New X-ray positioner will help ELIH care for kids
With financial help from the Mattituck Lions Club, Eastern Long Island Hospital recently acquired a new piece of X-ray equipment for children age 3 and under.
Though the name of the device, the Pigg-O-Stat, may sound more kid-friendly than doctor-friendly, hospital officials said it’s crucial to pediatric care.
The Pigg-O-Stat is a “pediatric immobilizer and positioner” designed to hold infants and young children in place for chest x-rays. That spares parents and hospital personnel, who previously had to hold the child still, from unnecessary radiation exposure.
“The most difficult image to capture is one of a small child,” ELIH radiology technician Nancy Ryan said. “How can you expect a crying baby or toddler to understand the concept of not moving?”
According to the product’s website, the Pigg-O-Stat “gives better quality radiographs with more precise positioning and radiation protection in less than one-tenth of normal time.”
The equipment has already been used several times.
“The new immobilizer works beautifully to keep the child still and in position, ensuring a quality image the first time,” said Ms. Ryan.
It’s adjustable for young children of normal size for their age, comes with form-fitting Plexiglas body, head and arm supports and is easily sterilized, according to the manufacturer.
“Acquiring new pediatric imaging equipment such as the Pigg-O-Stat illustrates to the community that ELIH is here to provide care to all ages in our local community,” said Paul Con-nor, hospital president and CEO. “We are constantly looking for new and improved technology that translates to excellence in patient care.”
