X-ray protective clothing and X-ray aprons

Before choosing the type or model of your X-ray protective clothing, you must decide whether you want a custom-made lead apron or a standard size X-ray apron.

In addition to our custom-made products, we also offer lead aprons in ready-made sizes. For large teams in particular, we offer a range of different sizes so that there is a suitable size for everyone in the team and, in addition to the classic lead apron, we also offer a variety of different material and color options.

We offer you several options to find the right size for your X-ray aprons:

1. Digital measurement via app

2. Make an appointment with the field service

3. You tell us the relevant dimensions

If you would like a custom-made X-ray apron, you have the option of making an appointment with our field service or measuring yourself using our app.

When purchasing a new X-ray apron, you should pay attention to an ergonomic fit. You should also ensure that the X-ray protective clothing has a snug armhole and a sufficient overall length.

Thanks to our unique custom-made approach, we guarantee the perfect fit of your X-ray protective clothing. We work with you until you are 100% satisfied with the fit of your X-ray apron.

If you want to put on your X-ray apron correctly, you should pay attention to the following:

- The front of the X-ray apron should cover at least 60% of the body circumference. It's important to note that some manufacturers sell X-ray protective clothing that requires overlapping at the front. This must always be fully closed, otherwise you won't be properly protected from X-rays. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

- The overlap between the waistcoat and skirt of two-piece lead aprons should be at least 10 cm, otherwise there is a risk that you will stand at the table with your belly exposed

- The skirt should reach at least just below the knee

- The armholes should not be too large to prevent unnecessary exposure to X-rays. Important: There are now special X-ray aprons for women that offer additional protection. Please feel free to contact us about this .

- The lead equivalent should be at least 0.35 mm for use in hospitals. If you have any questions about choosing the right lead equivalent, please feel free to contact us !

In addition to the correct fit, it's also important that the X-ray apron is ergonomic. Custom-measured X-ray protective clothing can reduce the weight somewhat, as the user only has to carry the weight actually necessary for optimal protection.

Due to the heavy weight of lead aprons, the use of ergonomic aids such as support belts is recommended. Various systems are now available, including support systems integrated into the apron (see the Pro PK or Pro Euro models), Max Comfort belts, or external support belts (e.g., model 1109).

Additionally, it makes a big difference whether a one-piece or two-piece suit is worn. X-ray protective clothing consisting of two pieces (vest and skirt) allows for better weight distribution across the shoulders and hips. Whereas with a one-piece suit, the weight of the X-ray apron rests primarily on the shoulders.

The armhole should always be chosen so that it is not too large. It is especially important for women to avoid exposing their breast tissue to X-ray radiation. The best solution is to use custom-made X-ray aprons, as these provide the best possible coverage of the breast tissue. We also offer an X-ray protection model designed specifically for women. Please feel free to contact us .

According to IEC 61331–3:2014, X-ray aprons should consist of at least one or more layers of protective material and cover the entire front of the body from the neck to at least the knees. Additionally, the entire sternum and shoulders should be covered.

Another important consideration when wearing an X-ray apron, especially with two-piece X-ray protective clothing, is the overlap between the vest and skirt. It is essential to ensure that even when the patient is stretched or crouched, the lead apron completely encloses the torso, ensuring there is no gap between the vest and skirt.

Additionally, you should pay attention to which vest model you are wearing. There are basically two different vest models:

Standard vest

With the so-called standard vest (model 1102), each flap on the front of the X-ray apron provides the corresponding lead equivalent. Thus, as long as the lead apron is closed, the user is protected with at least the specified lead equivalent.

Overlapping vest

With the overlapping X-ray apron, each wing on the front of the lead apron has half the lead equivalent. This vest must be worn so that the overlap is always completely closed. If the X-ray apron is not closed correctly, the user may not be adequately protected by their X-ray apron!

When purchasing an X-ray apron, comfort should be a top priority. To make an informed decision, you should try on as many different models as possible before purchasing an X-ray apron.

Two-piece X-ray protective clothing

In general, lead aprons, consisting of a vest and skirt, offer the greatest wearing comfort, as the weight is distributed across the shoulders and hips.

There are also X-ray apron models that feature an integrated support belt. This support belt provides additional support for the skirt and thus a perceived reduction in the weight of the X-ray protective clothing.

We particularly recommend our vest, which is the most comfortable to wear ! It features an integrated support belt that "straps" the weight of the X-ray apron around your upper body, similar to a hiking backpack. This relieves pressure on your shoulders and thus leads to a perceived weight reduction.

One-piece X-ray protective clothing

With this type of lead apron, the weight is primarily on the wearer's shoulders. Support straps around the hips can help.

However, if you are looking for a lightweight X-ray apron, it is a good idea to buy a two-piece X-ray apron.

Choosing the right material for your X-ray protection is crucial. Choosing the right material for your X-ray protective clothing should be your top priority when purchasing. It's especially important to ensure the protective material is certified. Be especially careful with manufacturers from Asia. These often use inferior materials that don't offer 100% protection for you and your employees.

It's important to ask each manufacturer for their current certificates (you can find a current list under "Standards"). You can also conduct your own material tests.

The material chosen has a significant impact on the weight of X-ray protective clothing. Lead is the heaviest of the three materials mentioned above. However, it also offers the best X-ray protection. If a lightweight lead apron is desired, choosing a lead-free protective material is recommended. It should be noted that lead-free materials may offer slightly lower radiation protection than lead protective materials (depending on the protective material).

When purchasing a "lightweight" lead apron, please always keep in mind that a lower weight also means a loss of protective material. The materials used—lead, antimony, and bismuth—are always the same weight (regardless of the manufacturer). Weight differences can only occur if:

- The manufacturer uses less protective material

- The carrier material vinyl or PVC varies

In our view, choosing the right protective material always involves balancing the attenuation properties of the X-ray shielding with its weight. In our experience, the lead composite protective material (lead and antimony) offers a very good balance between radiation protection and weight reduction.

If you have any questions about our certificates, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to send you the relevant certificates for our X-ray aprons. Our aprons are inspected and certified by the BTTG and the National Physical Laboratory .

- Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/42

- DIN EN 61331-1:2016

- DIN EN 61331-3:201

- ISO 9001:2015

- EC Directive 89/686/EEC

The test method used to check X-ray protective clothing is called BBG* (modified broad beam geometry). Further information on the test method can be found here .

In this section we would like to give you answers to the most frequently asked questions.