Why Lead Aprons Require More Than Wipes
The Problem
Healthcare professionals rely on lead aprons to shield themselves from radiation exposure during X-ray procedures, often wearing them for hours across shifts and sharing them amongst other teammates.
The cross-contamination creates the perfect scenario for pathogen build-up and infection spread. The risk is exacerbated by prolonged exposure to sterile environments.
While daily wipe-downs are an essential maintenance practice, evidence shows that they are insufficient in eliminating commonly found pathogens, including MRSA. The garments are also inconsistently wiped down by staff.
The Solution
By adopting a combined approach of daily wipes and professional deep cleaning, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), extend the life of their garments, and improve compliance and staff satisfaction.
Your Lead’s Dirty Truth
Lead aprons are routinely used in healthcare environments, such as operating rooms, interventional radiology suites, and diagnostic imaging centers. They are often shared among staff, worn across multiple procedures, and stored in communal spaces.
This consistent handling and proximity to bodily fluids and skin make them prone to microbial contamination.
Multiple studies have revealed the biological hazards present on lead aprons.
Staphylococcus aureus and Tinea species (Ringworm) were on 84% of the 21 garments tested. Three Staph aureus isolates were confirmed to be methicillin-resistant (MRSA).
Pathogens such as Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus appeared on 100% of the 29 thyroid shields tested from three teaching hospitals.
Staph aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus faecalis and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci lived on over 80% of the 218 garments tested and 90% of the thyroid collars.
“When facilities only use wipes on a surface and don’t completely remove the debris, they are in essence creating an ‘all you can eat buffet’ for the surviving bacteria to thrive upon.”
— Dr. Kathleen Jones, Infection Disease Specialist
Biofilm Vs.
The Status Quo
What is Biofilm?
Biofilms are sticky, invisible layers of bacteria that cling tightly to surfaces like lead aprons. They act like armor, shielding harmful microbes from disinfectants and making them far more difficult to kill. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that biofilms are involved in 65% of microbial infections and 80% of chronic infections.
Wipes Are No Match
Wipes give the illusion of cleanliness, but when it comes to biofilms, research finds that they’re typically ineffective. Even if some bacteria are eliminated, the biofilm’s protective matrix often remains intact, providing a comfortable environment for surviving germs or newcomers from the environment to repopulate.
What the Science Shows
Biofilm grows when cleaning protocols aren’t followed, which is common when it comes to lead aprons. A study conducted by AORN surveyed 173 health care workers, predominantly registered nurses in surgical settings, and found:
78.0% reported wearing soiled protective gear
30.1% noted thyroid shield odors
48.0% admitted to never spot cleaning
21.4% of aprons or shields never underwent standard department cleaning
The research highlights the need to raise the standard of care in hospitals, particularly by using evidence-based processes.
Infection, Turnover, & Budget
The True Cost of Dirty Garments
Lead aprons, as high-touch wearable equipment, can act as fomites if not adequately cleaned. Studies show that pathogens like MRSA and Tinea species thrive on inadequately sanitized protective gear. When contaminated aprons come into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes, they increase the risk of surgical site infections and other HAIs. This makes regular deep cleaning not just a matter of hygiene, but of patient safety and clinical responsibility.
“Dr. Peanut Butter” (A real thyroid collar we serviced.)
$28-45 Billion Annually on HAI
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are one of the most persistent and costly challenges in modern healthcare, responsible for an estimated 99,000 deaths in U.S. hospitals each year. According to the CDC's cost analysis (Scott, 2009), these infections carry a financial burden of $28 to $45 billion annually.
Debris from the velcro of one garment
Clinician Safety and Satisfaction
Staff morale often suffers in environments where PPE is visibly soiled or has a foul odor. Clinicians may go to great lengths to secure the "cleanest" garments, including hiding them in lockers or placing a bike lock on the cleanest set, which can contribute to workplace friction and dissatisfaction.
Fecal
Inflating Operating Costs
The premature replacement of aprons due to material degradation or odor further inflates operating costs, while increasing administrative overhead for procurement and inventory tracking. Deep cleaning programs help mitigate these issues by preserving garment integrity and supporting a culture of safety and compliance.
The Case for Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is not just an enhanced hygiene practice, it is a regulatory-aligned, scientifically validated approach to reducing microbial risks and prolonging the life of radiation protection garments.
Wipes & Sprays are Not Enough
Unlike surface-level cleaning, deep cleaning is designed to address the underlying contamination challenges that wipes and sprays often miss. This includes the physical removal of biofilms and the elimination of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Additionally, many commonly used wipes are not intended for use on porous objects, such as lead aprons. They are also often built using chemicals that damage the garments after prolonged use.
Lack of Cleaning Compliance
Although AORN and other regulatory bodies recommend wiping radiation protective apparel (lead aprons) down before or after each use, compliance is rare. It is also difficult to properly clean every exposed crevice of an apron.
A study revealed that 21.4% of aprons or shields never underwent standard departmental cleaning, which poses a significant risk of infection.
Hiding the “Least Smelly” Aprons?
In facilities without consistent cleaning protocols, clinicians often take extra measures to avoid wearing visibly dirty or foul-smelling aprons. Some may stash away the few visibly clean ones and store them in personal lockers—not to hoard, but to ensure they’re not forced to wear something unsanitary.
These efforts stem from a very real concern about hygiene and patient safety. Regular deep cleaning eliminates odors, restores a professional appearance, and gives staff peace of mind knowing that any available garment is safe to wear. This builds trust across teams and promotes equal access to clean, compliant PPE.
At RCS, we believe that every healthcare provider deserves to wear protective garments that are as clean and safe as the environment they strive to maintain.
Daily wipe-downs are essential for apron maintenance but can’t replace quarterly deep cleaning. Our two-step deep cleaning process, effective and based on CDC, AORN, and TJC best practices. Let’s raise the standard together.