There are many claims made by radiation protection apron manufacturers in relation to the levels of protection aprons provide, and it is left to the individual to make a very important decision based on limited information. Protection levels are the primary consideration when choosing radiation protection aprons.

There have been various independent tests conducted over the years. The Columbia Test in 2004 is the most comprehensive test report completed to date.  Those familiar with the Columbia Test will be aware it clearly shows there are large variances between the protection levels afforded by different lead composite and lead free materials and manufacturers.

However since the Columbia Test was completed in 2004, developments in both x-ray generators, filters and higher energy machinery raises questions regarding the relevance of these test results for today’s modern medical facilities. Equally , advances in lead and lead composite protective materials has also progressed during this period.

Lead and Lead Composite Materials

There are a large number of suppliers for both lead and lead composite materials. Differences in the manufacturing process and elements present in these materials result in varying levels of protection being found in lead and lead composites.

With over 25 years experience we have found that there is a direct correlation between cost, weight and attenuation levels achieved. Cheaper equivalent materials result in lower levels of attenuation and higher apron weights.

The effectiveness of lead and lead composite materials is further influenced when combinations of differing machine energy levels and beam composition using a range of Cu filters is factored in.

We also seen through independent testing that the effectiveness of lead free materials significantly improves at higher energy levels relative to the performance of a lead composite material.

This range of variables leaves the buyer in the unenviable position of making decisions based on out of date test data and marketing materials based on the same test data.

The Amray Solution

Like you, we need to be certain that Amray materials afford the user maximum levels of protection across a wide range of variables.

In January 2011 a team of physicists at the radioprotection unit of Hospital Universtario Peurta de Hierro in Madrid produced test data for two Amray lead composites. The following observations and test results have been provided:

 

Observations

 

-          Amray Light Plus offers an excellent level of high attenuation, even when highly filtered beams are used, such as in Angiograph and Cath Lab modern C-arms. Furthermore, Light Plus is 15% lighter than traditional Lead aprons

-          Amray Pro-Lite lead free offers an excellent level of attenuation across the spectrum of beams tested with attenuation being very close to that given by lead based materials. Pro-Lite has the added advantage of being 30% lighter than the traditional lead apron

-          Amray Pro-Lite lead free offers high attenuation levels even with heavily filtered beams, similar to those found in Cath Labs and Angiography rooms. High attenuation combined with 30% weight reduction makes this material an obvious choice for users involved with extended procedures

-          The testing criteria used goes far beyond the standards prescribed in IEC-1331 which recommends very thin Cu filters of 0.15mm and 0.25mm.

-          The testing criteria used is more rigorous than previously prescribed in the Columbia Test

The Amray Difference

If you would like to see the detailed results of this test please contact us and we will be happy to supply you. The purpose of the test results is to present the most up-to-date test data for Amray aprons based on criteria that make the data relevant to the working environment found in today’s modern hospital facilities.

Amray have been a market leader in radiation protection for 25 years. Our radiation protection aprons are designed to:

-          Provide high levels of protection for users that exceed the standards set-down in the IEC1331 directive

-          Give users a choice of lightweight lead-free and lead composite materials to reduce apron weight by up to 30% from traditional lead aprons, with no compromise to protection levels

-          Provide the user with a range of ergonomically designed features that ensure maximum levels of comfort and personalised fit

-          Last longer than any other manufacturers apron, backed up by our industry leading 3 year guarantee

Amray customers tell us our combination of high protection levels, lightweight design, individual fit and product life make our apron not only the most comfortable to wear for the user, but also the best value investment for their hospital.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your requirements further to ensure staff and patients are safely protected please contact your local Amray distributor or contact Amray head office on + 353 (0)41 9836716

A detailed version of the test report is available on request.