Gonad shielding should be used during radiographic exams when feasible and it does not interfere with diagnostic information.

• A. False
• B. Never used
• C. Only for pediatric patients
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Gonad shielding is a radiation protection practice that aims to reduce dose to the gonads by attenuating scatter radiation, without compromising the diagnostic quality of the image. It should be used whenever it can be placed so that it covers the gonadal area without obscuring the anatomy being examined or causing artifacts that would affect interpretation. If placing the shield would obscure the region of interest, degrade image quality, or necessitate a repeat exam, it should not be used for that study. Thus shielding is appropriate across exams and patient groups when feasible and when it does not interfere with diagnostic information.