title: Neonates do not need to be handled for radiographs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The handling of sick neonates may have detrimental effects such as hypoxia or bradycardia. Such handling is inevitable due to the frequent need for practical procedures; however, minimising handling reduces these adverse events and may improve outcome. Radiography is one of the commonest procedures performed on neonates. Usually the infant is lifted and placed onto the radiographic cassette; however, modern incubators often incorporate a tray beneath the mattress in which the radiographic cassette can be placed without the need to disturb the infant.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the quality of chest radiographs taken using the standard direct contact method, with those taken using the under-tray technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  A series of chest radiographs taken over a 21-month period were analysed independently by two consultant paediatric radiologists unaware of the radiographic details. The position of the radiograph, i.e. direct contact or under-tray, was determined by the radiographer. Radiographic quality was scored on the following features: exposure, blurring, rotation, cut-off or coning, and side markers. A subjective score was also included. The results from each radiologist were analysed separately.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy chest radiographs were analysed-25 standard method, 45 under-tray. A statistically significant advantage for the under-tray method was seen on two analyses-radiologist 1 for exposure, and radiologist 2 for cut-off. No other significant differences were noted. There were no differences in the infants' weights or radiation exposure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The under-tray method for taking radiographs may produce films of at least equivalent quality to the standard method. Since the standard method involves handling with potential desaturation and bradycardia, this technique should cease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Health, Llandough Hospital, Penarth, Cardiff CF64 4XX, UK. dawnslade@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Slade
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Mazin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alfaham
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Zoe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Guildea
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tuthill
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006234:Handling, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods*
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