Your thyroid shield (or thyroid collar) is an essential part of your radiation protection gear. I don’t need to spend too much time writing about how to wear one. Most people reading this wear a thyroid shield almost daily. Instead, I’d like to spend some time discussing tips on getting the most out of your shield and which ones are the best choice if you’re shopping for one.

FIRST SOME FACTS:

Your thyroid is one of the most sensitive organs in your body when it comes to radiation exposure (Iglesias, 2017). The increased use of medical radiation has also increased the risk of papillary thyroid cancer (Sinnot, 2010) for both patients and operators. Despite these figures many people are not using a thyroid shield that fits correctly. Let’s look at some tips to remember when selecting the right thyroid shield

Many of the existing thyroid shields on the market have possible risks associated with their fit. The visor style shield below is commonly found in Operating Rooms, and Cath Lab suites across the country. The way these thyroid shields are manufactured leaves holes in the protective material directly across the thyroid!

You can see the radiation penetrating the shield through the holes caused by stitching.

Stitch holes in radiation protective garments are a necessity. It’s how the garment is held together. The holes in this thyroid shield design pass directly over the thyroid gland itself.

THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES TO THIS DESIGN THAT ARE LESS OF A RISK

2. A visor style that doesn’t expose the thyroid