What is gonadal shielding and when should it be used?

• A. Shielding of reproductive organs during radiography when it does not obscure the area of interest.
• B. Shielding of all limbs during every exam.
• C. Shielding increases image brightness.
• D. Shielding is never required.

Answer: (A)

Gonadal shielding is placing a lead shield over the reproductive organs to reduce radiation dose during radiographic exams. It should be used whenever shielding the gonads can be done without obscuring the area of diagnostic interest, with special emphasis on pediatric and young adult patients who are more radiosensitive. If shielding would cover essential anatomy or lie in the primary beam, it should not be used because it would compromise the exam. Shielding lowers dose to the gonads but does not change image brightness, and it should be applied in conjunction with proper collimation and careful technique. In some cases, shielding may not be necessary if the gonads are outside the field or if modern imaging already minimizes dose.