In general, radiation shields which cover portions of the body such as the thyroid area, male gonadal area, female gonadal area, breast area, hands, and eyes are known in the art. Examples of such radiation shields are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,233, filed by Orrison, Jr., issued Jul. 3, 1990, entitled "Radiation Shield." These radiation shields are generally comprised of a body of radiation attenuating material and an attachment member. The attachment member of the radiation shield is configured to be worn around an appendage such as the head, neck, or waist so that the radiation attenuating material protects a particular body portion.
Radiation shields are intended for use in non-sterile environments during radiological diagnostic procedures or oncological treatments. The shields are worn by patients, clinicians, and physicians to selectively isolate, shroud and protect particular regions of the anatomy. These radiation shields are reusable. The same radiation shield may be worn hundreds of times by different practitioners and patients.
Prior radiation shields have been permanently coated with vinyl so that the shields may be cleaned after each use. The vinyl coating of the radiation shield is uncomfortable to wear adjacent the skin. The smooth surface of the coating also allows the shield to be easily dislodged once it is placed on the body.
Despite cleaning, the radiation shields often become soiled with bodily fluids or otherwise unsightly discolorations. These stained radiation shields, which often contain environmentally unfriendly materials, must be thrown away for eventual accumulation in landfills. Further, if the radiation shield is not properly cleaned, the patient or practitioner unknowingly wears a soiled or otherwise unsanitary shield. This is a particular problem for radiation shields which cover areas of the anatomy such as the gonadal region.
There is a need for a method which allows radiation shields to be hygienically reused. There is also a need for a low cost reusable radiation shield for protecting particular areas of the body.