The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland on the neck helps in our body’s metabolic and other vital activities by releasing and controlling the thyroid hormones. This fundamental endocrine gland is among the most susceptible areas to get affected easily by the scattered radiation.
Doctors, patients, physicians, radiologists, and other medical professionals who are performing or undergoing medical procedures without adequate protection are at a risk from scattered radiation. Frequent or increased exposure to radiation from medical applications like X-rays, CT scans, Fluoroscopy, and Dental X-rays can lead to the increased risk of thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and thyroid nodules. Hence, it is important to consider the usage of thyroid shields during therapeutics or diagnostics by both the patients and the physicians, radiologists, or operators.
Not all medical settings or work require the usage of thyroid shield or collar and the decision to wear one can be decided on the ALARA principle. ALARA (As-Low-As-Reasonable-Achievable) is based on three factors as such, the time/duration of exposure to radiation, the distance between the radiation source and the exposed person, and is the shielding equipment is appropriate to provide radiation protection.
How to check if a thyroid shield is shielding you properly?
Certain factors can help in checking if a thyroid shield is working properly or not.They are
The Material:
Generally a thyroid shield is made of lead or non-lead material and the latest thyroid collars are latex-free with standard radiation protection of 0.5 mm Pb equivalency.
The Design:
Many existing thyroid=d shield in the market comes with possible risks associated with it, in terms of size, and fit. For example, the visor-style thyroid collars used in CathLab suites and Operation theatres is manufactured in such a way that they have holes on the protective material. The stitch holes are necessary to hold the material pieces together. However, to stop the penetration of radiation it is important to switch to an alternative that reduces possible risks.
The Way to be Worn:
Some thyroid shields have to be worn loosely and some has to be worn close to the neck. While buying a shield, it is always better to try and check the comfortability for easy movement of neck and head.
Kiran’s wide range of thyroid shields provides complete protection to the neck and sternum from ionising radiation. The Thyroid Shield Elegant is designed with an adjustable fastener, velcro closure, and has lead equivalence 0.50mm Pb or 0.35mm Pb. The Thyroid Shield Harmony offers wide coverage with the lead equivalence of 0.50mm Pb or 0.35mm Pb.
Every part of the human body has to be taken care of well for a longer life span. Proper radiation protective measures with necessary gears, apparels, and equipment can be a life saver in any situation.