For 22 years now, Hi-Precision Diagnostics has been offering Cebuanos of all walks of life top-quality healthcare and reliable service, with globally competitive machines and services used in clinics in the United States and Europe, and a dedicated team of healthcare workers who go the extra mile in care and excellence.
Everything from online results to new branches or home service via our mobile X-ray van is to ensure that patients can get the healthcare they need as reliably and conveniently as possible.
This commitment to patient care extends to how we handle kids.
To book a home service X-ray appointment, call our landline (888 2222), cell phone/Viber (0917 770 3638), or message Hi-Pre Cebu on Facebook.
For parents, we understand that medical procedures for kids are a necessary but frightening experience. That is why we invest in experienced staff who specialize with young children and will be giving you tips on helping your child during an X-ray or other imaging procedures.
READ MORE: A guide to taking your child to a blood extraction
When does my child need an X-ray?
According to in-house radiologic technologist Kamilah Joy Andaya-Andagan, the most common X-rays for children are for the chest and extremities (limbs).
“Kon naay mga symptoms like ubo (ang bata), chest X-ray sa ilaha. They also need X-ray kon naay mga traumas, or na-aksidente,” she said.
For children, intense physical play is also a normal everyday activity, which can lead to injury. In this event, it is best to consult your doctor as soon as possible, and to comply with whatever X-ray and test they request.
Main challenges
The good thing about X-rays is that they are a safe and painless procedure. Fellow radtech Kathryn Briones explains that she often gets asked about the risk of radiation.
“Very minimal lang ang risk sa X-ray. Gamay ra kaayo ang dose nga madawat sa patient.” This is precisely because Hi-Precision uses high-end X-ray machines that only need small doses of radiation to take very clear images.
However, given the age and unpredictability of children, there are still some major challenges for the procedure.
Fear of the unknown
This is the primary reason why kids feel uneasy or afraid during the X-ray procedure.
“I think [the fear comes from] general perception na sa appearance gani. Like, murag naka-healthcare uniform nya wa sad sila kaila namo. Murag naa silay gihunahuna nga ‘naa silay buhaton nako,” Andaya-Andagan explains.
This is worsened by the fact that unless absolutely necessary, children often enter the X ray room alone for the procedure. “Naay uban nga muhilak inig sulod or naa mi buhaton. Nya usahay kon mogawas mi sa room mukalma sila. Nya inig mobalik, nahilak na sad sila.”
Tendency to move
In X-ray procedures, patients often need to stay put to allow for clearer images. However, children are often unpredictable with their movements, especially if they are too young to understand the procedure or are afraid.
“Pag 6-12 years old ang kid, makasabot na bitaw silag istoryahan. Ang pinakalisod sa mga children, kana gyod mga toddler. Kay kon infant nga pila ka months lang, ok lang silag kuptan. Pero ang toddler, mga kusgan kaayo sila unya di kaayo maminaw.”
Ms. Briones explains the things that toddlers will do when afraid or agitated.
“Tuyok-tuyok na, magligid ligid, naa sad uban ipakong ang ilahang kaugalingon. Kay para lang di sila ma-X-rayhan kay nahadlok sila.” Because of this, toddlers need at least two able-bodied adults to restrain them during the X-ray procedure.
Tips for Parents
So how do we handle irate or uncooperative children during this time? Here are some tips from our staff.
Bring at least two other adults to help, and hold firmly
Imaging staff in Hi-Precision recommend at least two able-bodied adults who can firmly hold down an infant or toddler during an X-ray procedure. “[Especially sa toddler] kay kusgan gyod sila. Kay usually kon isa ra ang guardian, dili mo-push through ang procedure kay dili magunitan og tarong.”
The reason why parents need to bring extra hands is because our staff will be focused on the technical aspects of the procedure. Cooperation is also key for the procedure to be fast and safe for everyone.
Calmly inform the child of what to expect
This is especially true for school aged children to prevent fear of the unknown. “Mas maayo kon ilang advance mag-istorya kon unsay mahitabo, unya unsa ni siya nga procedure. Kabantay man sad ko nga naay ubang parents , murag ilang gi-inform daan nga ‘X-rayhan ra man ka ni ate, buutan ra man siya.’ Makatabang sad siya.”
If the child is still afraid or has become uncooperative, comfort the child and reassure them that the medical test will be finished faster if they comply. It is also good to reassure them that the procedure is painless and that there is no need to be afraid of the medical staff.
Provide moral support to children when they are scared or uncooperative
Parents are urged to mentally prepare to give positive support to children to help make this unfamiliar experience a pleasant one.
“Naa man gud uban nga parents nga mas mangisog hinuon sila. Di na hinuon magtuo ang bata, mas muhilak siya, unya mas delay ang process sa procedure kay muneed pa man ta mukalma ang bata. Nya basin ma-trauma na gani ang bata for the future.”
On top of this, parents must remember to be ready with any necessary patient preparations for kids, whether it be a doctor’s request or records of previous films if requested. If the procedure was made through prior scheduling, parents must make sure to be on time as well. To know more, feel free to message Hi-Precision Diagnostics on Facebook or contact them via landline or cellphone/Viber.
Hi-Precision Diagnostics is Cebu’s one-stop-shop for complete medical testing needs, offering thousands of blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, heart center procedures, and CT Scan. To book a home service X-ray appointment, call our landline (888 2222), cell phone/Viber (0917 770 3638), or message Hi-Pre Cebu on Facebook. We highly encourage you to like Hi-Precision Cebu on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.
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