For the Best ImagesUse a Pigg-O-Stat

The biggest sacrifice a technologist can make is having to

hold a patient, while trying to get a diagnostic image. More often
than not, technologist have to immobilize infants due to the fact
that they dont understand the process of holding still. With the
use of a Pigg-o-stat, a pediatric immobilizer, technologist can
better protect themselves, the patient, and ensure that the best
images are taken.

Benefits for a Technologist

Figure 1. This image shows an infant
correctly placed in a Pigg-o-stat.

A concern for a technologist is having to consistently be in a

room to immobilize a patient. When using an immobilizer, like the

Pigg-o-stat, it allows for the technologist to step safely behind the control panel. Another big
concern for a technologist is the safety of their patients. Infants and young pediatric patients are at a
higher risk of being dropped, falling off a table, or other harm due to miscommunication or simply
from being in a hurry. In order to protect the patient, and
to save a technologist from being in an unwanted situation,
the Pigg-o-stat will safely secure the child throughout the
entire process. With the patient being secure, it also allows
the technologist to position and shield the child correctly
for each images ordered. With the easy movement and
adjustment of the Pigg-o-stat, the child does not need to be
taken out for different images allowing for the child to be
positioned fastermaking the technologist more efficient.

Figure 2. This image shows the easy adjustment from PA to

Lateral.

Review of the Technologist Benefits:

Protects Technologist from unnecessary radiation exposure

Keeps patient safe during exam

Allows technologist to collimate, shield, and position correctly

Reduces number of repeat exams due to the child being immobilized

Figure 3. This image shows a technologist being able to adjust collimation and position without having to worry about safety of
his patient

Benefits for the Patient

As a technologist knows, radiation exposure causes biologic effects. However, it is important

to be aware that children are more vulnerable to these effects than adults. Children are more
susceptible to biological effects due to the amount of red marrow found in the majority of their
bones. It is not until they begin to become adults that this is replaced with yellow marrow. The
amount of red marrow is important, because it has been found to lead to radiation-induced leukemia.
If these effects are caused in childhood, they will follow that child throughout their life.
Unfortunately, imaging is being repeated more and more leading to a higher exposure to the red

marrow. It is up to technologist to inform and protect themselves and their patients. We can protect
our patient by only exposing the necessary area, and keeping as much red marrow as possible out of
the field of view. The Pigg-o-stat allows us to protect red marrow by:

Holding the patient steady/secure while positioning to ensure that the technologist is centering
correctly

Allows for better visual of how much collimation can be used to expose just the area of interest

Gives the technologist opportunity to shield the surrounding area

Reduces the amount of repeat films, which are mostly caused by patient movement

Makes the infant/child cry leading to a better inspiration and a better diagnostic film (for chest
x-rays)

Overview

The Pigg-o-stat is a safe, efficient, and beneficial pediatric immobilizer that should be used in
all radiographic imaging exams. It will protect the technologist by allowing them to secure the
patient, so they can focus on positioning, collimating, and shielding effectively. It will also allow them
to safely be behind the control panel and out of radiation exposure. For the patient, it keeps them
still to avoid having repeat exams. Also it protects children from biological effects, simply because it
allows for a better functioning environment, and easier circumstances for a technologist to complete
the exam correctly.

References
Culp, M. P., Jackowski, M. B., & Barba, J. R. (2014). Shield placement: effect on exposure. Radiologic

Technology, 85(4), 369-376 Retrieved from

http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=191cda12-370a-4e92-827eb29fd3d6b30a%40sessionmgr4001&vid=4&hid=4101
Furlow, B. (2011). Radiation protect in pediatric imaging. Radiologic Technology, 82(5), 421-446
Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=c4f63ded-67374a67-96c7-93e9c1c869ca%40sessionmgr4004&vid=4&hid=4101