Radiographic Analog Processing

Radiography Theory

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Quiz

This theory module provides a thorough introduction to radiographic film and film processing, handling and storage.

This theory module provides a thorough introduction to radiographic film and film processing, handling and storage. It also covers special imaging methods such as tomography and magnification radiography. It offers students and practitioners the knowledge of how analog images are created on film, and how to process radiographic film accurately, in preparation for working with real X-ray equipment.

You’ll learn

how radiographic film is constructed and the different types of film
to identify the chemical components, interactions and processes required to create a radiograph
to identify the different systems within the automatic processor
the characteristics of intensifying screens and their care
how to handle and store radiographic film
what specific precautions are required to meet health and safety standards when processing radiographic film
the principles of tomography and magnification radiography
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Radiographic film

Step 1.1 - Remnant radiation

Step 1.2 - Film construction

Step 1.2.1 - Base

Step 1.2.2 - Emulsion

Step 1.2.3 - Silver halide crystals

Step 1.3 - Latent image formation

Step 1.3.1 - Photon interaction with silver halide (Gurney-Mott theory)

Step 1.3.2 - Latent image

Step 1.4 - Types of film

Step 1.4.1 - Screen-film

Step 1.4.2 - Direct exposure film (non-screen film; special application film)

Step 1.4.3 - Mammography film

Step 1.4.4 - Laser film

Step 1.4.5 - Specialty film

Step 2 - Intensifying screens

Step 2.1 - Cassette

Step 2.2 - Screen construction

Step 2.3 - Luminescence

Step 2.4 - Screen characteristics

Step 2.4.1 - Screen speed

Step 2.4.2 - Image noise

Step 2.4.3 - Spatial resolution

Step 2.5 - Screen-film combinations

Step 2.6 - Screen care

Step 3 - Processing the latent image

Step 3.1 - Chemical processes

Step 3.2 - Silver recovery

Step 4 - Processing

Step 4.1 - Automatic processing

Step 4.1.1 - Transport system

Step 4.1.2 - Temperature control system

Step 4.1.3 - Circulation system

Step 4.1.4 - Replenishment system

Step 4.1.5 - Dryer system

Step 4.2 - Alternative processing methods

Step 4.2.1 - Rapid processing

Step 4.2.2 - Extended processing

Step 4.2.3 - Daylight processing

Step 4.2.4 - Dry processing

Step 5 - Handling and storage of film

Step 5.1 - Heat and humidity

Step 5.2 - Light

Step 5.3 - Radiation

Step 5.4 - Shelf life

Step 5.5 - Safelights

Step 6 - Health and safety

Step 6.1 - Glutaraldehyde exposure

Step 6.2 - Multiple chemical sensitivity

Step 6.3 - Safety regulations

Step 6.4 - Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Step 6.5 - Safety resources

Step 7 - Special imaging methods

Step 7.1 - Tomography

Step 7.2 - Magnification radiography

Discuss the construction of radiographic film
List and define the characteristics of x-ray film
Understand and describe the chemical components/interaction and process required to convert a latent image to a ready-to-read radiograph
Explain the systems of the automatic processor
Describe the component layers, properties, and care of a radiographic intensifying screen
Describe image noise and image blur
Explain the Patient's Bill of Rights, HIPAA Privacy Rule, and Patient Safety Act

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long