Isn't the Rad-Guard simply a solid and more durable version of a Porta Shield?

     Ans: The Rad-Guard is certainly more durable than a Porta Shield, but instead of having a separate roll-around Porta Shield, which can be a tripping hazard, the Rad-Guard simply attaches to an IV pole that is already there, without interfering with the pumps or other equipment that the IV pole must have on it anyway.

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Why do we need the Rad-Guard, since we leave the room during fluoroscopy?

    Ans: The nurse can now stay in the room while attending the IV during fluoroscopy, as long as he/she is behind the Rad-Guard.  The time savings over many procedures add up to major savings in costs as well as safety.

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Doesn't the Rad-Guard block our view of the patient?

    Ans: For those staff members who prefer to see the patient while attending the IV, a version of the Rad-Guard, called the "Safe View", is available with a lead acrylic window for shielded viewing.

 

Can we get a larger or smaller Rad-Guard?

    Ans: Special order Rad-Guards are available in a variety of sizes.  Delivery normally takes a couple of weeks longer.

 

Do our physicians have to change their imaging habits or procedure with the Rad-Guard?

    Ans: The only change in habits or procedure is that the physician can now not worry about whether the circulating staff will be exposed to scatter radiation while attending the IV.

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Why have a Rad-Guard when I am wearing lead?  Isn't that enough protection?

    Ans: There is no safe dose of radiation.  That is why regulations require that the dose be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).  Lightweight garments also have been shown not to perform as well as genuine leaded garments.  Blocking radiation before it gets to the body also protects the arms and face.

 

Do you offer a Rad-Guard made out of clear lead acrylic?

    Ans: Lead acrylic at 0.5mm lead equivalency the size of the Rad-Guard would be much heavier and much more expensive.  Custom designs are always considered on an individual basis, however.

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Why should we be concerned about radiation if our nurses do not have high dosimeter numbers?

     Ans: The reason that regulations require that doses be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), is that even small doses, especially over long periods of exposure, can cause real damage, especially in the early stages of fetal development, when a nurse may not even be aware that she is pregnant.

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Shouldn't the Rad-Guard come with a stand?

   Ans: The Rad-Guard is the only patented radiation barrier that does not come with a stand.  It attaches to existing IV poles, which are able to carry pumps and IV bags at the same time.  The Rad-Guard attaches to any standard IV pole, and most cath labs have access to extra ones.

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Our Cath Lab is already too cramped.  Why do we need another piece of hardware?

   Ans: The Rad-Guard actually REDUCES clutter by attaching to an existing IV pole; replacing roll-around barriers that not only take up space but are often extra tripping hazards.

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What if we need to remove the Rad-Guard or move it to another IV pole?

    Ans: The Rad-Guard is light weight (15 pounds) and quickly detachable.  It can be transferred between IV poles in less than a minute.

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Our X-Ray department use IV poles also.  Does the Rad-Guard work there?

   Ans: The Rad-Guard design has been used in X-Ray departments, Interventional Radiology, Electrophysiology, Vascular Surgery, Outpatient, and animal research facilities.  Many more applications are possible.

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Our cardiologist looks around the cath lab to make sure circulating staff is outside before doing fluoroscopy or cine.  Can the Rad-Guard let him relax?

    Ans: In a word.......Yes.