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Objectives: The objectives are to compare lead blood concentrations in veterinary workers using lead shielding with concentrations in a control population, to measure hand surface lead before and after use of shielding, and to compare hand surface lead with and without the use of disposable gloves worn under hand shielding. Methods: Blood and hand wipe samples were analyzed for lead using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: There was no difference in blood lead between exposed and control groups. After lead glove use, 69% (18/26) of hand surface lead samples from workers not using disposable gloves were greater than 500 μg, 42% (11/26) were greater than 1000 μg, and 12% (3/26) were greater than 2000 μg. Conclusions: If lead shielding use is unavoidable, disposable gloves should be worn, and skin should be decontaminated after use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES To describe self-reported radiation safety practices by equine veterinary technicians in North America and identify factors associated with these practices. SAMPLE 154 equine technicians. PROCEDURES An electronic questionnaire regarding radiation safety practices during the use of portable x-ray equipment was sent to 884 members of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Data were summarized, and various factors were evaluated for associations with reported safety practices. RESULTS 221 of 884 (25.0%) questionnaires were completed, including 154 by equine technicians who had been involved in equine radiography as x-ray tube operators, cassette holders, or both in the previous year. Lead apron use was suboptimal, reported as "always" for 80.0% (104/130) of tube operators and 83.1% (123/148) of cassette holders. Approximately 20% of participants never wore thyroid shields, and approximately 90% never wore lead eyeglasses. Almost 50% of participants did not have lead eyeglasses available. Although > 55% of participants always held the x-ray equipment by hand, 58.4% (73/125) of tube operators and 25.0% (35/140) of cassette holders never wore gloves. Cassette holders wore lead gloves and personal radiation dose-monitoring devices significantly more frequently than did tube operators. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Compliance of North American equine technicians with radiation safety recommendations by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements was suboptimal. Improvements in radiation safety training and education, strengthening the connection between academic institutions and private practices, and greater availability and requirement of personal protective equipment use by senior clinicians and employers might aid in improving safety practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]