Protective shielding includes which items?

• A. Lead glass windows
• B. Fixed barriers
• C. Shielding is not necessary
• D. Portable shields and PPE used by staff

Answer: (D)

Protective shielding means any barrier that reduces the amount of radiation reaching a worker. For staff during procedures, this includes portable shielding devices and personal protective equipment that they actively use to cut exposure. Portable shields, such as moveable lead screens, can be positioned between the clinician and the patient to intercept scattered radiation. Personal protective equipment, like lead aprons, thyroid shields, leaded glasses, and gloves, provides a personal barrier when the main shielding isn’t in the perfect place or when parts of the body must be exposed to reach the patient. While structural shielding like lead glass windows or fixed barriers also reduces exposure, the items staff directly use in practice to shield themselves are portable shields and PPE, making them the best fit for this question.