Residents Lead

[Heather Magee]

Hi!

I have a few questions about lead apron for residents…

1. Does your program purchase lead for your residents?

2. If so, do your resident take their lead to outside rotations?

3. If yes to both of the questions above, what kind and how often are the aprons examined and tested under fluoro?

4. Do you allow the residents to take the lead with them after graduation? Do you have them sign something acknowledging that the training hospital is no longer responsible for it?

[Laurie Lynch]

Hi Heather,

Lead purchase is new for our program, just in the last 2 years. The residents are allowed to use their professional development funds to purchase their own lead. They do take it to both our partner hospitals for use. Because of the Burlington issue, we just tested lead for the residents this past academic year, but we don’t have regular testing scheduled. Residents do take their lead with them when they graduate, as they would with other purchases using their professional development funds. We do not have anything they sign as they leave. I will be interested to hear what other programs do!

Laurie

WMed – Kalamazoo

[Laurel Lewis]

All great questions, Heather!

1. Does your program purchase lead for your residents?  Yes, our program purchases for each intern during orientation.

2. If so, do your resident take their lead to outside rotations?  Yes, our residents are responsible for their lead and do take it to out rotations.

3. If yes to both of the questions above, what kind and how often are the aprons examined and tested under fluoro?  I am not sure but at least every 4 years because as PGY4’s the WellSpan “Lead Police” confiscate the lead from where the residents store it, and we’ve had to replace it if it did not pass.  We were also Burlington victims last year, so the lead was taken early from our interns and fellows and not replaced for about 6 months!!  We now use Barrier Technologies, is that what you mean by what type or do you mean Lead Apron vs Lead Skirt/Vest?  They can order either and also get a thyroid shield and lead glasses.

4. Do you allow the residents to take the lead with them after graduation? Do you have them sign something acknowledging that the training hospital is no longer responsible for it?  Yes, they do take it with them and no we don’t have them sign a waiver. 

I’d like to know if programs require residents to wear “radiation badges” that measure the amount of radiation they are receiving?  If so, what tips, tricks, or strategies have you found effective in getting residents to take badge compliance seriously?

~Laurel

 

[Amy Kraus]

I agree – Great questions.

1. Does your program purchase lead for your residents?  Yes, each intern is fitted for lead in July / we also order lead glasses.

2. If so, do your resident take their lead to outside rotations?  Yes, if needed, the lead may travel with them.

3. If yes to both of the questions above, what kind and how often are the aprons examined and tested under fluoro? The lead is inspected each year and tagged – institutional policy. We have the residents bring the lead to conference on a scheduled date, Radiology is there to inspect and tag. We enter this data into a tracking system. Occasionally lead is pulled and we are instructed to order replacement.

4. Do you allow the residents to take the lead with them after graduation? Do you have them sign something acknowledging that the training hospital is no longer responsible for it?  Yes, the lead may graduate with them and we do not have them sign waivers.  The lead that is left is stored as backup. We have Orthopaedic Surgery monogrammed on each set – their names are placed on a Velcro tag. Each resident has their own design / fabric so it is easy to find their lead on the lead storage rack.  When they leave their lead, the tag is removed and we continue inspect yearly until the lead is deemed compromised.

5. Does your program require residents to wear “radiation badges” that measure the amount of radiation they are receiving? Radiation Badges are handed out and collected monthly. We would like them to wear the dosimetry badges but we do not chase after them to see if it is on their person. We have been told that they could be written up if administration does a check and they do not have badges – not positive how that would stand when so many faculty “store their badges” or their ID s are stored in lockers while in the OR.

Interested in seeing what everyone does.

Amy

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