Thyroid Shields and Collars for X-Ray Radiation Protection

They are usually the same thing. "Thyroid collar," "thyroid shield," and "thyroid guard" all refer to the same neck-protection garment worn by staff. The collars on this page are staff collars, worn by the people performing the procedure. A separate product line of patient thyroid shields is placed on patients during imaging.

Yes. A standard lead apron does not cover the neck, and the thyroid sits at the front of the neck above the apron line. A thyroid collar closes that gap, and INFAB recommends wearing one with a lead apron at all times. Always consult your Radiation Safety Officer for facility-specific recommendations.

Facility radiation safety policies govern personal protective equipment during pregnancy, and many facilities include a thyroid collar as part of standard protection. For your facility's specific protocol, consult your Radiation Safety Officer.

The difference is the edge finish and the profile. The TCV has a bound trim and is the standard, broadest-option staff collar. The NST has a clean serged edge, no trim, and a slightly smaller, lower-profile cut. Both offer hook-and-loop, magnetic, and buckle closures and the same shielding.

A hook-and-loop closure is a fastener made of two strips that grip each other when you press them together. One strip is covered in tiny stiff hooks, the other in soft loops. The hooks catch the loops when you press, and let go when you pull. It is the same fastener used on shoes, braces, and blood pressure cuffs, so you have used it before, even if you have always called it by a brand name. INFAB offers it on the TCV, NST, SVT, and REV-TC because it adjusts. You set the fit where you want it, and it stays put through a long case. A magnetic closure goes on and comes off with one hand, which suits high-throughput rooms where you gown up many times a day. A buckle clicks into place and gives you a fixed, repeatable fit. Pick the one that matches how often you put it on and take it off. All three give the same shielding at the same lead-equivalent rating.

A magnetic thyroid collar (the MTC) fastens with a magnet, so it goes on and comes off with one hand and there is nothing to align. It is a strong fit for high-throughput rooms where you gown up many times a day. The magnet face is smooth and wipes clean. The MTC is magnet-only, and the TCV and NST also offer a magnetic option.

A visor-style collar (the SVT) has a taller stand-up band at the neck, 2.5 inches versus the 2 inch band on a standard bib collar. That extra height gives more vertical neck and throat coverage and a higher collar line. It comes in Standard and Medium sizes.

0.50 mm lead-equivalent is the standard default for thyroid collars. The thyroid is a small, sensitive area, so the heaviest rating adds very little weight at the neck while giving the most shielding. 0.25 mm and 0.35 mm are available when you want a lighter collar. Always consult your Radiation Safety Officer for facility-specific recommendations.

Lead is a lead-vinyl composite, the dense reference material. Lead Free is made from a combination of radiation attenuating metals. At the same lead-equivalent rating, Lead Free is lighter than Lead, so there is less weight on your neck and shoulders. Lead Free is also the better environmental choice, because there is no lead to handle or dispose of at the end of the product's life. INFAB's protective materials are tested to ASTM F2547-18, the U.S. standard for X-ray protective garments. The rating you choose, not the material, sets the shielding level.

A thyroid collar should sit snug at the neck and meet the top edge of your apron at the neckline, so there is no open gap between them. Most bib collars come in X-Small, Standard, and Medium. The Revolution collar is one size fits all. Standard size fits most. If you are between sizes or ordering for a department, contact us and we will help you choose.

Yes. You can color- and pattern-match your collar to your apron for a coordinated set, choosing from 100+ in-stock colors and patterns or a custom print. You can also add a Block or Script monogram, which makes a personal collar easy to identify in a shared department. Choose your color.

Wipe the protective material with an approved cleaner. Do not steam sterilize it and do not fully submerge it, since the protective material cannot take either. For daily hygiene, use a washable Thyroid Collar Cover that slips over an NST-S1 or TCV-S1 collar and can be laundered or swapped when soiled.

Yes. A loose collar gets separated from the apron and goes missing. The Thyroid Collar Attachment (KTC) is a strap connected with either a buckle, ring, or permanently attached. You can also order an Attached Thyroid Collar (TC), sewn directly onto the apron, on most aprons. Both keep the collar and the apron together, so the collar is there when you need it. Do not allow the collar to hang from the apron for storage as the weight may damage the apron.

INFAB's protective materials are tested to ASTM F2547-18, the U.S. standard for X-ray protective garments, and the lead-vinyl material is independently tested to that standard. INFAB's quality system is ISO 13485:2016 certified.

INFAB thyroid collars are designed and manufactured in Camarillo, California, where the team has been making radiation protection since 1981.

Most thyroid collars are made to order in the color, protective material, and protection level you choose, so they typically ship within 7 to 10 business days after we receive your completed order. Everything ships from our facility in Camarillo, California, and expedited carrier options are available. Need it by a specific date? Contact us before you order and we will confirm the timeline.

Because thyroid collars are custom made to your specifications, returns and exchanges need our prior approval. If something is not right, contact us within 10 days of receiving your order and we will set up a return authorization. Custom orders cannot be cancelled once production has begun, so please confirm your color, protective material, protection level, and monogram before ordering. If you are unsure about size, contact us before ordering and we will help you choose.

Every INFAB thyroid collar carries a two-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, measured from the date of shipment. If a covered defect appears, we will repair or replace the collar at our discretion. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, modification, or improper care.

Choose your color from more than 100 in-stock colors and patterns, or order a custom print, and match your collar to your apron for a coordinated set. You can also add a monogram in Block or Script lettering, billed per line, so a personal collar is easy to identify in a shared department. Custom colors, prints, and monograms are added to your order and are part of the made-to-order lead time. Contact us with your color and monogram details. If you are matching an existing INFAB apron, give us your apron order number and we will match it.