Study on the use of gonadal protection shields during paediatric pelvic X-rays.

BACKGROUND

There are national guidelines issued by all hospital radiology departments concerning the use of gonadal protection shields for taking X-rays of the pelvis. It is important to follow these guidelines especially when paediatric X-rays are taken. Gonads are very susceptible to radiation as they fall directly in the line of radiation exposure when pelvic X-rays are taken.

AIM

To examine whether these guidelines were being followed.

METHODS

This audit considered 355 radiographs taken in a 6-month period on 149 patients, under the age of 16 years, attending the orthopaedic department at King's Mill Hospital.

RESULTS

In only 23% of the cases studied, the correct use of gonad protection shields had been performed. In 67% of the unprotected patients, the shields were not used at all. In the remainder, the shield was incorrectly applied. Out of all the patients, 45% had more than one X-ray thus exposing the gonads to unnecessary radiation. In addition, 8% of patients had a CT scan, 6% had fluoroscopy and 42% had radiographs of other regions of the body.

CONCLUSIONS

Guidelines should be adhered to as far as possible and efforts always be made to decrease radiation exposure. Application of the current guidelines excludes the first X-ray exposure of the female pelvis and of the pelvis of trauma patients from the use of shields, thus adding to the number of the X-rays done without protection.