Radiation shielding blanket

A radiation shielding blanket is a personal protective device designed to cover and shield specific body areas of a patient or nearby personnel from unnecessary radiation exposure during medical or dental imaging and treatment procedures. It is used to reduce radiation dose to sensitive tissues or organs not being imaged, such as the thyroid, gonads, or breasts, while allowing the target area to remain exposed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

These blankets are typically constructed with a fluid-resistant outer layer enclosing a radiation-attenuating core, most commonly lead or lead-equivalent material for blocking x-rays and gamma rays. For neutron radiation, hydrogenous materials are used instead, and mixed-field applications may combine both types of shielding. As personal protective equipment, they are regulated based on their intended use and materials, with classification varying by jurisdiction according to local medical device regulations.