Gonadal shielding should be used when...

• A. It does not obscure diagnostic information and policy supports it
• B. It should always be used regardless of exam
• C. It should never be used
• D. It should be used only for adults

Answer: (A)

Gonadal shielding should be used when it does not obscure diagnostic information and policy supports it. The main idea is to reduce radiation dose to the reproductive organs without compromising the image quality needed to make an accurate diagnosis. If a shield would block essential anatomy, distort the image, or obscure the area of interest, it defeats the purpose and should not be used. Policies or guidelines at the facility (and applicable professional guidance) should support shielding for the exam and patient when the shield can be placed out of the critical field and still provide dose reduction. In practice, shielding is considered for patients where there is a meaningful potential dose savings and no impact on diagnostic utility, such as certain pediatric or reproductive-age cases, while avoiding shielding when it would interfere with the exam.