Improper Film Handling And Technique Errors

Front 1

What is wrong?

Back 1

Image Distortion
Patient might have moved
Ask patient to sit still.
Can adjust kVp, mA, Exposure time

Front 2

What is the error?

Back 2

Not diagnostic
Apex is missing

Front 3

What is the error?

Back 3

Processing Error
Underdeveloped film appears light.
Inadequate development time.
Developer solution too cool
Inaccurate timer or thermometer
Depleted or contaminated developer solution

To fix?
Check development time and temperature.
Replace faulty timer & thermometer
Replenish developer with fresh solutions as needed.

Front 4

What is the error?

Back 4

Processing Error
Overdeveloped film appears too dark.
Excessive developing time
Developer solution too hot
Inaccurate timer or thermometer
Concentrated developer solution

To fix?
Check development time & temperature.
Replace faulty timer & thermometer
Replenish developer with fresh solutions

Front 5

What is the error?

Back 5

Processing and FH Error:
Reticulation of Emulsion
Sudden temperature change between developer & water bath.
To fix?
Check temperature of processing solutions and water bath.
Avoid drastic temperature changes

Front 6

What is the error?

Back 6

Developer spots appear dark or black.
Developer comes in contact with film before processing
To fix?
Use a clean work area.

Front 7

What is the error?

Back 7

Fixer spots appear as white or light spots
The fixer comes in contact with film before processing
To fix?
Use a clean work area.

Front 8

What is the error?

Back 8

Yellow brown color results in exhausted developer or fixer.
Insufficient fixation time
Insufficient rinsing
Artifact: Fingerprint

To fix?
Replenish chemicals with fresh solutions
Use adequate fixation time.
Rinse for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Hold film by sides.

Front 9

What is the error?

Back 9

FH Error:
Developer cutoff has a straight white border
Underdeveloped portion of film due to low level of developer.
To fix:
Check developer level before processing & add solution if necessary.

Front 10

What is the error?

Back 10

FH Error:
Fixer cutoff – Straight black border on a film
Unfixed portion of film due to low level of fixer.
To fix?
Check fixer level before proceeding & add solution if needed.

Front 11

What is the error?

Back 11

FH Error:
Overlapped films have white or dark areas that appear on film when overlapped.
Two films contacting each other during processing.
To fix?
Separate films so that no contact takes place during processing.

Front 12

What is the error?

Back 12

FH Error:
Air bubbles appear as tiny white spots.
Air is trapped on the film surfaces after being placing in the processing solution.
To fix?
Gently agitate film racks when film is in processing solution.

Front 13

What is the error?

Back 13

FH Error:
Fingernail Artifact appears as a black crescent-shaped mark.
Also, Underdeveloped.
Film emulsion damaged by operator’s fingernail during rough handling
To fix?
Gently handle films & hold them on edges only.
Check development times, temperature

Front 14

What is the error?

Back 14

FH Error:
Fingerprint Artifact appears as a black fingerprint.
Film touched by fingers that are contaminated with fluoride or developer.
To fix?
Wash & dry hands thoroughly before processing films.

Front 15

What is the error?

Back 15

FH Error:
Static Electricity appears as thin, black, branching lines
Occurs when a film packet is opened quickly or before the radiographer touches a conductive object.
To Fix?
Open packet slowly and touch a conductive object before opening films.

Front 16

What is the error?

Back 16

FH Error:
Scratched film has white lines on it.
Soft emulsion is removed from the film by a sharp object.
To fix?
Use care when handling films and film racks.

Front 17

What is the error?

Back 17

FH Error:
Light Leak – exposed area appears black.
Accidental exposure of film to white light.
To fix?
Examine film packets for defects before using.
Never unwrap films in the presence of white light.

Front 18

What is the error?

Back 18

FH Error:
Fogged film is gray; lack of detail or contrast.
Improper safelighting
Light leaks in darkroom
Outdated films
Improper film storage
Contaminated solutions
Developer solution too hot
To fix?
Check filter & bulb wattage of safelight.
Check darkroom for light leaks.
Check expiration date on film packets.
Store films in a cool, dry protected area
Avoid contaminated solutions by covering tanks after each use.
Check temperature of the developer.