Pigg-O-Stat: Baby Squashed In Tube Goes Viral, But Is It Safe?
The world is learning what a Pigg-O-Stat is, thanks to a photo posted on reddit recently.
According to PopSugar, a picture of a baby squashed in a tube has been circulating on the internet lately, and many have been wondering if this is some kind of strange prank, or a Photoshop hoax. However, the baby is perfectly safe, and is actually inside a Pigg-O-Stat, which is an X-ray machine. The tube is used to keep the baby still so that the images come out clear the first time around. This prevents the need for additional X-rays (in most cases), and exposes the child to a minimum amount of radiation.
The following description is on the company’s website.
“Child comfort and safety is our number one concern. Since the Pigg-O-Stat does not rely on automated machinery or technology, x-ray technicians and pediatricians have full control over the setup for each infant or child that utilizes Pigg-O-Stat. Unlike other medical exams or procedures that may allow a parent to secure an infant, x-rays are not forgiving for movements. The Pigg-O-Stat safely secures the child and allows the x-ray technician to be brief and efficient while the child remains immobilized.”
According to Health.com, it is unclear what the baby in the photo above needed an X-ray for, or what he or she was suffering from. The results of this particular X-ray were not posted. And while the baby in the machine looks content, many parents will assure you that babies do not like being squashed in that cylinder.
“Had a scare last year, can confirm: babies do not like this contraption,” said one reddit commenter.
My daughter lost her mind when she had to have a chest xray in one of those. I think I cried more than she did,” said another.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, there does seem to be some controversy surrounding the use of the Pigg-O-Stat.
“As an X-ray tech, I have never used this. Also, if a kid is being that calm in the Pigg-o-stat, they don’t need to be in the pigg-o-stat [sic],” said another reddit user. Most people would agree that the machine is used to keep the baby still, and has less to do with a baby being calm. One kick of a leg, and an X-ray may not come out the way doctors need it to.
[Photo via reddit]
