Articles by Z&Z Medical

We can train. We can educate. But sometimes — we just need a reminder.

That’s why we’re introducing our NEW Shield Up Radiation Protection Reminder Signs as part of our ongoing safety initiatives. In busy imaging environments, staff often step into rooms “just for a moment ” without their radiation protection. Those moments still matter. A quick visual prompt at the right place can make the difference between exposure and protection. These high-visibility reminder signs encourage staff to pause and grab their Lead apron, Thyroid collar, and Lead glasses before entering rooms where x-ray is in use.

Where These Signs Make the Biggest Impact

• Fluoroscopy control rooms
• Interventional Radiology & Cath Lab control areas
• OR entrances
• Above OR scrub sinks
• Near scrub sinks in imaging departments
• And anywhere decisions are made quickly is exactly where reminders work best.

Why This Matters

Radiologic technologists are usually vigilant — but other clinical teams may not be. These signs help reinforce a shared expectation of protection without confrontation. It’s a simple step toward a stronger radiation safety culture.

Order these signs for your department today and start changing the safety culture in your department!

When it comes to radiation safety, children require special consideration. Their developing bodies are sensitive to radiation exposure, making proper shielding not just recommended—but essential. At Z&Z Medical, we offer a full line of pediatric radiation protection garments designed specifically for infants, children, and teenagers, helping imaging departments protect their smallest patients with confidence.

Why Pediatric Radiation Protection Is Different. Children are not simply “small adults.” Their growing organs, higher cell division rates, and longer lifetime exposure risk, all increase the importance of properly sized, well-fitted radiation protection garments. Using adult aprons on pediatric patients can lead to poor coverage, excessive weight, and discomfort or improper positioning. That’s why pediatric-specific radiation protection matters.

Complete Pediatric Radiation Protection — All Ages Covered

Z&Z Medical offers radiation protection solutions for Infants & Babies with small-scale sizing for neonatal and pediatric imaging that is designed to protect without restricting movement. We also have protection solutions for Children with proper torso and thyroid coverage, and comfortable, easy-to-position designs. We even have protective garments for the smaller Teenagers. Youth-specific sizing that bridges pediatric and adult needs and more comfortable alternatives to the oversized larger adult aprons

Our pediatric radiation protection lineup includes Pediatric lead aprons, Pediatric thyroid collars, Pediatric gonadal shields, Custom pediatric sizing options, and Lightweight materials for comfort and compliance. We represent top national radiation protection manufacturers, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with current standards.

Expert Help Makes the Difference! Choosing the right pediatric radiation protection can be challenging. Our team helps facilities Select appropriate sizes for each age group and ensure proper coverage without excess weight. We help Navigate compliance and safety considerations and find quick ship options when replacements are needed fast. Whether you need immediate in-stock pediatric garments or help planning a long-term radiation safety program, we’re here to help.

When Protecting the Most Vulnerable Patients - Radiation protection is about more than compliance—it’s about care. By using proper pediatric radiation protection garments, imaging departments can Reduce unnecessary exposure, Improve patient comfort, Support safer imaging outcomes, and Reassure parents and caregivers.

Ready to Learn More? Have questions about pediatric radiation protection or need help selecting the right garments? Email us at: info@zzmedical.com and request a free consultation to speak with a radiation safety expert.

January 25th is Backwards Day—a fun reminder that sometimes flipping our perspective can be eye-opening. But in healthcare, doing things “backwards” isn’t always harmless. When safety, comfort, or preparation are treated as afterthoughts, the consequences can be far more than inconvenient. In imaging environments especially, small decisions made out of urgency or habit can quietly turn into bigger problems over time.

When Convenience Comes Before Safety: In busy healthcare settings, it’s easy to prioritize speed and convenience. But when safety is pushed to the bottom of the list, teams may find themselves dealing with ill-fitting or shared radiation protection, worn or outdated lead aprons, delayed replacements due to long lead times, or inconsistent protection across staff or patients These situations don’t usually happen all at once. They build slowly—often because safety planning was postponed until a problem appeared.

Comfort Is Not a Luxury! Another common “backwards” approach is viewing comfort as optional. In reality, uncomfortable radiation protection can lead to improper use, increased fatigue or strain during long procedures, reduced compliance with safety protocols, and actually long-term musculoskeletal issues for staff. When comfort is addressed upfront—through proper sizing, fit, and garment selection—safety improves naturally. Emergency replacements often limit choices and create unnecessary stress for imaging teams. Proactive preparation isn’t about over-planning—it’s about reducing avoidable disruption.

Backwards Day offers a good moment to pause and ask: Are we reacting instead of planning? Are we prioritizing short-term convenience over long-term safety? Are our teams properly protected and supported? In healthcare, moving safety and preparation to the front of the process creates better outcomes for staff, patients, and operations alike. Radiation safety works best when it’s intentional, consistent, and proactive. Addressing fit, comfort, and availability before they become problems helps imaging departments focus on what matters most—patient care. Sometimes the best takeaway from Backwards Day is recognizing that the right order makes all the difference.

New Year - New goals - Same skeleton.
Radiology never lies!

When purchasing radiation protection, one of the most common questions imaging departments face is whether to choose quick ship lead aprons or made-to-order garments. Both options serve important roles — but understanding the difference can help you make the right decision faster.

What Are Quick Ship Lead Aprons? Quick ship lead aprons are pre-stocked radiation protection garments available in popular sizes, limited styles, and limited colors. These products are designed to meet immediate needs and often ship within days rather than weeks or months.

They are Ideal for urgent replacement needs, new staff onboarding, temporary coverage, and budget-driven purchasing decisions

What Are Made-to-Order Lead Aprons? Made-to-order aprons are custom-produced based on specific sizing, material preferences, and design options. While they offer maximum customization, monogramming,  and color options, they also require longer production timelines.

Ideal for fully customized fit programs, long-term standardization initiatives, and specialty material, color, and size requirements

Why Many Facilities Choose Quick Ship First: With increasing staffing changes and tighter budgets, many facilities rely on in-stock radiation protection to maintain flexibility. Quick ship options provide immediate protection while still meeting high industry standards for radiation attenuation and durability.

The Smart Hybrid Approach is used by many imaging departments - using a combination of both Quick ship aprons for immediate needs and Made-to-order aprons for long-term planning. This approach minimizes downtime while still supporting future customization goals and also greatly helps on the bottom line for budgeting.

Get Help Choosing the Right Option. Whether you need protection right away or are planning ahead, working with experienced radiation protection specialists ensures you select the right solution — without unnecessary delays. Our customer service team is waiting to assist you. You can give us a call at 1-800-410-9575or email us at info@zzmedical.com.

View In-Stock & Quick Ship Lead Aprons