Lead Aprons for Radiation Protection - are all lead aprons the same
?
There have been various independent tests conducted over the years. The Columbia Test in 2004 is the most comprehensive test report completed to date. Those familiar with the Columbia Test will be aware it clearly shows there are large variances between the protection levels afforded by different lead composite and lead free materials and manufacturers.
However since the Columbia Test was completed in 2004, developments in both x-ray generators, filters and higher energy machinery raises questions regarding the relevance of these test results for todays modern medical facilities. Equally , advances in lead and lead composite protective materials has also progressed during this period.
Lead and Lead Composite Materials
There are a large number of suppliers for both lead and lead composite materials. Differences in the manufacturing process and elements present in these materials result in varying levels of protection being found in lead and lead composites.
With over 25 years experience we have found that there is a direct correlation between cost, weight and attenuation levels achieved. Cheaper equivalent materials result in lower levels of attenuation and higher apron weights.
The effectiveness of lead and lead composite materials is further influenced when combinations of differing machine energy levels and beam composition using a range of Cu filters is factored in.
We also seen through independent testing that the effectiveness of lead free materials significantly improves at higher energy levels relative to the performance of a lead composite material.
This range of variables leaves the buyer in the unenviable position of making decisions based on out of date test data and marketing materials based on the same test data.
The Solution
As the manufacturer we need to be certain that materials afford the user maximum levels of protection across a wide range of variables.
In January 2011 a team of physicists at the radioprotection unit of Hospital Universtario Peurta de Hierro in Madrid produced test data for two Amray lead composites. The following observations and test results have been provided:
Observations
-Amray Light Plus offers an excellent level of high attenuation, even when highly filtered beams are used, such as in Angiograph and Cath Lab modern C-arms. Furthermore, Light Plus is 15% lighter than traditional Lead aprons
-Amray Pro-Lite lead free offers an excellent level of attenuation across the spectrum of beams tested with attenuation being very close to that given by lead based materials. Pro-Lite has the added advantage of being 30% lighter than the traditional lead apron
-Amray Pro-Lite lead free offers high attenuation levels even with heavily filtered beams, similar to those found in Cath Labs and Angiography rooms. High attenuation combined with 30% weight reduction makes this material an obvious choice for users involved with extended procedures
-The testing criteria used goes far beyond the standards prescribed in IEC-1331 which recommends very thin Cu filters of 0.15mm and 0.25mm.
-The testing criteria used is more rigorous than previously prescribed in the Columbia Test