Which protective equipment is specifically meant to protect the thyroid gland during X-ray procedures?

The thyroid collar is designed specifically to protect the thyroid gland during X-ray procedures. The thyroid gland is particularly sensitive to radiation exposure, which can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer over time. The thyroid collar fits around the neck and serves as a barrier to reduce radiation exposure in that area while X-rays are being taken.

While lead gloves, face shields, and lead aprons provide significant protection for other areas of the body during radiographic procedures, they do not specifically target the thyroid gland. Lead gloves protect the hands, face shields shield the eyes and face, and lead aprons protect the torso, but none of these protective devices is tailored to safeguard the sensitive thyroid area. Therefore, the thyroid collar is essential in ensuring that the radiation exposure to the thyroid gland is minimized during X-ray imaging.