Answer to Question #13157 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding — Lead Aprons

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

Are patients at risk for scattered radiation if the doctor/tech is wearing bismuth radiation attenuation gloves? If I wear these gloves, am I causing injury to my patients?

A

In response to your first question, there is probably a small amount of scattered radiation from the bismuth attenuation gloves along with scatter from any other objects that might be in the radiation field. The amount of scattered radiation, particularly when compared to the exposure to the patient from the primary radiation source (assumed to be an x-ray machine), would be very low and not pose any likelihood of injury to your patients.

Mack L. Richard, MS, CHP

Answer posted on 31 October 2019. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society.