Evaluating the radiation safety effect of ultraviolet-blocking curtains during portable X-ray examinations in the emergency department: a comparative experimental study

Purpose: This study evaluated the radiation shielding effectiveness of general hospital curtains and ultraviolet (UV)-blocking curtains in emergency departments by measuring the spatial distribution of scatter-radiation dose rates during portable X-ray examinations.Methods: Four shielding conditions were assessed: no curtain, a general hospital curtain, a 99.9% UV-blocking curtain (V2), and a combination of two UV-blocking curtains (V2 & V7). Spatial dose rates were measured at six locations surrounding a simulated patient bed: Feet 0°, Right 0°, Horizontal 45°, Feet 0° & Vertical 30°, Right 0° & Vertical 30°, and Horizontal 45° & Vertical 30°. All measurement points were set 150 cm from the phantom center to simulate the distance between the patients and the surrounding beds.Results: At a distance of 150 cm horizontally from the phantom, the spatial dose rate was lower when a 99.9% UV-blocking curtain was used than when a general hospital curtain or no curtain was used. Among all curtain types, the V2 & V7 99.9% UV-blocking curtains demonstrated the highest shielding efficiency. The lowest spatial dose rate was observed at Feet 0°, where a bed tray was present, while the highest was at Right 0° & Vertical 30°.Conclusion: In beds equipped with the V2 & V7 99.9% UV-blocking curtains and tray, radiation exposure can be minimized by positioning personnel at the foot of the patient. These findings support the use of UV-blocking curtains as a convenient shielding method during portable X-ray procedures in emergency departments. The findings may also guide caregivers and patients to safer positions during examinations.