Blyskærme

Blyskærme, or lead screens, are shields used to attenuate ionizing radiation in environments where X-rays are produced. They are designed to protect staff and, in some cases, patients from scattered radiation during diagnostic imaging, fluoroscopy, and industrial radiography. Blyskærme can be integrated into fixed barrier walls, mounted on adjustable frames as mobile panels, or used as lead-glass panels for operator viewing.

The shielding material is typically lead or lead-equivalent compounds. Shielding strength is described by lead equivalence, measured in millimeters of lead (mm Pb). Common configurations range from about 0.25 to 2.0 mm Pb depending on the procedure, energy of the X-rays, and required level of protection. Higher-energy imaging and interventional procedures often require thicker shielding or additional coverage. The design also emphasizes practical reach and visibility, with windows or viewing panels that use leaded glass to allow operators to observe the patient while remaining protected.

Standards and use guidelines emphasize the ALARA principle—to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable. Shielding calculations consider workload, use factor, and occupancy to determine appropriate thickness and coverage. Regular inspection is advised to detect cracks or deformations that could reduce protection.

Maintenance and safety practices include proper placement, keeping doors and barriers closed during exposure, and routine cleaning. In some settings, lead-free alternatives such as tungsten or bismuth composites and lead-glass laminates are used to reduce weight while maintaining protection. Blyskærme continue to be essential in minimizing occupational radiation dose in medical and industrial radiography.