Systematic literature review on the benefit of patient protection shielding during medical X-ray imaging: Towards a discontinuation of the current practice.

Samara, Eleni Theano; Saltybaeva, Natalia; Sans Merce, Marta; Gianolini, Stefano; Ith, Michael (2022). Systematic literature review on the benefit of patient protection shielding during medical X-ray imaging: Towards a discontinuation of the current practice. Physica medica, 94, pp. 102-109. Elsevier 10.1016/j.ejmp.2021.12.016

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PURPOSE

Patient shielding during medical X-ray imaging has been increasingly criticized in the last years due to growing evidence that it often provides minimal benefit and may even compromise image quality. In Europe, and as also shown in a short assessment in Switzerland, the use of patient shielding is inhomogeneous. The aim of this study was to systematically review recent literature in order to assess benefits and appraise disadvantages related to the routine use of patient shielding.

METHODS

To evaluate benefits and disadvantages related to the application of patient shielding in radiological procedures, a systematic literature review was performed for CT, radiography, mammography and fluoroscopy-guided medical X-ray imaging. In addition, reports from medical physics societies and authorities of different countries were considered in the evaluation.

RESULTS

The literature review revealed 479 papers and reports on the topic, from which 87 qualified for closer analysis. The review considered in- and out-of-plane patient shielding as well as shielding for pregnant and pediatric patients. Dose savings and other dose and non-dose related effects of patient shielding were considered in the evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patient shielding has been used in radiological practice for many years, its use is no longer undisputed. The evaluation of the systematic literature review of recent studies and reports shows that dose savings are rather minimal while significant dose- and non-dose-related detrimental effects are present. Consequently, the routine usage of patient protection shielding in medical X-ray imaging can be safely discontinued for all modalities and patient groups.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Review Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine (DRNN) > Institute of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology

UniBE Contributor:

Ith, Michael

Subjects:

600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health

ISSN:

1724-191X

Publisher:

Elsevier

Language:

English

Submitter:

Maria de Fatima Henriques Bernardo

Date Deposited:

04 Feb 2022 10:54

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 16:04

Publisher DOI:

10.1016/j.ejmp.2021.12.016

PubMed ID:

35030383

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Patient shielding Radiation protection Radiology X-ray imaging

BORIS DOI:

10.48350/164515

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/164515

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