What type of procedure most commonly requires the use of protective shielding?

Protective shielding is most commonly required during sterile procedures because these types of procedures often involve the use of X-ray machines or fluoroscopy, which can expose both the patient and the medical personnel to ionizing radiation. In a sterile procedure, the emphasis is on maintaining a sterile environment while also safeguarding against radiation. This is crucial since staff members may be positioned close to radiation sources and may be subjected to scatter radiation, making appropriate shielding practices essential to minimize exposure.

Routine imaging can also require protective measures; however, the use of shielding is especially stressed during sterile procedures where the potential for increased radiation exposure is present, due to the length of time and the environment in which these procedures are typically performed. Non-sterile examinations and emergency surgeries may not utilize shielding to the same extent because they often involve different setups and contexts where the risk assessment for radiation exposure might differ.