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International studies have shown that Under current conditions, the lead apron and other customary radiation protection products are of little benefit to people undergoing radiological examinations. However, there are good reasons to dispense with such protective equipment. Find out why all Swiss university hospitals follow these recommendations.
In the past, lead aprons or other protective devices were used in some radiological examinations to shield organs sensitive to radiation.
Thanks to technical progress, lower radiation doses are now sufficient to obtain good imaging and it is possible to better protect organs that are sensitive to radiation. This reduces the overall radiation exposure, especially in the direct examination area, and also scatters less radiation into the surrounding organs and body regions.
Due to these developments, we do not use X-ray aprons and other protective equipment such as testicular capsules, lens protection or thyroid protection at the University Children's Hospital.
The usual protective agents only minimise the already low radiation exposure for patients. By dispensing with these protective agents, there is also no risk of them unintentionally entering the examination area, which could result in disadvantages such as poorer image quality or a negative impact on radiation exposure.
Auxiliary or accompanying persons, on the other hand, continue to wear protective equipment for legal reasons.
These statements are based on the latest scientific publications, the recommendations of the Swiss Society for Radiobiology and Medical Physics and the Swiss Federal Commission for Radiological Protection. The Swiss university hospitals act uniformly in the handling of protective equipment during radiological examinations.
However, if you feel unsafe or would like additional protection, we will continue to provide our patients with protective equipment on request.
If you have any questions, please contact our radiology team.
058 387 78 82 (Costs are settled via the health insurance company)
In the event of an emergency abroad, call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find the contact details on your health insurance card.
145 (Poison and Information Centre)
University Children's Hospital of both
Basel, Spitalstrasse 33
4056 Basel | CH
Phone +41 61 704 12 12
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The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.
For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.
More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.
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