Universal Radiation Protective Side Shields

Durable, lightweight nylon with a smooth surface that is easy to clean, stain-resistant, and built to withstand daily wear in medical environments.

Durable, lightweight ripstop nylon with a reinforced weave that resists tearing and abrasion, offering long-lasting performance and a clean, professional appearance for daily use.

Polytron is the lightest-weight fabric we offer, featuring a polyurethane coating on a semi-stretch base material. It has a satin-smooth feel, is water-resistant, resists stains, and is easy to clean—providing durability and comfort for daily use.

PVC EasyClean is an extremely durable, washable fabric that is water-resistant and easy to wipe down. Slightly stiffer than nylon, it is ideal for environments where aprons require frequent cleaning and disinfection.

GENERAL MEASUREMENTS

1. CHEST Measure the circumference under your arms around the widest part of your chest.
2. WAIST Measure the circumference around the narrowest part of your waist.
3. HIPS Measure the circumference around the widest part of your hips, keeping your feet close together.

ONE PIECE APRON

• Measure the length from the highest point of your trapezius to the top of your knee.

GENERAL MEASUREMENTS

1. BUST Measure the circumference under your arms around the widest part of your chest.
2. WAIST Measure the circumference around the narrowest part of your waist.
3. HIPS Measure the circumference around the widest part of your hips, keeping your feet close together.

TWO PIECE APRON

1. VEST Measure the length from the highest point of your trapezius to 2” below your waist.
2. SKIRT Measure the length from your waist to the top of your knee.

NECK CIRCUMFERENCE

Measure the circumference around the base of the neck, where the collar of a shirt would sit.

• Use a soft measuring tape.
• Keep the tape snug but not tight.
• Ensure it stays level around the entire neck.
• Take measurements while standing upright and facing forward.

TIPS FOR MEASUREMENT

• Measure while standing upright and looking straight ahead.
• Take measurements over the clothing typically worn under the shield.

At Phillips Safety, we offer both traditional leaded cores and our advanced Axion Core™ lead-free materials, giving medical professionals a full range of radiation protection options.

Lightweight Lead Core

For decades, lightweight lead has been the industry standard in radiation protection. Known for its durability, affordability, and proven shielding performance, it is a reliable choice for facilities seeking trusted, cost-effective radiation safety.

Axion Core™ Lead-Free Radiation Aprons and Garments

Phillips Safety introduces Axion Core™, our next-generation line of lead-free radiation aprons and garments. Engineered with a proprietary blend of bismuth, antimony, and rare earth elements, Axion Core™ delivers the lightest cores available today while meeting the highest shielding standards. Medical professionals can select the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and performance with three options.

Axion Core™ Options

• Axion Core™ 1000
  • Most economical lead-free option
  • Roughly 5% lighter than traditional lightweight lead cores
  • Heaviest non-lead core in our lineup, built for cost-efficiency without sacrificing safety
• Axion Core™ 2000
  • Most popular core among professionals
  • Significant weight reduction vs. both lead aprons and Axion Core 1000
  • Delivers an ideal balance of comfort and value, perfect for extended wear
• Axion Core™ 3000
  • Lightest lead-free core available in the Phillips line
  • Represents an engineering breakthrough, among the lightest in the industry
  • Provides unmatched comfort and long-term durability during long procedures

Lead equivalency is attenuation comparable to a thickness of lead at standard X-ray energies.

• 0.25 mm Pb – Lightest weight; lowest attenuation; use only for very low-scatter, brief exposures (if permitted).
• 0.35 mm Pb – Lighter; lower attenuation; use for low-scatter, shorter exposures (if permitted).
• 0.50 mm Pb – Common clinical standard; higher attenuation for general use.

Follow your facility’s PPE policy for the procedures you perform.

Choose how your thyroid shield connects to your lead apron (or stays standalone). The tether does not change radiation protection—it’s about organization and workflow.

Untethered (No Tether)
Wear and store the shield separately. Lowest snag risk and nothing attached to the apron. Good if you rotate between multiple aprons or prefer separate storage.

Buckle Tether
An adjustable strap with a quick-release buckle that clips to an apron loop/strap. Keeps the shield with the apron during use and storage; fast on/off between cases. Best for shared aprons or high-turnover rooms.

Ring Tether
A reinforced D-ring for clipping or hanging (carabiner, hook, or existing apron hardware). Simple and durable; ideal if you hang shields on a wall rack or want a fixed attachment point. Requires a clip/hook for use.

Which should I choose?

• Prefer minimal hardware → Untethered
• Want the shield to travel with the apron → Buckle
• Hang gear on racks or use carabiners → Ring

Notes: Follow your facility’s policy on attachments and snag hazards. Tethers are not load-bearing; don’t carry the shield by the tether alone. Clean/disinfect hardware per your normal protocol.

A buckle tethered thyroid shield is a small connector designed to keep the thyroid shield and lead apron together when not in use. It uses a ½-inch black plastic side-release buckle, with the male end attached to the thyroid shield and the female end attached to the apron. This simple system helps prevent the thyroid shield from being misplaced and ensures it stays conveniently paired with the correct apron for easy storage and access.

A ring tether for a thyroid shield is a simple connector made from two heavy-duty metal key rings. One ring attaches to the thyroid shield and the other to the lead apron, allowing the two to stay connected when stored or hung. The ring tether helps prevent the thyroid shield from being misplaced and ensures it remains paired with the correct apron, without affecting the function or comfort of either item during use.

Pick how the shield fastens. Protection is the same—this is about fit and workflow.

Velcro (Hook & Loop)
Most adjustable and forgiving. Quick to fine-tune over scrubs/lead; easy, glove-friendly; simple to replace. Best for shared shields or changing layers.

Magnetic
Fast, quiet, and self-aligning. Even pressure, easy on/off with gloves. Best for speed and comfort. (Confirm facility policy near MRI.)

Buckle
Rugged, wipe-clean hardware that locks in and stays put. Consistent fit once set. Best for heavy use and “set-and-forget” reliability.

Quick pick: Adjustability → Velcro | Speed/quiet → Magnetic | Durability → Buckle

The standard Velcro closure features a wide, adjustable strap that secures comfortably behind the neck. It allows for a snug, customized fit and quick fastening or removal. This is the most common closure style, offering reliability, simplicity, and easy adjustment for different users.

The plastic side-release buckle closure uses a durable black plastic buckle positioned at the back of the neck for secure fastening. It provides a quick click-to-close and squeeze-to-release design, making it easy to use with gloved hands while maintaining a consistent fit every time.

The magnetic closure uses an integrated magnet system for effortless connection and release at the back of the neck. This premium design eliminates the need for manual alignment, allowing the shield to snap securely into place. It’s ideal for users seeking maximum convenience and comfort without compromising hold.