Specific area gonad shielding covers an area slightly larger than the region of the gonads. It may therefore be used without interfering with the objectives of the examination to protect the germinal tissue of patients from radiation exposure that may cause genetic mutations during many medical x-ray procedures in which the gonads lie within or are in close proximity to the x-ray field. Such shielding should be provided when the following conditions exist:
The following table of statistical data regarding the average number of children expected by potential parents in various age categories during their remaining lifetimes is provided for x-ray facilities that wish to use it as a basis for judging reproductive potential:
Expected Number of Future Children Versus Age of Potential Parent1 | ||
Age | Male parent | Female parent |
Fetus | 2.6 | 2.6 |
0 to 4 | 2.6 | 2.5 |
5 to 9 | 2.7 | 2.5 |
10 to 14 | 2.7 | 2.6 |
15 to 19 | 2.7 | 2.6 |
20 to 24 | 2.6 | 2.2 |
25 to 29 | 2.0 | 1.4 |
30 to 34 | 1.1 | .6 |
35 to 39 | .5 | .2 |
40 to 44 | .2 | .04 |
45 to 49 | .07 | 0 |
50 to 54 | .03 | 0 |
55 to 64 | .01 | 0 |
Over 65 | 0 | 0 |
1 Derived from data published by the National Center for Health Statistics, "Final Natality Statistics 11070," HRA 74-1120. vol. 22, No. 12, Mar. 20, 1974.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22, r. 22-B10801