FAQ Patient Shielding Task Force

• Does the ASRT Patient Shielding Task Force support the elimination of all patient shielding?

  No. We support the elimination of routine gonadal and fetal shielding specifically during radiographic procedures of the abdomen and/or pelvis.

• Why is the ASRT Patient Shielding Task Force supporting the elimination of gonadal and fetal patient shielding during radiographic procedures of the abdomen and pelvis?

  Advancing technology and the best practices implemented by radiologic technologists have significantly reduced patient dose during many radiographic procedures. The potential risk of gonadal and/or fetal shielding reducing the efficacy of abdominopelvic radiography now outweighs the limited dose reduction benefit; therefore, patient shielding should no longer be routine practice for these procedures.

• Should I continue to use gonadal and fetal shielding for non-abdominopelvic radiographic procedures such as the upper & lower extremities?

  Yes. The ASRT Patient Shielding Task Force supports the continued use of patient shielding when there is no risk of exam interference or error, such as the placement of a lap shield during an extremity procedure.

• Should radiologic technologists and other staff continue to use occupational shielding for safety during applicable procedures?

  Yes, absolutely! It is very important for you to protect yourself at work by reducing your overall exposure to ionizing radiation. It is equally important for radiologic technologists to model appropriate radiation safety practices to our students and health care colleagues (e.g., physicians, nurses, etc.)

• My institution has adopted a policy to eliminate all patient shielding. Should I comply with this proposed change in practice?

  Yes. Institutional policy must always supersede ASRT positions and policies. However, the ASRT Patient Shielding Task Force encourages you to pass along the information from this website to the team of health care administrators who are responsible for determining the shielding policies at your institution. As experts in the radiologic sciences, it is important for radiologic technologists to be involved in discussing and revising policies related to radiation protection.