radiation protective wear.

The standard thickness for lead x-ray protective wear is 0.25 mm, 0.35 mm, and 0.5 mm. While lead garments are generally cheap, there are downsides. Lead materials are heavy weight which may be inconvenient or cause back injuries for users. Also, lead is toxic to man and the environment and requires strict recycling procedures.

Lead-free

In recent years, innovation has brought about lead-free x-ray protective clothing. However, while lead-free garments have lighter weights and are environmentally friendly, they are more expensive. Different manufacturers formulate their proprietary materials using heavy metals that offer x-ray shielding analogous to lead. These metals include tin, barium, antimony, titanium, tungsten, etc.

Composite

Another option for lead-free protective clothing involves polymer composites due to their mechanical strength. Also, manufacturers can easily modify these materials despite their high molecular weight. Examples of polymers used for x-ray shielding include epoxy, poly lactic acid, polyethylene, silicon rubber, etc. These polymer composites incorporate additives like bismuth, tantalum, and tungsten due to their high x-ray absorption and mechanical strength. The cumulative effects of these additives offer even more effective shielding than lead models.

Factors to consider before purchasing the x-ray protective clothing

Level of protection

It would be best to consider the level of protection needed when buying x-ray protective clothing. Generally, the protection level would depend on the radiation dose and time of exposure. However, no matter the material used for the protective garment, it must have a lead thickness equivalence of 0.25 mm, 0.35 mm, or 0.5 mm for optimum radiation protection.

Style

X-ray protective garments are available in various types, including apron, collars, gloves, caps, glasses, and sleeves. Some styles have different models. For example, some caps and aprons may offer full or partial covering. However, the former is most preferred for efficiency. Also, these styles have different fasteners, which may be a tie, elastic, or velcro.

Weight and comfort

Comfort is of utmost priority during x-ray procedures. Hence, it would be best if you considered the weight of the protective garment when buying. X-ray protective wear should be lightweight and flexible while offering optimum protection. Generally, leaded garments are heavier and less flexible, posing the risk of technician injuries. Lead-free materials have lesser weight with low injury risks. But, the overall weight of the protective garments generally depends on the thickness of the materials used to make them.

Users and size

X-ray protective wears are available in various sizes for different age groups. These wears must fit correctly on the patient and x-ray staff. Therefore, consider the type and size of patients and technicians that will use them when buying.

Budget

X-ray protective garments are available at different prices according to their brands. While considering the above factors, your final choice will depend on your budget. Regardless, while working with a budget, ensure you opt for quality clothes that offer optimum protection against radiation.

X-ray Protective Clothing Price guide

There are different models and brands of X-ray protective clothing with varying prices. Some are listed below:

• The Double-Sided X-Ray Protective Clothing AG-TCFH02(D) costs about $174.
• The X-Ray Thyroid Collar AG-TCFH13 costs about $40.
• The X-Ray Protective Sleeve AG-TCFH38 costs about $57.
• The Xenolite NonLead Super Lightweight Standard Vest & Skirt Apron costs about $630.
• The Infab Lead Apron costs about $513.
• The BAR-RAY VARI-WEIGHT X-RAY APRON costs about $266.

Where to buy x-ray protective clothing at wholesale pricing

Medwish.com is an online marketplace that deals in the bulk sales and distribution of x-ray protective clothing and other health supplies. All products from Medwish are sold at wholesale prices and are supplied to private hospitals, laboratories, and international agents through secure insurance and logistics channels.

If you’re stuck choosing suitable x-ray protective clothing, Medwish has a vast selection for you to compare and make a final decision. Also, you can get medical imaging solution services and financing services on Medwish.com. The financing service offers you the privilege to order and pay in installments. Also, Medwish provides various payment options, including Paypal, American Express, credit cards, West Union, etc.

Conclusion

X-ray imaging is a fundamental process in healthcare in diagnosing fractures, tumors, and diseases. However, excess exposure to x-rays poses risks; therefore, to avoid the risks, x-ray protective clothing like aprons, caps, and thyroid collars have been designed to limit radiation exposure. When buying these protective clothing, consider the user, level of protection, budget, weight, and style.

Contact Medwish today for your x-ray protective clothing and other medical supplies.