ArticleInsights into imaging2020
Gonad shielding in pelvic radiography: modern optimised X-ray systems might allow its discontinuation.
Article in Insights into imaging, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 11 papers.
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Who cites it
11 citing papers in PubMed.
- From Evidence to Practice: Implementation and Evaluation of the Discontinuation of Patient Contact Shielding in Paediatric Radiography.Journal of medical radiation sciences · 2026Article
- Paradigm shift in the application of patient contact shielding: a balancing act between tradition and progress.European radiology · 2026Review
- [The End of Patient Shielding: Rationale for Discontinuing the Practice].Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology · 2025Review
- From essential basic understanding to clinical application - biological, physical and pathophysiological principles of (low-dose) radiotherapy in benign diseases.Frontiers in immunology · 2025Review
- The effect of breast shielding outside the field of view on breast entrance surface dose in axial X-ray examinations: a phantom study.Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) · 2023Article
- A Study of Radiation Protection Standards Compliance in Hospital Radiographic Departments in Iran.Journal of biomedical physics & engineering · 2022Article
- Changing the practice of routine gonadal shielding during radiography: 'Y'?Pediatric radiology · 2022Article
- A 3-year evaluation of preclinicaltrials.eu reveals room for improvement in preregistration of animal studies.PLoS biology · 2021Article
- APQS consensus regarding patient shielding during routine radiographic imaging.The British journal of radiology · 2021Article
- Impact of Eye and Breast Shielding on Organ Doses During Cervical Spine Radiography: Design and Validation of MIRD Computational Phantom.Frontiers in public health · 2021Article
- Bismuth Pelvic X-Ray Shielding Reduces Radiation Dose Exposure in Pediatric Radiography.BioMed research international · 2021Article
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveAs gonad shielding is currently under debate, this study evaluates the practice, from its introduction in about 1905 until today.
methodsThe literature was searched for developments in shielding and insights into the effects of ionising radiation on gonads. Based on own pre-1927 dose reconstructions, reported doses after 1927, a 2015-report from the European Union and recent own measurements, the effects of technological evolution and optimisation on radiation dose and hereditary risk were assessed.
resultsIn the 1900s, gonad shielding was first applied to prevent male sterility, but was discontinued when instrumental developments led to reduced radiation doses. In the 1950s, concerns about hereditary risks intensified and gonad shielding was recommended again, becoming routine worldwide. Imaging-chain improvements over time were considerable: in 2018, the absorbed dose was 0.5% of its 1905 value for the testes and 2% for the ovaries, our optimised effective dose a factor five lower than the value corresponding to the current EU diagnostic reference level, and the reduction in detriment-adjusted risk by shielding less than 1 × 10
conclusionsAssessment of pelvic doses revealed a large reduction in radiation risks facilitated by technological developments. Optimisation likewise contributed, but unfortunately, its potential was never adequately exploited. Today, using a modern and optimised X-ray system, gonad shielding can be safely discontinued for women. For men, there might be a marginal benefit, but potential negative side-effects may well dominate. Discontinuation of gonad shielding seems therefore justifiable.
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