What is the primary purpose of protective drapes or sliding panels in fluoroscopy?

The primary purpose of protective drapes or sliding panels in fluoroscopy is to reduce scatter radiation to the operator. In a fluoroscopic procedure, the operator stands in proximity to the patient and the imaging equipment, increasing their exposure to scatter radiation generated primarily by the patient during the examination. These protective devices serve as a barrier that absorbs or deflects some of the scatter radiation, thereby helping to lower the operator's occupational exposure levels.

By effectively blocking or mitigating this scatter, the protective drapes or panels contribute to a safer working environment for healthcare providers who frequently work in fluoroscopy. While they may have some ancillary benefits relating to patient safety, such as helping to reduce scatter to the patient or the image intensifier, their main purpose is explicitly to shield the operator from radiation exposure.