Introduction: Among veterinary imaging diagnostics, X-ray imaging is the leading method used to make the diagnosis. Personal protective equipment is required to reduce exposure to X-rays. Purpose: The aims of this work were to address the effectiveness of the personal shielding equipment of veterinarians and to determine how often they use it. Methods: In the first part of the study, we gathered the information of the protective shielding that is used in the veterinary diagnostic departments. The exposure parameters used for testing the protective shielding were 60 kV and 6.4 mAs at the source-to-image receptor distance 1 meter. In the second part, the survey was used to determine how often does veterinarians use lead protection, whether they know the possibility of damage to the shielding due to improper storage, how often they use personal dosimeters and clean protective shielding. Results: The results showed that cracks of the lead shielding most commonly occur in the collar and suture area. In most aprons the cracks were small, only one had cracks larger than 15 mm2. Fifteen veterinarians answered on 12 survey questions. Most veterinarians are present in the diagnostic during the exposure several times a week. The protective shielding (apron and thyroid collar) is used every time. More than half of those surveyed are present in the radiation room during sedation and anesthesia. The survey revealed that 87% of animal owners that are present in the radiation area use personal protective shielding. Most respondents always use a thermoluminescent dosimeter and 33% of respondents occasionally. All veterinarians are aware of potential damage which can occur when personal protective shielding in case of improper storage, but 53% of respondents does not produce quality control of the shielding. 67% of all participants clean their personal protective equipment maximally once a week. Discussion and conclusion: One of all inspected lead aprons was not suitable for further use. All participating veterinarians use personal protective equipment in their work, most commonly a lead apron and thyroid shield. It would be advisable to consider dose measurements based on the size of cracks on the lead aprons.
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