European consensus on patient contact shielding

Peter Hiles*, Patrick Gilligan, John Damilakis, Eric Briers, Cristian Candela-Juan, Dario Faj, Shane Foley, Guy Frija, Claudio Granata, Hugo de Las Heras Gala, Ruben Pauwels, Marta Sans Merce, Georgios Simantirakis, Eliseo Vano

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperReviewResearchpeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Patient contact shielding has been in use for many years in radiology departments in order to reduce the effects and risks of ionising radiation on certain organs. New technologies in projection imaging and CT scanning such as digital receptors and automatic exposure control systems have reduced doses and improved image consistency. These changes and a greater understanding of both the benefits and the risks from the use of shielding have led to a review of shielding use in radiology. A number of professional bodies have already issued guidance in this regard. This paper represents the current consensus view of the main bodies involved in radiation safety and imaging in Europe: European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics, European Federation of Radiographer Societies, European Society of Radiology, European Society of Paediatric Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS), and European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (EADMFR). It is based on the expert recommendations of the Gonad and Patient Shielding (GAPS) Group formed with the purpose of developing consensus in this area. The recommendations are intended to be clear and easy to use. They are intended as guidance, and they are developed using a multidisciplinary team approach. It is recognised that regulations, custom and practice vary widely on the use of patient shielding in Europe and it is hoped that these recommendations will inform a change management program that will benefit patients and staff.

Original languageEnglish
Article number194
JournalInsights into Imaging
Volume12
Issue1
Number of pages8
ISSN1869-4101
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2021

Keywords

  • Consensus
  • Protective devices
  • Radiation dosage
  • Radiology
  • Tomography (X-ray computed)

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