Pigg-O-Stat for Digital X-Ray

A common concern for Radiologic Technologists and for the parents of young children needing x-rays, is how to immobilize the patient and how to minimize the exposure to radiation. Children need x-rays for a variety of reasons. Broken bones, digestive problems, chest congestion/cough  just to name a few. Babies and children are also images often to locate those coins, marbals, paper clips, and any other item that may have been swallowed. Babies and children are typical wiggle worms and remaining still for any length of time is typically not in their vocabulary. Movements during an x-ray however creates a blurry image. Blurred images are not good for the radiologist who is wanting to provide a diagnosis and/or determine the underlying cause of a problem or illness. Even though parents are often allowed in the imaging room to assist with immobilization, this is often ineffective and is not safe as there are dangers to radiation exposure. If the Radiologic Technologist holds the child, they are also at risk of unnecessary exposure.  This is why we wanted to spend a few minutes discussing the options that are on the market today to aide with immobilization.