PROCESSING OF

LATENT IMAGE
Roselyn L. Pelisco, RRT
Importance of Radiographic Film Processing

◦ Radiographic film processing is a critical step in the

field of medical imaging. It serves as the bridge
between capturing x-ray images and the final
diagnostic output. Here’s why it’s essential:
1.Image Transformation – Radiographic film processing
converts latent image information into visible
radiographs. This transformation is crucial for medical
diagnosis.
2.Quality Assurance – Proper film processing ensures the
highest image quality, allowing for accurate diagnosis
and effective patient care.
3. Clinical Significance – Radiologists rely on high-quality
radiographs to identify and diagnose medical conditions,
fractures, diseases, and abnormalities.
4. Patient Safety – Accurate and clear radiographs reduce the
need for repeated exposures, minimizing patient radiation
exposure and discomfort.
 Components of Radiographic Film

Understanding the
components of Radiographic
Film is essential for handling
and processing.
 FORMATION OF THE LATENT IMAGE
Latent Image
◦ The invisible change that is induced in the silver
halide crystal
Gurney-Mott Theory
◦ The accepted, incomplete, explanation of latent image
formation
Silver Halide Crystal
◦Crystal Lattice: silver, bromine & iodine atoms
◦Positive Ion: silver
◦Halide/Negative Ions: bromide & iodide
- found in greatest concentration along the surface
of the crystal
Silver Halide Crystal
 Steps in the Production of Latent Image &
Conversion of Latent Image
A. Radiation interaction releases electrons
B. These electrons migrate to the sensitivity
center
C. At the sensitivity center, atomic silver is
formed by attraction of an interstitial silver
ion
 Steps in the Production of Latent Image &
Conversion of Latent Image

D. This process is repeated many

times, resulting in the buildup of
silver atoms
E. The remaining silver halide is
converted to silver during
processing
 Steps in the Production of Latent Image &
Conversion of Latent Image
F. The silver grain results. Silver
Halide that is not irradiated remain
inactive. The irradiated and non-
irradiated silver halide produces the
latent image
 Film Processing
First Automatic 1942 Pako -120 Films per Hour
Processor -Uses film hangers
dunked in tanks
-1 Film = 40 minutes

First Roller 1959 Eastman Kodak -10 ft long

Transport System Company -Weighed nearly 3
quarter tons
90-second 1965 Eastman Kodak -New chemistry and
Processor Company emulsion
-Faster drying
-Dry-to-drop time: 90
seconds
 Film Processing
◦ Film Processing involves a
series of critical steps to ensure
the proper development of
radiographic films
 Film Processing
1. Wetting
- The first step of film processing
- To swell the emulsion
- This step is omitted in automatic processing, it is
incorporated into the second step, developing
 Film Processing
2. Developing
- The stage of processing which the latent image is
converted to visible image
- Very short and highly critical stage
- In automatic processing, wetting is incorporated in
developing stage
 Film Processing
3. Stop Bath
- After developing, the film is rinsed in an acid solution
- Designed to stop the developing process
- Remove excess developer chemicals
- Acetic Acid
 Film Processing

4. Fixing
- The process of clearing unexposed silver halide from
the emulsion
- Hardening the emulsion to preserve the image
 Film Processing
5. Washing
- Removes excess chemical from previous processing
6. Drying
- Removes the water used to wash it
- Make the film acceptable for handling and viewing
Processing Chemistry
◦ Wear proper mask that reduces inhalation of fumes
◦ Wear nitrile gloves
◦ Wear protective glasses
Film Processing Chemicals
Wetting
- The radiographs must first be treated by a wetting
agent
- The wetting agent is Water – it penetrates the gelatin
causing it to swell
Film Processing Chemicals
Developer
- To change the silver ions of exposed crystals into metallic
silver
- Provides electron to the sensitivity center of crystal
- For the ionic silver to be changed to metallic silver, an electron
must be supplied to silver ion
Film Processing Chemicals
Fixing
- After development, the film must be treated so that
the film will not fade
- The image is said to be fixed in the film, and
produces archival quality
 Film Processing Chemicals
Washing
- Washes away the residual chemicals
- The temperature of wash water should be maintained at
approx. 3 °C (5°F) below the developer temperature
- Inadequate washing leads to excessive hypo retention
 Film Processing Chemicals
Drying
- Warm dry air is blown over both surfaces of the film as it
transported through the drying chamber.
Quiz 