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PROCESSOR CONTROL BOOK

PROCESSOR QUALITY CONTROL FOR CLINICAL STAFF VERSION 1.0 | West Coast Imaging 2013 — All Rights Reserved. Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited.

Chapter 1 About your Quality Control Program............................................................... 1 Objectives ............................................................................................................... 2 Introduction to Quality Assurance .................................................................. 3 Importance of Processor Quality ...................................................................... 4Chapter 2 Establishing Processor Quality Control Program ........................................ 5 Daily Processor Quality Control ....................................................................... 8 Crossover Procedure ........................................................................................... 9 Maintaining an X-Ray Processor within limits ............................................. 10 Chapter 3 Quick Start Daily Quality Control (Daily) ...................................... 11 How to Establish a Baseline Operating Level ............................. 12 Example of 5 Day Average 1 ............................................................. 13 Example of Established 5 Day Average ........................................ 14 Base and Fog ......................................................................................... 15 Mid-Density (MD) ............................................................................... 16 Density Difference (DD) ..................................................................... 17 Crossover Procedure .......................................................................... 18

Chapter 4 Blank Daily Processor Control Charts ............................................................. 19Chapter 5 Fixer Retention Test (3 Month) ........................................................................ 35Chapter 6 Darkroom Fog Test (6 Months) ........................................................................ 37Chapter 7 Regulations ............................................................................................................. 39Chapter 8 Storage and Handling .......................................................................................... 42 Chemistry ................................................................................................................ 43 Controlling the Darkroom Environment ........................................................ 43 Film Handling ......................................................................................................... 43 Safety and Environmental Issues ..................................................................... 43Chapter 9 Annual Equipment Calibration Log ................................................................. 44Chapter 10 MSDS Sheets ......................................................................................................... 46

CONTENTS

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ABOUT YOURQUALITY CONTROLPROGRAM

PAGE 1


OBJECTIVES

PAGE 2

QUALITY ASSURANCE

After reading this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the difference between Quality Assurance and Quality Control, demonstrate the steps to achieve both, and communicate the importance of Quality Assurance and Quality Control. • Explain the purpose and importance of the Quality tests required by the ACR and FDA to Quality Assurance.


INTRODUCTION TO QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality Assurance is a set of guidelines, tests, and procedures followed on a planned schedule to help assure that optimum quality images are produced to facilitate accurate diagnosis. Quality Control consists of the tests and procedures used in a quality assurance plan to routinely assess the imaging environment.

Our Quality Assurance program has been developed to assure consistent high-quality x-ray results. Within our program, there is a Quality Control function which you will be responsible for as a qualified specialist. The importance of your role in the Quality Assurance program and more specifically, in helping you carry out the Quality Control procedures, cannot be over-stressed. Following correct Quality Control Procedures to the letter translates into high-quality x-ray images that reflect the patient’s current condition and gives the radiologist critical information upon which to make medical care recommendations.

Quality Control Procedures required by the ACR and FDAThe American College of Radiography (ACR) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have established quality standards for x-ray facilities. All sites are required to subscribe to and perform the quality control procedures specified in the Quality Control manual. The seven (7) required tests must be performed by the technologist at minimum frequencies, and the required documentation must also be completed:

1. Darkroom cleanliness — Daily2. Processor Quality Control — Daily3. Cleaning of screens and cassettes — Weekly4. Viewboxes and viewing conditions — Weekly5. Visual checklist — Monthly6. Analysis of fixer retention in film — Every 3 months7. Darkroom fog — Every 6 months

PAGE 3


Importance of Processor Quality Control

Processor Quality Control is one of the Quality Control tests that are required to do daily, in order to fain and maintain ACR and FDA standards. With this test, they confirm that the film processor-chemical system is working in a consistent manner according to the manufacturer’s established specifications.

When a service engineer performs regular processor maintenance visits to your site, we will also want to do a Processor Quality Control check. It is very important that when we do this test we generate your sensitometric strip in exactly the same way you do it. The protocol for conducting this test at your site should be posted above the processor feed tray. To guarantee consistent results, consider having your processor service engineer do the Processor Quality Control test while you observe.

Regardless of who does it, the Processor Quality Control check should be done before you begin your preventive maintenance, and again after the preventive maintenance is done, to verify that the values are correct and that the processor is in control.

PAGE 4

ESTABLISHING PROCESSOR QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM

PAGE 5


Establishing Processor Quality ControlWhen a Quality Control program is initiated or when a different type of film or developer is to be used in the processor, the following is the procedure to establish the correct operating levels for the processor:

1. You first should select a fresh box of x-ray film of the same type as that which is currently being used for x-ray. This box of film should then be reserved for Quality Control purposes only. a. Label the box “Q.C.” with a permanent marker b. Mark the date on the box with permanent marker. 2. It is important to assure that the processor has been properly set up. When the thermometer built into the processor indicates it is at operating temperature, you should recheck it with a separate thermometer. If needed, the developer temperature should be adjusted to meet the recommended specifications of the manufacturer (WARNING: You should never use the thermometers containing mercury. If the thermometer breaks, the mercury will permanently contaminate the processor). 3. Using a sensitometer, you should expose and process a sensitometric strip for five consecutive days. If the sensitometer is exposure adjustable, make sure the DIP switches are set appropriately (optical density closest to 1.20 on step 11). These five strips together will enable you to establish a baseline against which processor performance can be monitored. (For details on operating the sensitometer, you may want to refer to the manual that comes with the sensitometer.)4. Before processing each strip, you should be sure that: a. The developer temperature has stabilized at the proper setting. b. One sheet (35x43 cm) of roller transport cleanup film has been run through the processor. This cleanup procedure can help to remove precipitates, dirt and other materials that may be deposited on the transport mechanism. c. The film has been inserted into the sensitometer properly. Single-emulsion film must be inserted emulsion side down. Single-emulsion is usually for mammography. (Mammography Film Only) The film is positioned on the film feed tray emulsion side up if that is the recommended procedure for the processor the customer is using. The sensitometric strip is placed on the film feed tray so the less exposed density step is fed into the processor first.

PAGE 6


d. The sensitometeric strip is placed on the same side of the processor feed each time. Be sure the delay between exposure and processing is similar each day to avoid any latent image changes that may occur with time.

5. On the fifth day, you should read and record the densities of each step of the sensitomeric strip, including an area of processed film which has not been exposed.

If you have a densitometer connected to a printer, the density of each step can be printed. If you are using a spot-reading densitometer, it is important that the reading be taken from the center of each step, not near the edge.

1. Determine the average value for each step by adding the values for that step to the five strips and dividing by 5. 2. Determine which step has an average density closest to 1.20 (1.00 plus base+fog). This step should then be marked on the processed film from the fifth day. You should designate this step as the mid-density (9MD) step and note the average density beside it (this step is also referred to as the speed point, speed index, or speed step).3. Determine which step has an average density closest to 2.20 and which step has an average density closest to, but not less than 0.45 (2.00 and 0.25 above base + fog). These steps should be marked on the film and the average values noted beside them. The difference in density between these two steps should be designated as the density difference (DD) (the density difference is also referred to as contrast or contrast index).4. Determine the average of the densities from step 1 or from any unexposed area of the five strips (a specific area should be read consistently). Total the results and divide by five to calculate the average. This density will be designated as the base-plus-fog level (B+F) of the film since it is a measure of the density of the film base (the material the emulsion is coated upon) and the emulsion fog.

PAGE 7


Daily Processor Quality ControlConsistency in processing is achieved through daily assessment of the processing system. The ACR and FDA require that processor QC be performed daily, the results evaluated and corrective action taken (if necessary) before processing any x-ray films.

5. You should record the numerical values of the MD (mid-density), DD (density difference), and B+F (base-plus-fog) on the center line of the appropriate areas of the X-Ray Processing Control Chart (a sample of which is included in the “Reference Section” of this manual along with a sample of the ACR Control Chart). The temperature should also be recorded on the X-Ray Processing Control Chart. 6. The upper and lower control limits for each value should be recorded on the control chart ( +/- 0.15 for MD and DD, +0.05 for B+F)

Follow these steps:1. Generate a sensitometric strip the same way it was done when establishing

the processor quality control program. Film from the box reserved for QC must be used.

2. Measure the optical densities for MD (speed), DD (contrast), and B+F (base + fog) using the same steps previously determined from the five-day averages of the 21 steps. 3. Plot the points on the chart.

NOTE: It is easy for the person doing this, especially if new to processor QC, to make simple mistakes when plotting points. Suggest that they fill in the actual values of the upper and lower limits along the left hand side of the chart. Point out that each line for MD, DD, and B+F represents a change of 1/100 of a point (0.01).

4. Evaluate the results: a. The processor is in control if MD and DD are within +/- 0.15 of their respective operating levels and B+F is within +0.05 of its operating level. b. If MD and DD fall between +/- 0.15, the test should be repeated. If the same result is obtained, it is acceptable to process x-ray films, but the processor should be closely monitored. The monitoring activities and the results obtained should be noted in the “remarks” section of the chart.

PAGE 8


c. If MD and DD exceed the control limits of +/-0.15, the source of the problem must be determined and corrected before processing any x-ray films.

NOTE: At this point, you should call service. If you want to continue to process films, you may want to continue their patient schedule but hold the films to be processed until the processor problem has been corrected)

After the problem has been corrected, the control data should be plotted, the out of control data circled, and comments made in the “remarks” section.

Crossover ProcedureSlight variations in radiographic film characteristics may occur between film emulsions. The natural aging process of film and the storage conditions can also affect film characteristics. For this reason, you must do a crossover procedure with the old film whenever they open a new box of film for quality control purposes.

Follow these steps:First, expose and process five sensitometric strips each from the old and new boxes of film. This should be done on the same day at the same time with seasoned chemicals in the processor. In addition, it is important that the processor be “in control” when the crossover is performed.

Determine the average of the three indicated steps and of the base-plus-fog for both the old film and for the new film.

While the ACR and FDA recommend that when the difference in the MD and DD is greater than 0.05, the operating levels should be adjusted. When the difference between the MD and DD is less than or equal to 0.05, the existing operating levels should be maintained. It is advised that operating levels should be changed to the MD and DD values of the new film in both cases. Adjusting the limits will allow the processor to be more easily maintained at +/- 0.15 for MD and DD despite the crossover (a change of B+F values by more than 0.02 requires further investigation).Note the new emulsion number on the control chart.

PAGE 9


Maintaining an X-Ray Processor within Limits:It is required by the ACR and the FDA to maintain the processor used for x-ray within certain limits for speed, contrast, and base-plue-fog. The maximum outermost limits for speed and contrast are +/- 0.15. The preferred limits, however, are +/- 0.10. The limit for base-plus-fog is +0.03.

When a preventative maintenance (PM) procedure is performed, approximately every month for most processors and at more frequent intervals for low volume processors, it is not unusual for the maximum limits for speed to be exceeded (outside the +/- 0.15 limits). As films are processed after the PM, seasoning occurs and the processor usually returns to a controlled state (within the +/- 0.15 limits). Seasoning will occur quickly, after only several hours, in a facility that processes a high volume of film. However, a facility that processes a medium or low volume of film may take several days for seasoning.

PAGE 10

QUICK START DAILY QUALITY CONTROL

PAGE 11


• Generate a film strip on 5 consecutive days

• Read the densities of all 21 steps from the 5 days

• Determine the average of each of the 21 steps

• Determine base+fog, mid-density (MD), and density difference (DD)

NOTE: please see pages 13 and 14 for an example.

HOW TO ESTABLISH A BASELINE OPERATING LEVEL

PAGE 12


1st Day +2nd Day +3rd Day +4th Day +5th Day ÷5 = ave.

0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19

0.19 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19

0.19 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19

0.19 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.19 0.20

0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20

0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.20 0.20

.022 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22

0.26 0.26 0.26 0.27 0.26 0.26

0.35 0.35 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.35

0.52 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.52

0.85 0.85 0.87 0.85 0.85 0.85

1.33 1.33 1.36 1.33 1.32 1.33

1.90 1.89 1.91 1.89 1.88 1.89

2.36 2.36 2.39 2.34 2.36 2.36

2.80 2.80 2.82 2.77 2.80 2.80

3.15 3.16 3.17 3.15 3.19 3.16

3.36 3.39 3.39 3.34 3.41 3.38

3.57 3.60 3.58 3.56 3.62 3.59

3.72 3.76 3.71 3.71 3.81 3.74

3.83 3.89 3.83 3.82 3.98 3.87

3.93 3.99 3.91 3.89 4.11 3.97

ESTABLISH BASELINEOPERATING LEVEL 5 DAY AVERAGE

EXAMPLE

PAGE 13


EXAMPLE

Step 1 0.19 Base and Fog (Based on instructions on page 13)

Step 2 0.19

Step 3 0.19

Step 4 0.20

Step 5 0.20

Step 6 0.20

Step 7 0.22

Step 8 0.26

Step 9 0.35

Step 10 0.52 Density Difference (DD) Step closest to but not lower than .45

Step 11 0.85 Mid Density (MD) step (Base off instructions on page 16)

Step 12 1.33

Step 13 1.89

Step 14 2.36 Density Difference (DD) Step closest to 2.20

Step 15 2.80

Step 16 3.16

Step 17 3.38

Step 18 3.59

Step 19 3.74

Step 20 3.87

Step 21 3.97

ESTABLISH ECL BASELINEOPERATING LEVEL 5 DAY AVERAGE

EXAMPLE:

Density Difference (DD)

Step 14 2.36

Step 10 – .52

1.84

PAGE 14


Frequency: DailyReference: Regulation A (1) (2)

• The least exposed portion of the film is called the base and fog

• It is the base support density plus any silver emulsion density in the area where negligible exposure should occur

• Base and Fog is measured at step 1, or at a designated specific area that is read consistently See example on page 14. We used Step 1.

PROCESSOR QUALITY CONTROLBASE AND FOG

STEP 1

PAGE 15


MID-DENSITY (MD) STEPPROCESSOR QUALITY CONTROL

• The step on the exposed film with a density nearest 1.20 is called the mid-density step

• The step is a direct indicator of film speed

• Variations in processor conditions monitored at this step See example on page 14. We used Step 11.

Frequency: DailyReference: Regulation B (1) (2)

STEP 2

PAGE 16


• Determine which step is closest to 2.20

• Subtract from this step the step closest to but not lower than 0.45

• This density difference is used to monitor processor variations in conjunctions with the mid-density step

• See example on page 14. We used Step 14 and Step 10 to set density difference by subtracting the two

• Write down steps used as shown in example:

• Write down density difference (DD) on line shown in example

Frequency: DailyReference: Regulation C (1) (2)

PROCESSOR QUALITY CONTROLDENSITY DIFFERENCE (DD)

STEP 3

EXAMPLE:

1.84

1415

PAGE 17


CROSSOVER PROCEDURE

• Expose and process 5 sensitometric strips from the new and old boxes of film

• Determine the average for the base + fog, the speed index, and the two steps used to determine the contrast index for both the old film and the new film

• Adjust the operating level on the control chart to the new level, note the reason for the change, and the new emulsion number

THIS STEP IS TO BE PERFORMED TO ESTABLISH A NEW QC BOX; AFTER THE OLD QC BOX IS EMPTY.

PAGE 18

BLANK DAILY PROCESSOR CONTROL CHARTS

PAGE 19


Processor :_____________ Location :__________________ Film :____________________ Emul. # :_______ Yr. :_____

Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

MediumDensity MD(Speed Index)Step # _____

- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15

DensityDifference DD(Contrast Index)Step # _____

Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05

DeveloperTemperature

ReplenishmentRate

Remarks

Note: Additional space for “Remarks” on the back of this sheet

Date Developer Fixer Date Action

Processing Control Chart

PAGE 21



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 22



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 23



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 24



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 25



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 26



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 27



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 28



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 29



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 30



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 31



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 32



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 33



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 34



Month:Date:

Initials:

+ 0.15

+ 0.10


- 0.10

- 0.15

+ 0.15

+ 0.10

- 0.10

- 0.15


Step # _____

Base plus Fog(B+F)

+ 0.05


ReplenishmentRate

Remarks




PAGE 33

FIXER RETENTION TEST

3 MONTHS

PAGE 35


Residual fixer on processed films over time can turn films brown. This browning deteriorates the image, making the films useless for comparison.

To monitor the amount of residual fixer, use the Fixer Retention Test Kit. The kit contains residual hypo test solution and a hypo estimator test strip. Instructions: A drop of solution is placed on the emulsion side of a freshly processed film. After waiting two minutes, the area where the solution has dried is compared to the hypo estimator. Residual hypo in the film should be 0.02 grams per square meter.

FIXER RETENTION TEST KITHYPO TEST KIT

Frequency: Every 3 Months

PAGE 36

6 MONTHS

DARKROOM FOG TEST

PAGE 37


This test is used to determine if safelight fog, which can affect film consistency and overall contrast, is present in a darkroom. It should be performed at least semiannually after evaluating and eliminating any obvious light leaks.

DARKROOM FOG TEST

FilmMask/cardboard (must be opaque)Stopwatch or timing deviceDensitometer

1. In the totally darkened darkroom remove the film from the cassette and place it on the counter. Cover half of the film with the cassette or cardboard. A trick is to run your fingernail (or pencil) down the edge of the cassette or card board that is central to the film. This will later help differentiate between the covered and uncovered halves of the film.

2. Turn on safelights.

3. Let film sit for 2 minutes, which is the nationally recognized standard. Change your position in the darkroom so as not to block any light from the film.

4. Process the film. Because your eyes have now partially adapted to the dark, look for light leaks around the door as well as around ceiling fixtures and vents. White light leaks must be sealed off.

5. Compare the optical density between the exposed side of the film and the covered side of the film. If the sides differ by more than one step, a fog problem exists that needs to be corrected. It will be easier to do a side-by-side comparison if you cut the film along the line you made on the film.

6. Date film(s) and record results.

WHAT IS THE DARKROOM FOG TEST? Tools

Frequency: Every 6 Months

PAGE 38

REGULATIONS

PAGE 39


Each processor used to develop clinical radiographs is adjusted and maintained to meet the manufacturer’s processing specifications for the highest speed radiographic film used clinically.

Measurements are performed each day before clinical radiographs are processed, so as to determine that the processor is operating within the following limits:

(A) The base-plus-fog density is within plus 0.05 of the operating level established with the highest speed radiographic film used clinically;

(B) The mid-density is within plus or minus 0.15 of the operating level established with the highest speed radiographic film used clinically; and

(C) The density-difference is within plus or minus 0.15 of the operating level established with the highest speed radiographic film used clinically.

Each user subject to this article, as specified in section 30305(a)(1), who develops clinical radiographs fordiagnostic purposes with automatic film processors for other than mammographic, dental, or veterinary use, shall assure all of the following:

1.

2.

Barclays Official California Code of Regulations CurrentnessTitle 17. Public HealthDivision 1. State Department of Health ServicesChapter 5. Sanitation (Environmental)Subchapter 4. Radiation

SOURCE: CA CODE OF REGULATIONS

PAGE 40


Tests are performed at intervals not to exceed three months to determine that the residual fixer level retained in clinical radiographic films is not more than 5.0 micrograms per square centimeter.

Tests are performed at intervals not to exceed six months to determine that the optical density attributable to darkroom fog is not more than 0.05 when the highest speed of each type radiographic film used clinically, which has a mid-density of no less than 1.20 optical density, is exposed on the counter top for one minute under typical darkroom conditions with the safelight on.

For any test result falling outside the criteria specified in this section, the problem is identified and corrective action is taken before clinical radiographs are processed.

Records of the tests specified in this section, including the problems detected, corrective actions taken, and the effectiveness of those corrective actions, are maintained for at least one year from the date the test was performed.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 114975, 115000, 115060, 115061, 131051, 131052, 131055 and 131200, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 114965, 114970, 115000, 115060 and 115061, Health and Safety Code.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 9-4-2012; operative 10-4-2012 (Register 2012, No. 36).17 CCR § 30308.1, 17 CA ADC § 30308.1 This database is current through 12/14/12 Register 2012, No. 50Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. U.S. Govt. Works.

PAGE 41

3.

4.

5.

6.

STORAGE & HANDLING

PAGE 42


CHEMISTRYIt’s time for a life-saving diagnosis. Are your chemicals up to the job? When is a bargain not a bargain? Some chemicals last longer than others. If you are having quality problems, perhaps your chemicals are being exhausted quickly. As an Image Watch Specialist, you will be able to provide carefully formulated, high-yield chemicals. However, it is extremely important for all Kodak chemicals used for x-ray to be mixed and stored according to the directions on the label.

NOTE: Exhausted or contaminated mixes can cause poor contrast, improper fixing, and artifacts. Also, mixed chemicals should be used within 2 weeks.

CONTROLLING THE DARKROOM ENVIRONMENT Some of the image quality problems seen in x-ray begin in the darkroom. Darkrooms may have light leaks that add exposure to the film, or the darkroom staff might have inadequate or infrequent housekeeping practices which allow dust and dirt to collect. Minus density artifacts caused by dust and dirt in the cassettes are particularly troublesome with single-emulsion film/single-screen systems, and can result in a delayed diagnosis of breast disease.

FILM HANDLING It is important to remember that artifacts can be created by handling film incorrectly. Stress to your technicians that single-emulsion film is extremely sensitive and prone to handling artifacts. Hands must be clean and dry as well as free of lotions, etc. Film should be held near the edges and allowed to dangle.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUESThe darkroom environment is a safe environment as long as it is properly ventilated. Use an air meter to measure the ventilation in the darkroom. The recommended rate of air exchange is 10 complete air exchanges per hour (consult Service Bulletin # 101 in the Reference Section for information about dryer venting requirements and air meter measurements). Also, make sure that all chemicals that have been exhausted are disposed of properly since they are categorized as industrial or commercial waste. In some areas they may even be classified as hazardous waste. For more information on disposing of chemicals properly, please ask your processor engineer.

PAGE 43


ANNUALEQUIPMENTCALIBRATION LOG

PAGE 44


EQUIPMENT MODEL NUMBER: ________________________

DENSITOMETER

DATE OF CALIBRATION PERFORMED BY

EQUIPMENT MODEL NUMBER: ________________________

SENSITOMETER

DATE OF CALIBRATION PERFORMED BY

PAGE 45


MSDS

Please insert copiesof MSDS Sheets for items used in your facility.

PAGE 46

processor control book - … control book. ... olling the darkroom environment contr ... having your...

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