Premium
Health Care Workers’ Use and Cleaning of X‐Ray Aprons and Thyroid Shields
Author(s) -
Honigsberg Hope,
Speroni Karen Gabel,
Fishback Anna,
Stafford Amy
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/j.aorn.2017.10.002
Subject(s) - medicine , shields , thyroid , lead apron , dentistry , nuclear medicine , radiation protection , shield , petrology , geology
We evaluated the use and cleaning of x‐ray aprons and thyroid shields by surveying rural hospital system health care workers who wear x‐ray aprons and thyroid shields. One hundred fifty‐five of the 173 respondents were RNs (89.6%), and 94 respondents were from inpatient or outpatient surgical settings (54.3%). One hundred thirty‐five respondents (78.0%) reported soiled x‐ray aprons or thyroid shields, and 52 (30.1%) reported shield odors. Eighty‐three participants (48.0%) indicated they never spot cleaned. Standard department cleaning never occurred for 37 x‐ray aprons or thyroid shields (21.4%); and 114 x‐ray aprons or thyroid shields (65.9%) contacted a patient or patient item 1 to 10 times per shift. Twenty‐six participants (15%) specified there were policies and procedures for cleaning x‐ray aprons and thyroid shields. Use of evidence‐based cleaning guidelines and manufacturer's requirements for effective spot and standard cleaning of the protective aprons and thyroid shields are warranted.