Radiology - Processing Errors

Handling film with wet hands
– do not hold by body of radiograph
– use a film clip

Fixer solution too old, chemicals exhausted or inadequate washing with water

insufficient fixation, rinsing or washing

Not enough developer in tank
– Solution only covers half of the film

Film exposed to light before placed in processing (developer and fixer)

Developer solution spilled on film before it was washed
– contamination of developer prior to processig

Not enough fixer in tank. Solution only covers half of the film

Improper safelighting, Darkroom light leaks, Improper film storage, not processed quickly, Contaminated processing solutions, High developing temp/concentration

must be 4 feet away from safelight
appears gray, lack of image detail

processing error: _______
– high density, high contrast
– very dark

– appears cracked
– difference in temperature of Developer and Fixer solutions

Developer too hot, Too much time in the developer, Exposure to light, inaccurate thermometer/timer

soln: shorten development time
appearance: too dark

Developer too cold, Not enough time in developer, Developer solutions too old, deplted soln

soln: prolong development time
appears: extremely light, very low contrast/density

Removing Film to quickly from packet

appears black, branched lines

Film splashed with fixer before processing (developing).

totally dark film, no image
as compared to overdeveloped film, where you can still see an image

developer: white areas on underdeveloped portion of film
fixer: black areas on underdeveloped portion of film

appears as white lines on the radiograph

this processing error occurs if agitated, mix gently
appears as: white spots, looks same as fixer spots but more definite circular shape

contamination with fixer, appears as white spots

processing error: ______
very light background, tooth not seen in film
(clear)

portion of film turned slightly yellow

processing error: failing to remove ________ wrapper
extremely dark in most areas