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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #5514 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:

How can you detect a leak/breach in the internal matrix of a lead apron? Can you describe what a leak/breach looks like?

The best way to test a lead apron for shielding integrity is to place it under a fluoroscopy x-ray unit and move it around and view the apron. Shielded areas will show up dark, while any cracks, pinholes, and stitching holes show up white. You can also check a lead apron by taking x rays of it with a radiographic unit (at a low technique—start at 50 kVp and 5 mAs) and placing a film cassette or digital x-ray plate under the apron. In this case, shielded areas are light and defect areas show up black. In both cases you want to spread the apron out and image as much of the apron as possible.

Ken "Duke" Lovins, CHP

Answer posted on 19 May 2006. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of 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 specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.