What safety feature is used to minimize radiation exposure during a procedure?

The use of lead shields is a critical safety feature in radiology aimed at minimizing radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare workers during procedures. Lead is an effective barrier against radiation, particularly X-rays and gamma rays, due to its high density and atomic number, which allow it to absorb and block the transmission of these harmful rays.

Applying lead shields protects areas of the body that are not being imaged, reducing the risk of radiation exposure to sensitive tissues and organs. This is particularly important in repeat procedures or when dealing with populations that may be more susceptible to radiation, such as children or pregnant patients.

In comparison, while gloves and protective goggles provide essential personal protective equipment in clinical environments, they do not specifically reduce radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging. Email alerts are not relevant in the context of radiation safety. Thus, the use of lead shields stands out as an effective and necessary practice in radiology to uphold safety standards and protect individuals from unnecessary radiation exposure.