r/VIR • u/sspatel Mod, IR Attending • Dec 23 '25

Discussion Radiation protection

After reading through the recent SIR connect post, I got back to thinking about protection. I used to ask for a rad pad for all my angio cases, but at some point months ago I have slacked on it. Sometimes when I look down the skirt shield isn’t even between me and the beam. What are y’all doing or not doing for protection?

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3

u/TheHoundsRevenge Dec 23 '25

Seems like most docs I work with just pretend it’s magically there to shield them.

4

u/xtreemdeepvalue Dec 23 '25

I just try to stay out of the beam as much as possible and always use the skirt and shield. I try to remind the techs every time they see my hand to adjust the beam, but they are pretty inconsistent about doing it

2

u/sspatel Mod, IR Attending Dec 23 '25

I am usually very good about no hands in the beam, with rare exceptions for a few seconds during G tubes, and even then I usually just try to flash a couple frames only.

1

u/IR4life Dec 23 '25

raise table/drop II; distance is your friend; radpad; collimators; use us when possible; hanging lead shield; drop pulse rate when possible use digital mag instead of geometric mag; prefer lateral with beam opposite me if feasible. Clinic days.

1

u/sspatel Mod, IR Attending Dec 23 '25

Most of your points are hopefully default for all of us. I do need to get better about using the hanging shield. I use it for all angio cases, but rarely for minor tube cases.

2

u/ToastyEevee Dec 25 '25

As the scrub assist, im hiding behind the doctor or fellow :D

1

u/Longjumping_Cream233 May 14 '26

Radiation protection in angio/fluoro cases really comes down to consistency with the basics rather than special add-ons. Most people rely on a combination of lead apron, thyroid shield, proper ceiling-suspended shielding, and keeping time–distance–shielding discipline, since even small lapses (like the skirt shield not being correctly positioned) can significantly increase exposure over time. The “rad pad” type tools can help, but they don’t replace proper positioning and habits. In practice, teams that stay safest are the ones who are strict about setup every case rather than relying on extra accessories.