Which shielding device is worn when the hands are exposed to radiation?

• A. Thyroid shield
• B. Eye shields
• C. Lead gloves
• D. Lead apron

Answer: (C)

When the hands will be in or near the X-ray field, protection for the extremities is needed. Lead gloves are designed to cover the hands and wrists and absorb scatter radiation, reducing the dose to the skin and underlying tissues where exposure is most direct. The other shielding options protect different areas—thyroid shields guard the neck, eye shields protect the eyes, and lead aprons shield the torso—so they don’t provide protection for the hands. Using lead gloves during procedures that involve hand exposure is the appropriate choice to minimize radiation dose to the hands while maintaining dexterity as much as possible.