CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What attenuation characteristic does a 0.50 Pb lead apron provide?

1. 94 - 99

2. 51 - 66

3. 75 - 88

4. 0 - 50

The correct answer is: 75 - 88

A 0.50 Pb lead apron provides attenuation characteristics that typically range between 75% and 88% for photon energies commonly encountered in diagnostic radiology. This level of attenuation indicates that a significant portion of the radiation is absorbed or scattered by the lead, which is critical for protective equipment in a medical setting. Lead is used in aprons because it is highly effective in blocking x-rays and gamma rays due to its high atomic number and density. When using a 0.50 mm lead equivalent apron, the specific range reflects the apron’s ability to reduce exposure to potentially harmful radiation, protecting healthcare professionals and patients during imaging procedures. Attenuation percentages lower than this, such as those found in the other ranges, would imply less effective protection, thus not suitable for the applications requiring a 0.50 Pb equivalent. Therefore, the selected range accurately represents the effective shielding properties one could expect from such a protective garment.