Quality Control Of Film Processing in medical x-ray imaging

Abstract

  Film processing is playing important role of producing radiographic image. Any spoil in processing will affect the image quality, so it is important to do processing monitoring by using either commercially available sensitometer or aluminum stepwedge. Besides, the performance of x-ray machine is also important to keep it maintained ,We know the source of the radiation in the medical field especially in diagnosis X-ray department is X-ray machine ,so The quality control of film processing and  x-ray machine is necessary to make sure that it meets the regulation requirements to prevent unnecessary dose to the patient undergone the diagnostic procedures.

From the study we get the follow:

- the speed of film using automatic processor is faster than manual processor. Also they are found to have the weak processing chemical for manual processor, that is why the speed is slow and they have the lower maximum density compare to auto processor. Ideally, sensitometer monitoring should be done as daily routine work and it is used to monitor the performance of film processing, darkroom and related item and equipment.

- Sensitometer Density for Exposure A and B using Auto Processor vs Manual:

i.) Measurement of film speed = Density of middle spot = 1.435 (for automatically( film A)) & 1.02 (for manually (film B))

ii.) Average gradient (gamma) = Difference of density between outer 2 spots = 0.828 (for automatically film A) & 0.575 (for manually film B)

iii.) Base plus fog density = 0.21automatically, 0.22 manually.

-The density v.s aluminum thickness curve is similar in form to the characteristic curve of a screen-film combination. The slope of the density  vs. thickness curve is dependent on the exposure factor used to radiograph the aluminum stepwedge.

We can conclude that the results in this study showed us that the quality control of processing film was good in condition. These quality control procedures should be done according to the time to avoid unnecessary damages to the films and processing materials. The good implementation of quality control will produce a good image to help the consultant to diagnosis the patient. So the patient no needs to expose to unnecessary dose.