Medical Radiation Protective Clothing Usage and Care Guide

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Medical Radiation Protective Clothing

Usage and Care Guide

1. Material Types and Selection

1.1 Material Classification

• Lead-based Protective Clothing
• Composition: Lead-rubber or lead-polyethylene composites with lead equivalence (0.25–1.0mmPb).
• Applications: High-radiation environments (e.g. Nuclear medicine operation).
• Non-lead Protective Clothing
• Composition: Heavy metal composites (bismuth, tin, tungsten) with lightweight design (20–30% lighter than lead equivalents).
• Applications: Extended wear scenarios requiring mobility (e.g., interventional radiology, CT-guided procedures).

Selection Criteria: Prioritize products compliant with IEC 61331 standards, considering radiation dose, operational duration, and ergonomic requirements.

2. Usage Protocol

2.1 Donning Procedures

1. Integrity Inspection: Verify absence of cracks, perforations, or seam separations.
2. Proper Sizing: Ensure full coverage of radiation-sensitive organs (thyroid, chest, gonads).
3. Weight Distribution: Secure adjustable shoulder/waist straps to balance garment load.

2.2 Usage Prohibitions

• ❌ Don’t fold lead aprons for long time storage– risk of lead layer fracture.
• ❌ Prohibit use of compromised protective gear.
• ❌ Avoid sharp instrument contact with aprons.

3. Cleaning and Maintenance

3.1 Routine Cleaning

• Lead-based Garments:
• Surface wipe with pH-neutral detergent and soft cloth. Do not immerse or scrub.
• Prohibit alcohol, acids, or alkaline cleaners.
• Non-lead Garments:
• Limited machine wash (≤65°C) permitted per manufacturer specifications.

3.2 Disinfection Protocols

• Approved Methods: UV-C irradiation (wavelength 200–280nm).
• Prohibited Methods: High- concentration Ozone, Autoclaving (>100°C) .

4. Storage and Lifespan Management

4.1 Storage Requirements

• Hanging Storage: Use broad-shoulder hangers to prevent material deformation.
• Environmental Controls: Maintain 10–35°C temperature, <70% humidity, and ozone-free conditions.

4.2 Service Life Monitoring

• 5–8 years with annual lead equivalence verification.
• End-of-Life Disposal:
• Lead-containing materials: Certified hazardous waste recycling.
• Non-lead materials: Regulated medical waste disposal per local guidelines.

5. Radiation Safety Protocols

⚠️ ALARA Principles:

• Minimize exposure time
• Maximize distance from source
• Optimize shielding efficacy

⚠️ Special Populations:

• Pregnant personnel must use double-layer protection (≥1.0mmPb lead equivalence).

Note: This guide provides general recommendations. Always adhere to manufacturer documentation and institutional radiation safety policies.
Version 1.1 | Last Updated: March 2024