Patient FAQ:
Changes to Patient Shielding for X-ray Examinations
Why is London X-ray Associates (LXA) no longer using lead shielding for x-ray examinations?
New research has determined that the routine use of lead shielding (such as lead aprons placed over the abdomen or pelvis) is no longer considered effective and is not recommended by medical professionals and organizations around the world, including Health Canada, the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP), Canadian Association of Radiologist (CAR), the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), and many others.
Why is shielding no longer recommended?
There are 3 main reasons why patient shielding is no longer recommended.
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In over 70 years of research, no studies have proven harmful effects of X-rays on reproductive organs, the unborn fetus, or evidence of heritable genetic effects. We now know that the human body is not as sensitive to radiation as previously believed.
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Advancements in imaging technology, equipment and routine exam practices have improved so dramatically over time that the amount of radiation used in routine examinations has decreased significantly to only a small fraction of what was previously required.
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Placement of lead shields may be difficult due to the uniqueness of each patient’s anatomy, and shields may obscure important anatomy or interfere with equipment operation. Shielding increases the likelihood of repeat exams or additional exposure. Any minimal potential benefits provided by lead shielding are outweighed by the disadvantages.
For these reasons, lead shielding for patients has been demonstrated to provide negligible benefit and introduces unnecessary risks, making its routine use obsolete.
Will LXA still use lead shielding on pregnant women or children?
For the same reasons above, routine shielding of pregnant women and children is also not recommended.
What if I still want to use a shield for me or my child?
We understand that this change may feel unfamiliar. We do not recommend using lead shielding during any x-ray examinations. Some exams can never be done using a shield because the shielding would cover parts of the body that may need to be seen on the imaging. However, we will respect your request to use a lead shield during the exam if it is possible to perform the exam without compromising image quality.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
Our technologists are always available to discuss your concerns. Please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help you feel informed and comfortable.
References
Canadian Association of Medical Physicists
https://comp-ocpm.ca/_uploads/5jmw0vk0t.pdf
Canadian Association of Radiologists Position Statement: Discontinuing the Use of Gonadal and Fetal Shielding for Patients
https://car.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/210518-CAR-Position-Statement-Gonadal-Shielding-e.pdf
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists Position Statement: Discontinuing the Use of Gonadal and Fetal Shielding for Patients
https://www.camrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Gonadal-and-Fetal-Shielding_CAMRT-Position.pdf
American Association of Physicists in Medicine – Patient Gonadal and Fetal Shielding in Diagnostic Imaging Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.aapm.org/org/policies/documents/CARES_FAQs_Patient_Shielding.pdf
Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal
Discontinuing Gonadal and Fetal Shielding in X-Ray
Yogesh Thakur, PhD, FCCPM, Stephanie C. Schofield, RTR, Thorarin A. Bjarnason, PhD, MCCPM, PEng, Michael N. Patlas, MD, FRCPC, FASER, FCAR, FSAR