Paediatric Radiography

Radiography is a branch of medical science which deals with imaging of the body parts by the use of its high-edge advanced technology such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, PET, DEXA, etc. Our today`s article is all about a brief introduction of Paediatric radiography.

Paediatric radiography is a branch of radiology department which deals with the imaging of children. It is a very important and essential department for handling children cases have radiological interest. Proper knowledge with good ethical and moral qualities to handle a child is very necessary in Paediatric radiography, as examinations are almost same as others (used for adults) but here we have to deal with a child; so all kinds of safeties must be clearly in our mind. For example, x-ray positioning of a Chest PA view will be same for adult as well as for a child but factors must be lesser than as for adult patients.

From following points we are trying to serve here, an easily understandable content about this topic. These points are very important and prepared by best of mine knowledge and practical experiences in radiology department.

1.      One should always introduce oneself to a child and parents in a friendly and capable manner. Through this he/she, should established a good Patient-Doctor (Radiological Technologist) relationship, which is needed here.

2.      The child`s name, age address and other essential knowledge should be verified.

3.      It is important to speak to the child at their level. They feel more comfortable. For this point I want to use this phrase, ‘Be Child for Child’, I told to all of mine students to use this policy (note that, this phrase is not mention in books or nor a part of syllabus).

4.      A very encouraging and reassuring attitude has to be adopted for every single act of the child. For example, “You are the best child at keeping still we have had all day!” “You are so clever!” etc.

5.      Rewards of stickers, balloons, bravery certificates are preferred, especially if that was first experience of the child.

6.      A child bears lots of queries and thoughts in brain which will ask in the form of questions by him/her. We have to handle that situation smartly.

7.      Try to complete the examination as soon as possible by following ALARA principle of radiation.

8.      The child should be escorted into the already prepared imaging room. It is preferable for the x-ray tube to be in the correct position. Adjusting its height over the child can be disconcerting.

9.      Read the x-ray request form carefully to determine, what views are to be taken. Wrong x-ray view leads retake of x-ray view, cause radiation hazard and discomfort to child.

 

10.   Patients (children) referred to radiography are often ill, apprehensive or irritable. It’s our ethical and moral duty to be kind.

 

11.   Use radiation exposure factors like mAs, kVp, etc. according to patient (child) size, not as per routinely used for adult patients. Use Paediatric exposure chart for any minor doubt. Patient safety is our top priority. Unnecessary, exposure leads server health complications including carcinomas.

 

12.   Use necessary protecting & immobilization devices, like

- Pigg-o-stat

- Posi-tot

-Tam-em board

- Infantainer

- Sandbags

- Plexiglass

- Tape

- Lead devices (Lead Apron, Lead goggles, Lead gloves, etc.)

etc. when reqired.

Rest of the precautions and measure are same as per routine x-rays. But always remember to concert seniors whenever we have any doubt as patient safety is our top priority. We hope this brief article will help. Following are some images along with name of x-ray views; create a short study mind map from them.

1. Chest AP view. All Readers, note that, in this image one very important thing is missing, find and write in comment section. That thing is very important for all x-rays. Find it.

 

2. Right Hand AP view.

 

Following are some famous list of books used by medical faculty regarding Paediatric Radiography.

1. Paediatric Radiology (Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Paediatrics) by Oxford books.

2. Paediatric Radiology for MRCPCH and FRCR, second edition by RSM books.

3. Paediatric Radiology Rapid Reporting for FRCR Part 2B by Springer Publication.

4. Diagnostic Radiology Paediatric Imaging (AIIMS MAMC PGI Imaging Series) by Jaypee Brothers.

 

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