During a procedure with X-ray exposure or fluoroscopy, which PPE protects staff?

• A. Lead apron
• B. Safety glasses
• C. Surgical mask
• D. Gown and gloves

Answer: (A)

Ionizing radiation exposure during fluoroscopy is mitigated mainly by barriers that absorb the photons before they reach staff. The lead apron is designed to absorb most scattered X-ray radiation and protect the torso and internal organs, making it the primary protective garment used in these procedures.

Other items here serve different purposes. Safety glasses protect the eyes but don’t shield the torso, so they don’t provide the overall protection you get from a lead apron. A gown and gloves, and a surgical mask, protect against infection and contamination, not radiation. They don’t reduce radiation dose, so they’re not the protective gear for X-ray exposure.