1 Possible Radiographic Errors Radiology

2 During Exposure Film is bent during set up and exposure Causing distortion Film is bent during set up and exposure Causing distortion

3 Elongation Vertical angulation error; not enough positive angle on max or negative angle on md

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5 Foreshortening Also vertical angulation; too much angulation; correct by decreasing vertical angulation

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7 Overlapping Incorrect horizontal angulation; cone is angled toward mesial or distal surfaces of teeth, instead of at interproximal areas *Evaluate film placement in regard to curve of arch, NOT pt;s face/cheeks Incorrect horizontal angulation; cone is angled toward mesial or distal surfaces of teeth, instead of at interproximal areas *Evaluate film placement in regard to curve of arch, NOT pt;s face/cheeks

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9 Conecutting X-ray beam missed part of the film; film is only partially exposed

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11 Clear Film Film was not exposed to any radiation

12 Double Exposure Film is exposed twice; results in blurred images or dark x-ray

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14 Blurred Image Result from movement of pt’s head or tubehead or from film moving in pt’s mouth

15 Underexposed Film Light and has thin image; check the settings for mAs, kVs and exposure time; also occurs if cone is not positioned close enough to pt’s face

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17 Overexposed Film Dark image; check settings again

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19 Radiopaque Film Metal objects; check for and remove

20 Backward Film Placing film reversed causes image to be white and a herringbone pattern to be seen

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22 Film Processing

23 Light film image Underprocessed; developing time too short, developing temp too low, developing solution weak from overuse and needs to be changed

24 Dark film image Over developing: developing solution temp too high, devel solution too stong, film left in devel too long

25 Fogged Film Gray appearance, film image detail is lost, contrast is lessened; improper storage conditions, outdated films, light leaks in processing room, light leaks on daylight loaders

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27 Partial Image Solution levels are low

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29 Film Artifacts Result from improper handling; water spots on unprocessed films leaves clear area; fixer on unprocessed film leaves white area; developer leaves black area; also, yellow/brown stain from not rinsing properly, black artifacts from static electicity, fluroide leaves fingerprint smudge; films which touch leave shape of edge or corner of film

30 Torn or Scratched Rough handling; leaves white area or mark on processed film

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32 Air Bubbles on Film Trapped on film if not agitated when placed in processing solutions; leaves round white spots

33 Reticulation When film has been exposed to high temp then low temp; looks dried with tiny cracks

34 Streaks Dirty rollers or x-ray racks