Education and Ethics In Nursing ISSN: 2322-5300

Protective Methods for Reproductive Organs in Radiology Centers: A Narrative: Review Study

https://doi.org/10.22034/ethic.2024.2034551.1079
Volume 13, special issue
July 2024
Pages 30-41
Education and Ethics In Nursing ISSN: 2322-5300

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Abolfazl Koozari 1
Mohammadreza Elhaie 2
Mohammadreza Nazarian 1
Iraj Abedi 2

1 Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
Introduction: In radiographic imaging using X-rays, due to the presence of radiation sensitive organs, especially the reproductive organs (risk of cancer and genetic consequences), it is necessary that protection methods for them against ionizing radiations be carefully protected. Therefore, the present study was designed and implemented with the aim of determining protection methods for reproductive organs in radiology centers.
Methods & Materials: This study was conducted as a review – narrative type by using key phrases and words with the Persian and English keyword equivalents of "X-ray imaging", "pelvic shields", "ionizing radiation protection", "reproductive organ safety", "silicon rubber-lead composites" in Google Scholar, ScienceDirect databases without any time limitations and in Persian and English languages separately by two researchers. 121 full-text articles were evaluated based on the validated Newcastle-Ottawa and AMSTAR checklists and 24 of them were included in the study.
Results: Contact shields were used more frequently and their size and shape depended on the patient's age and gender. Effective use of shields involves not only their placement but also their regular checks to prevent possible damages. Damaged shields, even if used correctly, do not fulfill their protective role. For pelvic radiography, a bismuth shield can reduce the patient's received dose without affecting image quality.
Conclusion: The research emphasizes the effectiveness of protecting the reproductive organs by using healthy silicon shields in reducing radiation dose without negatively impacting the diagnostic value.

Keywords

X-Ray
Imaging
Shield
Ionizing Radiation
Safety
Reproductive Organs
Subjects
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