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Purpose <p>This review aims to assess the efficacy and practicality of patient contact shielding in various radiological modalities, including general radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography and computed tomography (CT). It evaluates the historical context and current practices of shielding, its impact on radiation dose reduction, potential risks and overall effectiveness, while also addressing inconsistencies in shielding practices and recent advancements in radiation technology.</p> Methods <p>A comprehensive literature review was conducted from July to December 2024 using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies in English or French from peer-reviewed journals, focusing on shielding challenges with modern imaging technologies, were included.</p> Results <p>After rigorous screening, 61 high-quality publications, including original research, reviews and guidelines, were analyzed. Historical data highlight a significant reduction in radiation doses due to technological advancements and improved understanding of radiation risks. Recent studies demonstrate that the effectiveness of shielding for the gonads, breast, eye lens and fetus is minimal in modern practice. With digital imaging and AEC systems, shielding may lead to artifacts, misplacement, unintended AEC compensation and dose increases. Updated international consensus documents now discourage routine patient shielding across modalities. Limited thyroid consideration may remain in specific general radiography cases only when the thyroid lies within close proximity to the primary beam without interfering with AEC systems. Emphasis should instead be placed on protocol optimization, collimation, appropriate positioning and leveraging modern dose management technologies to ensure patient safety and diagnostic efficacy.</p> Conclusion <p>Patient contact shielding, while historically important, provides little value in current radiological practice and may be counterproductive. Updated practice should prioritize technology-based dose optimization strategies and avoidance of routine physical shielding.</p>

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Reevaluating patient contact shielding in modern radiology: a comprehensive review of efficacy, risks and technological advancements

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月4日

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  • H. Sekkat,
  • A. Khallouqi,
  • A. Halimi,
  • O. El Rhazouani

摘要

Purpose

This review aims to assess the efficacy and practicality of patient contact shielding in various radiological modalities, including general radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography and computed tomography (CT). It evaluates the historical context and current practices of shielding, its impact on radiation dose reduction, potential risks and overall effectiveness, while also addressing inconsistencies in shielding practices and recent advancements in radiation technology.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted from July to December 2024 using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies in English or French from peer-reviewed journals, focusing on shielding challenges with modern imaging technologies, were included.

Results

After rigorous screening, 61 high-quality publications, including original research, reviews and guidelines, were analyzed. Historical data highlight a significant reduction in radiation doses due to technological advancements and improved understanding of radiation risks. Recent studies demonstrate that the effectiveness of shielding for the gonads, breast, eye lens and fetus is minimal in modern practice. With digital imaging and AEC systems, shielding may lead to artifacts, misplacement, unintended AEC compensation and dose increases. Updated international consensus documents now discourage routine patient shielding across modalities. Limited thyroid consideration may remain in specific general radiography cases only when the thyroid lies within close proximity to the primary beam without interfering with AEC systems. Emphasis should instead be placed on protocol optimization, collimation, appropriate positioning and leveraging modern dose management technologies to ensure patient safety and diagnostic efficacy.

Conclusion

Patient contact shielding, while historically important, provides little value in current radiological practice and may be counterproductive. Updated practice should prioritize technology-based dose optimization strategies and avoidance of routine physical shielding.