Which Glass?

Unfortunately we are unable to provide specific advice on the shielding requirement  for your  individual project. However, as a guideline only, we can offer the following information. This is a guide only and you are obliged to employ the services of an RPA (Radiation Protection Advisor) to advise you on your actual shielding requirements.

Dental, Veterinary and chiropody:

Generally speaking, x-ray machines used in these disciplines are at the lower end of the kV scale and most shielding specified in these areas is code 3 (1.32mm). It could therefore be assumed that 6-7mm thick lead glass (1.8mm Lead equivalent) will be sufficient.  Note: Equestrian x-ray should be regarded more as general x-ray – see below.

General Medical X-ray, Endoscopy, Gamma camera, Fluoroscopy & Cath Labs:

In most cases, shielding for the above diagnostics and procedures will be specified by the RPA as 2mm Lead protection.  It could therefore be assumed that 7-9mm lead glass (2.24mm Lead equivalent) will be sufficient.

CT scanners

In recent years the advances in CT scanning technology has driven an increase in patient throughput. This, in turn, has had a knock-on effect  on the shielding and in most cases 2.5 -3.5mm lead will be required.

PET Scanning

Glass used in PET scanner rooms is shielding the radiation from an isotope and not an X ray. The shielding requirement can vary greatly anywhere between 5mm and 20mm or above. This is a very complex field and expert advice should always be sought as soon as possible.

In all cases, you should only order lead glass specified by the RPA.