Protecting Patients and Professionals
Shielding Solutions for the Medical and Dental Sectors
Modern healthcare relies heavily on advanced imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutic technologies—many of which use ionizing radiation. While these tools are indispensable in diagnosing and treating conditions ranging from tooth decay to cancer, they also introduce the need for robust safety protocols and radiation shielding. For decades, Lancs Industries has supported hospitals, dental clinics, and medical equipment manufacturers by supplying customizable shielding products that help protect healthcare workers and patients alike—without compromising workflow efficiency or patient care standards.
Radiation in Medical and Dental Settings
X-rays, CT scans, and fluoroscopy are routine tools in both medicine and dentistry. These technologies emit controlled bursts of X-ray radiation to produce images or guide procedures. Additionally, certain radiation therapies—such as external beam treatments—emit higher doses of gamma radiation to target tumors.
In these environments, the challenge is twofold:
- Protect patients and staff from unnecessary exposure
- Prevent radiation leakage into adjacent rooms or hallways
To meet these challenges, medical and dental facilities turn to radiation shielding solutions that are safe, cost-effective, and compliant with federal and state regulations. This is where Lancs Industries’ expertise in flexible shielding and containment becomes indispensable.
One of Lancs Industries’ core offerings for healthcare is lead-based radiation shielding and lead free shielding blankets and panels. These can be deployed in:
- X-ray and imaging rooms to reinforce fixed shielding or provide additional protection during temporary procedures.
- Fluoroscopy suites and cath labs, where exposure levels may vary based on patient size and procedure duration.
- Portable imaging units, often used in emergency rooms, where modular shielding can protect nearby staff and patients.
These blankets are available in various sizes and lead thicknesses to match the shielding requirement (measured in millimeters of lead equivalence). Unlike rigid panels, flexible blankets can be worn, draped over equipment or positioned dynamically, allowing healthcare providers to adjust shielding based on each procedure.
While not as common as in the nuclear or defense sectors, glovebags and containment tents have specific applications in medical and dental research or during maintenance of radiological equipment:
- Glovebags allow technicians to handle contaminated components—such as radioactive isotopes used in diagnostic kits—without exposing themselves to radiation or breaking sterile protocols.
- Containment tents may be used in specialty facilities for preparing radiopharmaceuticals or maintaining equipment that has become contaminated, offering an enclosed, filtered environment.
Both types of containment products are designed for single use or limited reuse, especially in sterile environments, to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.
Lancs Industries also works with medical and dental device manufacturers to develop shielding for internal components of imaging machines. These include:
- Shielded compartments within dental cone-beam CT scanners
- Internal lead linings for mobile X-ray or MRI units
- Protective housings for isotope transport containers
This collaborative, design-focused approach helps manufacturers meet FDA and NRC guidelines while enhancing device performance and safety.
The medical and dental sectors are governed by a unique combination of healthcare-specific regulations and radiation safety mandates. Lancs Industries builds its products to align with the following:
- FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH): Enforces performance standards for shielding in medical imaging equipment.
- National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP):
- Report No. 147: Guidelines for shielding in diagnostic imaging rooms.
- Report No. 151: Recommendations for high-energy therapy shielding.
- OSHA & NRC Guidelines: Require controlled dose exposure zones and engineering controls, such as shielding, to be inspected regularly.
Lancs’ adherence to these standards ensures that shielding products are not only effective, but audit-ready and suitable for both new construction and retrofitting of existing facilities.
Shielding in medical and dental settings must accommodate frequent interaction, aesthetic concerns, and environmental constraints. Lancs Industries addresses these challenges through:
- Custom Material Options: Outer layers can be selected for wipe ability, antimicrobial resistance, or color matching with clinical décor.
- Durability and Easy Maintenance: Products withstand frequent cleaning with disinfectants, a must in patient-facing areas.
- Lightweight Designs: Especially important in dental clinics or outpatient centers where staff manually position shielding.
Whether it’s a portable blanket for a trauma bay or a modular shielding setup for a temporary imaging suite, Lancs Industries' solutions provide flexibility without sacrificing safety.
Most shielding products in medical and dental use are reusable, provided they remain undamaged and uncontaminated. They are inspected before each use, and any tears or creases that may compromise shielding integrity require replacement. Storage recommendations include:
- Keep away from UV exposure
- Maintain in temperature-controlled areas
- Perform routine checks per facility radiation safety officer guidelines
Glovebags and tents, by contrast, are generally designed for single-use—especially in sterile procedures—though some may be reused in controlled environments after proper decontamination.
A Safer Future for Imaging and Intervention
Radiation is a powerful tool in medicine—but only when used safely. With its deep expertise in shielding and containment, Lancs Industries plays a crucial role in ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and dental practices protect both their staff and patients. By combining custom engineering, regulatory compliance, and a focus on usability, Lancs continues to raise the standard for radiation protection in healthcare environments.
Custom Design Options are Available
Reach out to our team to learn how we can assist you with your needs for radiation protection.