What is the primary purpose of using lead aprons during imaging procedures?

The primary purpose of using lead aprons during imaging procedures is to protect against radiation exposure. In diagnostic imaging, various types of radiation are utilized, which can pose health risks to both patients and healthcare workers if exposure levels are not managed. Lead aprons effectively attenuate and shield the body from scattered radiation that can occur during procedures like X-rays and fluoroscopy. The lead in the apron absorbs the radiation, reducing the dose that reaches vulnerable organs and tissues, especially in regions that are more sensitive to radiation, such as the reproductive organs.

Other options relate to functions that lead aprons do not perform. For instance, while improving image quality, stabilizing the patient, or assisting in positioning are important aspects of imaging, they are not the primary roles of lead aprons. These supporting functions are typically addressed through different equipment and techniques designed specifically for those purposes.