Lead equivalence testing using a custom-built testing kit.

Radiation protective garments should undergo a quality assurance regime comprising of an acceptance test of the lead equivalence before the garment is introduced into clinical service, followed by routine periodic visual and fluoroscopic inspections throughout its remaining clinical lifespan. The IEC 61331-1:2014 [1] is the leading standard outlining the methodology for testing of lead equivalence of these garments and forms the basis of the Australian/New Zealand Standards (1999) [2]. This study outlines the design and development of an IEC compliant broad beam lead equivalence testing setup, using an in-house custom-built testing kit (CBTK).