Is there radiation protection designed for women in interventional radiology?
Yes. CLEO by Rothband is X-ray protection contoured to the female form, created with women in mind. It brings together a considered fit, freedom of movement and a modern, confident design for clinicians who wear protection through long fluoroscopic procedures. It is made in the UK by Rothband, a radiation protection manufacturer since 1911.
How should an X-ray apron fit a woman?
It should cover what needs protecting without leaving gaps, with particular attention to the armholes and the areas around breast tissue. IEC 61331-3 expects operator aprons to cover from the throat to at least the knees, including the breastbone and shoulders. Sizing should correlate properly to body dimensions; a garment cut for a different body shape can leave gaps or bunch where it should lie flat.
What is ergonomic radiation protection?
Protective apparel designed around how the wearer moves and carries weight, rather than only around attenuation. Considered fit, freedom of movement at the shoulders and hips, and design that distributes weight well are the practical elements. CLEO is built for movement, designed for comfort and engineered for protection.
Are lighter X-ray aprons always better?
No. Lower weight alone should never be mistaken for better protection. Some very light materials struggle to achieve the required attenuation across the full diagnostic energy range when tested to modern standards. Select a garment on verified protection performance, comfort, durability and compliance, then consider weight.
Why are two-piece X-ray garments popular for long procedures?
Because weight can be shared between the shoulders and the hips, and the top and skirt can be sized separately. Many interventional staff prefer two-piece systems for comfort over long cases. The final choice should still be made on protection plus fit, not comfort alone.
Where is CLEO made?
In Lancashire, UK, by Rothband (WSR Medical Solutions Ltd). Rothband introduced the world’s first X-ray cloth in 1911, holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and is NHS Supply Chain approved.
General guidance from Rothband. Lead equivalence and PPE type for your role should come from a radiation risk assessment with your Radiation Protection Adviser.