Why Gonadal Shielding in X-rays Actually Increases Radiation Dose

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John sits down with Dr. Summer Kaplan to explore the surprising science behind gonadal shielding in medical imaging. Discover why shielding may do more harm than good in modern X-ray procedures and how new safety protocols are reshaping radiology. Whether you're a clinician, radiologic technologist, or concerned parent, this episode offers critical insights into the future of radiation protection.

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St. John is joined by Dr. Summer Kaplan, Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania and pediatric radiologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to examine a major shift in radiation safety protocols—why gonadal shielding is being reconsidered in modern radiology.

Dr. Kaplan discusses the findings of groundbreaking research showing how traditional shielding can actually increase patient radiation exposure due to interactions with automatic exposure controls in advanced imaging systems. Together, they explore how modern equipment, data-driven protocols, and AI have revolutionized imaging safety, and what this means for radiology professionals and patients alike.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in diagnostic imaging, medical physics, or patient safety, offering a forward-thinking perspective on how to communicate, implement, and trust in evolving best practices in radiation protection.

What You’ll Learn:

Why gonadal shielding may increase radiation exposure with today’s imaging systems
How automatic exposure controls respond to shielding—and the unintended consequences
The science behind moving away from routine gonadal protection in X-rays
How to educate patients and families about updated radiation safety protocols
The role of organ sensitivity in radiation risk assessment
Advances in imaging technology and AI that reduce exposure without the need for shielding
Why pediatric imaging requires unique safety considerations
How professional guidelines and institutional policies are changing nationwide

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro & Welcome

[01:38] Origins of the Gonadal Shielding Research

[04:13] How Modern X-ray Sensors Changed Radiation Protection

[06:20] Understanding Radiation Sensitivity in Different Organs

[14:25] Why Staff Need Protection But Patients Don't

[17:05] Pediatric Radiation Safety: Lower Doses for Smaller Bodies

[22:37] Implementing Change in Radiology Departments

[24:34] Future Technologies in Radiation Protection

[28:03] Modern Understanding of Radiation Risk

[31:16] Key Takeaways: Evolving Beyond Traditional Practices