Due to advances in radiology equipment and pediatric imaging protocols, effective Jan. 2, 2024, Texas Children’s will no longer require lead shielding for diagnostic X-ray exams.
“We’ve come so far in technology and our team has been so dedicated to ensuring the optimal radiation dose is used for pediatric images that lead shielding is no longer needed and, in fact, may be harmful,” said Dr. Jay Poston, radiation safety officer. “Health care is always evolving, and this is a great example of an advancement benefitting both the patients and the providers who treat them. This is step in the right direction.”
Removing lead shielding will help:
- Remove the risk of lead interfering with X-ray equipment sensors.
- Remove the risk of covering important anatomy that the physician needs to see.
- Reduce repeat exams and unnecessary radiation doses.
Neither gonadal nor fetal shielding of pregnant patients is required for X-ray exams, starting Jan. 2. Studies have shown lead shielding provides no tangible benefits to patient safety other than easing anxiety about radiation.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) updated their guidelines for best practices for patient safety in X-ray imaging, which helped drive this decision.
This will impact any provider that orders X-rays for patients, including providers in the radiology department, TCP locations and urgent cares. While this new process is in effect across all campuses and locations, lead shielding will be available for any patient or family who requests it.
Q&A pamphlets are available for both adult and pediatric patients.