Which type of gonadal shield is most commonly used for pediatric patients?

The most commonly used type of gonadal shield for pediatric patients is the flat contact shield. This shield is specifically designed to be placed directly over the gonadal area, providing targeted protection from radiation exposure during imaging procedures. Pediatric patients are particularly sensitive to radiation, making it crucial to minimize exposure wherever possible.

Flat contact shields are effective because they can easily conform to the body contour of young patients while maintaining a close alignment to the area needing protection. This ensures that the shield can effectively absorb scattered radiation and limit the dose to the gonads.

While other types of shields, like shadow shields and wrap-around shields, also offer protection, they may not always provide the same level of localized coverage or may be more cumbersome for smaller patients. Lead aprons are typically used for overall body protection but can be less effective in specifically shielding the gonadal area compared to flat contact shields. Therefore, the flat contact shield is preferred for its efficiency and effectiveness in minimizing radiation exposure to the sensitive gonadal tissues in pediatric patients.