How Much Radiation Unprotected Hands Actually Receive?


By simply holding the head of a trauma patient four times per week during cervical spine radiography, unprotected hands can receive over 1,000 mSv of scatter radiation, which is twice the ICRP annual extremity dose limit of 500 mSv.

Over a clinical career, that accumulation does not disappear. It builds into radiodermatitis, keratoses, and in severe cases, carcinoma. Proguard radiation attenuating gloves from Protech Medical are engineered to avoid these outcomes altogether, with latex-free and lead-free options, tactile sensitivity built for precision procedures, and a 30-year track record in clinical radiation protection.

Proguard RR radiation attenuating gloves Proguard RR
Latex Free + Lead
Attenuation Spec
RR1 0.025mm Pb @ 60kVp
RR2 0.031mm Pb @ 60kVp
RR3 0.040mm Pb @60kVp

Learn More
Proguard Elite radiation attenuating glovesProguard Elite
Latex Free + Lead Free
Attenuation Spec
Elite E1 0.05mm Pb @ 60kVp
Elite E2 0.07mm Pb @ 60kVp

Learn More

Lead and Radiation Attenuating Gloves

Do I need lead gloves for interventional radiology?
Yes. Interventional radiologists, cath lab cardiologists, and fluoroscopy technologists are among the highest-risk occupational groups for hand radiation exposure.
What is the difference between lead and lead-free radiation attenuating gloves?
Our Proguard RR lead gloves are comprised of Lead Oxide (PbO) and latex-free, natural rubber, specifically made for radiation attenuation. Lead-free gloves like our Proguard Elite use a special bismuth formula and flexible polyisoprene, which provides identical attenuation with significantly simpler disposal after use. The base materials also handle differently: polyisoprene is more elastic than the natural rubber used in the RR, so it resists tearing and slips on and off more easily.
Are radiation-attenuating gloves sterile?
All of our Proguard radiation attenuating gloves are offered in sterile configurations, which are perfect for any sterile field use.
How much do radiation gloves reduce hand dose?
Radiation attenuating gloves can reduce hand dose by around 15-60%, depending on the model and the kVp range. Going for higher attenuation specs and lower kVp settings will produce the best overall reduction. Proguard radiation attenuation gloves are not permitted for use directly in the beam.
Can radiation gloves be used in a sterile surgical field?
Only if you’re using a sterile-packaged radiation attenuating glove. Non-sterile radiation attenuating gloves are not suitable for sterile field use regardless of their attenuation or specifications.
What is radiodermatitis, and how do radiation gloves prevent it?
Radiodermatitis is long-term skin damage caused by prolonged radiation exposure to the hands during fluoroscopic procedures. It develops over time, starting with only skin redness and dryness, and often progressing to broken skin and, in some cases, carcinoma.
Angio Mitt
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By using this website you agree to our Data Protection Policy.
Read more