Can Common Lead Apron in Testes Region Cause Radiation Dose Reduction during Chest CT Scan? A Patient Study

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is a routine procedure for diagnosing using ionization radiation which has hazardous effects especially on sensitive organs. Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the dose reduction effect of lead apron shielding on the testicular region during routine chest CT scans.Material and Methods: In this measurement study, the routine chest CT examinations were performed for ۳۰ male patients with common lead aprons folded and positioned in testis regions. The patient’s mean body mass index (BMI) was ۲۶.۲ ± ۴.۶ kg/m۲. To calculate the doses at testis region, three thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-۱۰۰) were attached at the top surface of the apron as an indicator of the doses without shielding, and three TLDs under the apron for doses with shielding. The TLD readouts were compared using SPSS software (Wilcoxon test) version ۱۶. Results: The radiation dose in the testicular regions was reduced from ۰.۴۶ ± ۰.۰۴ to ۰.۲۰ ± ۰.۰۴ mGy in the presence of lead apron shielding (p < ۰.۰۰۱), the reduction was equal to ۵۶%. Furthermore, the heritable risk probability was obtained at ۲.۰ ×۱۰-۵ % and ۴.۶ ×۱۰-۵ % for the patients using the lead apron shield versus without shield, respectively. Conclusion: Applying common lead aprons as shielding in the testis regions of male patients undergoing chest CT scans can reduce the radiation doses significantly. Therefore, this shield can be recommended for routine chest CT examinations.

Keywords:

Computed Tomography , Radiation protection , Chest CT Scan , Lead Apron , Testis , Thermoluminescent Dosimetry