In EP procedures, which safety practice is recommended for allied staff?

• A. Wear lead apron and thyroid collar
• B. Stand directly over sterile field
• C. Do not use protective gear
• D. Stand close to radiation source

Answer: (A)

During EP procedures, fluoroscopy exposes everyone in the lab to ionizing radiation through scattered beams. The best protective measure for allied staff is to wear shielding that covers the body and neck. A lead apron protects the torso, reducing dose to the chest and abdomen where many radiosensitive organs reside, while a thyroid collar guards the neck, a particularly sensitive area. Together, they provide meaningful protection without relying on proximity or luck, aligning with the principle of minimizing exposure through shielding.

Other options would increase risk or offer no protection: standing directly over the sterile field can place you in a higher scatter field; not using protective gear exposes you to unnecessary radiation; standing close to the radiation source likewise increases exposure.