1. Technical Artifacts and Errors
Chapter 11

2. Artifacts
Anything that decreases the quality of the radiograph resulting in difficult evaluation and interpretation.
Problems with artifacts:
Increases unnecessary re-takes
May cause misdiagnosis

3. Consistent Artifacts
If artifact is appearing consistently, cassette should be identified and thoroughly cleaned inside and out.
If fault is persistent should be labeled as faulty and put out of use.

4. Common Artifacts and Causes
Film too Dark
Too much kVp
Too much developer time
Over-measurement
Machine not calibrated
SID not correct for grid use

5. Artifacts continued Film too light
Underexposure, need to increase kVp or mAs.
Underdeveloped
X-ray tube failure
Incorrect screen-film combination
Out of calibration

6. Artifacts Continued Film gray/Lack of Contrast Too much kVp
Radiation fog due to exposure film
Light leak in darkroom
Film Storage issues
Exhausted chemical issues
Out of date film
Lack of grid with use of high kVp’s
Double exposure
Too high of wattage in safelight

7. Artifacts continued Lack of Detail Increased object-film distance
Blurring due to poor screen-film contact
Blurring due to patient motion
Blurring due to x-ray tube motion
Distorted image due to central x-ray not directed at center of film
Double exposure

8. Artifacts Continued Heavy Lines on Radiograph
Grid lines due to inappropriate use of grid
Roller marks from processor issues
Inconsistent film density
Collimation of primary beam
Bucky tray not positioned correctly
Light leak into cassette
Target damage

9. Artifacts continued Black marks Crimping or folding of film
Two films sticking together during development
Static Electricity
Developer on film before processing

10. Artifacts continued Clear areas on film Hair in cassette
Scratch in film emulsion
Line de to scratch on screen surface
Air bubble in film
Contrast medium on cassette or table
Film touching side of tank during manual processing.

11. Artifacts continued Yellow Radiograph
Fixer splashes on film before developing
Premature age due to improper fixation
Film sticking together during fixing process
Incomplete washing.

12. Motion

13. Double Exposure

14. Stuff in Cassette

15. Hands in view

16. Lead in the Way

17. Light Artifact

18. Cassette upside down

19. Static