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Patient shielding provides negligible benefits while increasing risks

Date:
April 8, 2019
Source:
American Roentgen Ray Society
Summary:
A new study makes the case for why it is time to abandon the practice of patient shielding in radiology.
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A new study published in the April 2019 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) makes the case for why it is time to abandon the practice of patient shielding in radiology.

The article, "Patient Shielding in Diagnostic Imaging: Discontinuing a Legacy Practice" reviews the historical rationale for patient shielding, and why the risks that come with patient shielding now outweigh what little benefit still exists, if any.

Patient shielding was first introduced as a regulation in 1976 and the wording has not changed since the initial version was released. The regulation was intended to protect from the hereditary risks of radiation exposure. However, as the authors note, no hereditary effects have been observed in humans in the four decades since the regulation was introduced.

The authors also point out that radiation doses have decreased significantly in recent decades thanks to advances in imaging technology. For instance, radiation doses to patients undergoing anteroposterior examinations of the pelvis have decreased more than 96% over the last 60 years. They also point out that as more imaging technologies rely on automatic exposure control, patient shields can lead to an increase in radiation doses and a decrease in image quality if they obstruct the field of view.

"Although the need to abandon this practice is clear, it is incumbent on health care professionals to help patients feel confident about the care they receive," the authors said. "This is especially important regarding issues of radiation risk, for which misinformation is rampant. Consequently, how to address patient concerns as facilities stop providing patient shielding should be considered."


Story Source:

Materials provided by American Roentgen Ray Society. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Rebecca M. Marsh, Michael Silosky. Patient Shielding in Diagnostic Imaging: Discontinuing a Legacy Practice. American Journal of Roentgenology, 2019; 212 (4): 755 DOI: 10.2214/AJR.18.20508

Cite This Page:

American Roentgen Ray Society. "Patient shielding provides negligible benefits while increasing risks." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 8 April 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190408161706.htm>.
American Roentgen Ray Society. (2019, April 8). Patient shielding provides negligible benefits while increasing risks. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190408161706.htm
American Roentgen Ray Society. "Patient shielding provides negligible benefits while increasing risks." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190408161706.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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