Darkroom and Film Processing Rad Tech A – Week 10 Fall 2007

Darkroom

Darkrooms – Still Necessary? Darkrooms are necessary for manually fed processors and daylight processors. -Loading automatic film processor magazines. Necessary for conducting certain quality control tests (daily sensitometric strip).

Darkroom

Darkrooms 4 Basic Functions Number 1 Function Storage –Unexposed film

Film Bin

DARKROOM FUNCTION # 2 Purpose of Film Processing Change silver halide crystals from film emulsion (after exposure to x-ray or light photons) to black metallic silver. Latent image (invisible until processed) is developed into a Manifest image. Improper or careless processing can cause poor diagnostic quality.

Manual Feed Processor

Hand Processing in the Early years Strong smell of chemicals Messy Time consuming

1956 – first roller transport 6 minute processing time

Processing Time 3 minutes 90 seconds

Processing Film Table top Processors TABLE TOP PROCESSOR Can process as fast as 60 seconds

PROCSSING CHEMICALS Solutions are PRE- MIXED Solutions are PRE- MIXED Outside Company usually provides service- Outside Company usually provides service- Weekly or monthly Weekly or monthly Solutions should be replenished as necessary & changed regularly Solutions should be replenished as necessary & changed regularly Solutions must be monitored (Daily QC strip). Solutions must be monitored (Daily QC strip).

Replenishment tanks

TABLE TOP FILM DUPLICATOR to MAKE COPIES OF FILMS

WILL THIS WORK ????

Daylight Processor

Function # 3: Handling of Film

UNLOAD EXPOSED FILM

Function # 4: Film Identification Pt name Exam date & time Pt x-ray number Pt Birthday/DOB Rt or Lt marker Optional –Exam type –Dr. Name

FILM ID PRINTER Name of patient place on top Cassette is “flashed” with name – can be done before or after image is taken Should be done BEFORE PROCESSING FILM

AUTOMATIC PROCESSING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DEVELOPER FIXER WASHER DRYER REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM

Automatic Processor

Processor Chemistry Overview Developer – converts latent image into manifest image Fixer – clear the film of unexposed, undeveloped silver bromide crystals, promotes archival quality Wash – rid the film of residual chemicals

Developer Solution (6 Ingredients) 1.Reducing Agent: reduce exposed silver halide to black metallic silver -Hydroquinone (Blacks) -Phenidone (Grays) 2. Activator: softens gelatin, maintains alkaline pH (increase pH) -Sodium Carbonate

Developer Solution 3. Hardener: prevents damage to the film from over swelling of gelatin in automatic processors. -Gluteraldehyde 4. Preservative: Antioxidant that prevents oxidation of developer -Sodium Sulfite

Developer Solution 5. Restrainer: prevents chemical fog in new developer -Potassium Bromide 6. Solvent: dissolves & ionizes the developer chemicals -Water

Fixer Solution (5 Ingredients) 1.Clearing Agent: dissolves undeveloped silver halide -Ammonium Thiosulfate 2. Tanning Agent: shrinks, hardens, preserves emulsion -Aluminum Salt

Fixer Solution 3. Activator: neutralizes developer, maintains acidic pH (decrease pH) -Acetic Acid 4. Preservative: prevents oxidation, prolongs solution life -Sodium Sulfite 5. Solvent: dissolves other ingredients -Water

Wash Rid the film of residual chemicals for developer and fixer Residual chemicals on the film will discolor radiograph over time. Cold water processors are less efficient in removing chemicals – Warm water processors much better. Agitation during wash process is essential

Fixer Retention (Not Washed Off)

Transport System Components Feed Tray Rollers (Different Assemblies): 1. Entrance 2. Deep Racks 3. Turnaround 4. Crossover 5. Squeegee 6. Dryer Receiving Bin

Transport System (Rollers) Turnaround Entrance Deep Racks Crossover Squeegee Dryer Feed Tray

Processor (Top View)

Replenishment System Main function: Keep solution tanks full and assure proper solution concentration. As film is introduced into processor, sensor initiates solution replenishment Right & wrong way to feed in film -Feed in along short edge

Transport System in Automatic Processors Conveys the film through different solutions (sections) by a series of rollers driven by gears, chains & sprockets. Done at a prescribed speed – determines length of time the film is in each solution

Temperature Regulation Main function: To control the temperature of each section of the processor. Developer – most important solution to regulate Usually between 92 degrees and 95 degrees Thermostatically controlled

Recirculation System Provides agitation necessary for uniform solution concentration

Wash & Dryer Systems Wash: Provide thorough removal of chemical solutions from the film. -Archival film quality Dryer: Removes water from film by blowing warm, dry air - Between 120 degrees & 130 degrees F.

Silver Recovery About ½ of the film’s silver remains in the emulsion after exposure & processing. Other ½ (unexposed silver) is removed from the film during fixing process. Silver is toxic to public water supply – must have proper disposal.

What is in the Darkroom?

Darkroom Contents Loading Bench Film Bin Film I.D. Printer Safelights Pass Box Light-tight Room Ample ventilation Warning Light outside room Lockable Door Wall Shielding if adjacent to x-ray room Walls painted with light color to reflect safelight

Darkroom Equipment

Safe Light 15 Watts Red filter Must be 3-6 feet from counter top or feed tray of processor Used to be amber or orange filter

Darkroom Summary

Summary & Questions

RTA LAB 2 : PROCESSING & SCREEN EXPOSURE IONIZING LAB INTENSIFYING SCREEN DARKROOM PROCESSING & CHEMISTRY COMPLETE IN CLASS WORKSHEET