1. Film, Cassettes, and Developing Processes

2. Introduction
While machine settings are a big part of creating a good quality diagnostic image, there are also many other factors that contribute to image quality. Many of these factors are include equipment, film handling, and processing techniques.
During this lesson, we will explore the importance of diagnostic images as a part of the patient medical record, as well as equipment and supplies used in both manual and automatic film processing.

3. Lesson Objectives Objectives:
Explore film composition, types, and film identification.
Discuss importance of radiographic films as a part of the patient medical record.
Introduce components of a darkroom for film processing.
Discuss steps involved in manual and automatic film processing.

4. Important Terms Terms used in this lesson: Accelerators Latent image
Developer
Rinse Bath
Emulsion
Safelight
Fixer
Silver Halide
Intensifying screens
Stop Bath

5. X-ray Film X-ray film contains several layers: Base Adhesive. Emulsion
Silver halide crystals
Protective coating

6. X-ray Film Characteristics of x-ray film: Screen film Non-screen film
Fast Film
Non-screen film
Film speed
Medium Film
Film Latitude
Slow Film

7. X-ray Film Film must be handled and stored properly:
In a cool, dry place.
Vertically (on end) not horizontally (flat).
Away from ionizing radiation.
Away from strong chemicals (i.e. ammonia, formalin, etc.)
Used before expiration date

8. Intensifying Screens Characteristics of Intensifying Screens:
Phosphor crystal layer with protective coating.
High level of x-ray absorption
High x-ray-to-light conversion
Little or no “afterglow” following radiation.

9. The Dark Room Characteristics of a Dark Room: Clean Organized
“dry” side
“wet” side
Lightproof
Safelight

10. FilmProcessing Film processing contains 5 basic steps: 1) Developing
2) Rinsing (stop bath)
3) Fixing
4) Washing
5) Drying

11. Developer
Developer: converts silver halide crystals to black metallic silver.
Converts Latent Image to Visible Image
Use correct time and temperature
Developers contain:
Developing agents
Accelerators
Preservatives
Restrainers
Hardeners

12. Rinse Bath The purpose of the rinse bath is:
Stop the developing process.
Rinse the developer from the film.
Prevents contamination of the fixer.
Also called a “stop bath”

13. Fixer The fixer has two basic purposes.
Clears the unexposed silver halide crystals.
Hardens the gelatin coating
Fixers contain:
Clearing agents
Acidifiers
Preservatives
Buffers
Hardeners
Solvent

14. Final Wash Bath The final step in film development:
Removes processing chemicals from the film.
Washes film in circulating water.
Rinse time should be minutes.

15. Maintaining Processing Fluids
Processing fluids may alter image quality:
Control Temperatures
Solution Replenishers
Biologic growth
Drain and clean tanks once every 3 months.

16. Manual Processing Steps for Manual Processing include:
Prepare and check chemicals
Check room condition
Select appropriate size film hanger
Turn off white light – turn on safe light

17. Manual Processing Steps for Manual Processing include:
Unload cassette and place film on hanger
Submerge film in developer
Gently agitate film
Reload empty cassette
Remove film after 5 minutes

18. Manual Processing Steps for Manual Processing include:
Place film in rinse bath
Remove from rinse
Submerge in Fixer
Remove after 10 minutes
Rinse in wash tank
Hang film to dry

19. Automatic Processing Automatic processing:
Involves same principles as manual processing.
Advantages:
Standardizes steps and processes
Minimizes drying time.

20. Film Identification
Every radiograph should be properly labeled for easy identification.
Information permanently recorded on film.
Basic label information includes:
Name and address of hospital or veterinarian
Date.
Patient identification

21. Film Identification Methods of film labeling: Lead Markers
Lead-Impregnated Tape
Photoimprinting

22. Film Filing
Radiographic film should be filed so that they are easily located:
Film should be completely dry.
Labeled appropriately
Place in a film sleeve with ID information visible.
Filed according to hospital filing system.

23. Lesson Review This lesson reviewed the following topics:
Film composition, types, and film identification.
The importance of radiographic films as a part of the patient medical record.
Introduced the components of a darkroom for film processing.
Discuss steps involved in manual
and automatic film processing.

24. Resources and Information
Books:
Radiography in Veterinary Technology, by Lisa Lavin
Practical Diagnostic Imaging for the Veterinary Technician, by Connie Han and Cheryl Herd.
Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, by Bassert and McCurnin, 7th edition.