用照片密度的变化对X线快速洗片机显影部分进行质量控制

用照片密度的变化对Ｘ线快速洗片机显影部分进行质量控制南京军区南京总医院放射科王骏，刘永芝，李峰利用快速自动洗片机取代手工劳动是暗室的解放，但是随着洗片机冲洗医用Ｘ线胶片的容量增加，显影液的显影能力会逐渐下降，一旦下降到影响图像质量时，此显影液就必需废...     

自动洗片机干燥系统的改进

Ｃｏｍｐａｃｔ 45型自动洗片机是一台性能优越的全自动洗片机 ,但该机在使用过程中常出现胶片不干的现象。1　分析胶片不干的现象 ,主要因素有以下几点烘干温度太低 ,运行速度过快 ,化学药液消耗较多 ,补充量不足 ,定影液中缺少硬化剂。我们在工作中使用的胶片和显影、定影药液都是很成熟的产品 ,不存在产品质量上的因素。洗片时胶片运行时间为90ｓ ,为公司结合药液和胶片提供的时间 ,在该时间内胶片影像质量很好 ;显影液温度为 32℃ ;补充量为 110 0ｍｌ/ｍ2 ;而且每周定期更换药液。测量烘干温度为 5 3℃。结合以上几点 ,洗片机本身查不…     

洗片机显影液合理使用初探

洗片机内高温快速显影套药配制后，因冲洗槽及补充桶内的显影液与空气接触而氧化．造成显影液无功损耗。为此，我们摸索厂、套既可兼顾照片质量，又可降低冲洗成本的经验，适于日冲片量较少的医院借鉴。1日冲冲五、显影槽容积与最影液一次配制量的关系宜选用冲洗槽容积小的洗片机，这种洗片机价格较低，洗片速度亦能满足工作需求，显影套药配制量～般为38L，这样补充桶内的液最多，如IJ冲片尾少则限制了补充液的利用速度。鉴于此，可根据［l冲片量及显影槽净容积确定显影液的一次配制世（附表），以使显影液在使用期内有效成分用于胶片面…     

自动洗片机动态管理应用探讨

目的　应用自动洗片机动态管理方法 ,分析动态管理图异常值产生的原因并统计其出现的概率 ,总结维持洗片机冲洗稳定性的质量控制方法。方法　分析自动洗片机动态管理图异常参数值产生原因 ;分析显影温度变化对质量控制密度仪扫描参数的影响规律。结果　 (1)补充液配置不当与测试片感光度变化关系密切 [感光度异常值出现 4次 (4/ 7) ]。 (2 )显影温度改变对测试片的感度指数值 (S Indx)影响较大 (温度在 2 9 5℃～ 36 5℃变化时 ,感度指数变化率为 31% ) ,对对比度指数值(C Indx)影响较小 (对比度指数变化率为 7% ) ,对本底灰雾值 (B fog)和最大密度值 (Dmax)没有影响。结论　自动洗片机动态管理技术的开展 ,可解决暗室操作规范化、系列化用片 ,以及多台洗片机共同工作等方面出现的问题。     

自动洗片机显影液性能动态观察及质量控制

自动洗片机是一种以机械替代手工冲洗胶片的设备，洗片机的冲洗加工方式不同于传统的手工冲洗，它使操作简单化，极大提高了暗室工作的效率，但其日常管理和维护更规范化。因此对洗片机的整个冲洗过程和质量控制赋予了更高的要求，在常规质控的诸因素中。对影像影响最大，最直接的是显影液的性能变化，从质控的意义和角度考虑，我们希望在洗片机的整个冲洗过程的相当一段时间内，影像的黑化度无大的变化和波动，通过对本科室三个暗室日常冲洗影响较大的显影补充液和冲片量的监测，旨在为提高自动洗片机工作稳定性提供一些实用的依据。     

柯达M7B洗片机显影温度控制故障检修

柯达Ｍ７Ｂ洗片机显影温度控制故障检修赵明新１．故障现象：本院Ｍ７Ｂ洗片机在使用中发现，处理后胶片黑化度过高。箱外指示灯ｒｅａｄｙｌａｍｐ１３一直在亮，２ｈ后亦然。随机测量显影液温度为５０℃，而正常情况下，开机后２０～３０ｍｉｎ达到预置的３４．４℃后ｒ...     

自动洗片机显影液老化过快之原因解析

我科使用的是苏星380-E型自动洗片机，性能稳定，体积小便于操作，机型大方美观，使用比较满意，但最近出现胶片密度变化过大，密度值递减过快，照片对比度过低，废片率过高，显影液更换过勤，造成不必要浪费，增加了工作人员负担，并严重影响了工作。     

操作失误引起自动洗片机卡片故障分析

故障现象　江苏泰兴产Ｘ3 80 -Ｅ型自动洗片机正常洗片约 1小时 ,再次洗片 ,出现卡片现象。故障检修　打开洗片机盖 ,发现胶片全部在显影槽内卡住和壅塞。取出胶片 ,部分胶片隐约显示图像轮廓。开机见显影槽辊筒转动正常。再次洗片 ,胶片仍全部卡在显影槽内。取出辊筒 ,发现误把定影槽内的输片辊筒放入显影槽内。更换显、定影液及用另外的显、定影输片辊筒后 ,自动洗片机工作正常 ,未再出现卡片现象。故障分析　使用天津产医用Ｘ光高温快速套药及ＧＫ型胶片。洗片时间 2分钟 ,温度 3 0℃。从检修过程可知 ,卡片现象是由于显、定影液混合引起…     

国产自动洗片机常见故障的成因及维修方法

目前在广大中小医院,自动洗片机的应用还十分广泛,洗片机运行状况的好坏直接影响着胶片影像的质量。笔者接触过很多不同型号的自动洗片机,现对其常见故障的成因及维修方法总结如下。故障现象显定影液不加温,分以下几种情况:显影液或定影液液面未到设定高度,液面传感器不能接通,     

显影观片红灯的安全性能测试与使用效果

在暗室人工洗片显影过程中,于显影红灯下观察胶片影像的还原程度,目的是为了保证影像的显影质量。由于不同显影红灯的安全性能有所不同,故采用同一种显影观片方法,势必对影像质量产生影响。为此,我们采用不同的测试距离、感光时间,对不同显影观片红灯的安全性能进行测试,以期找出正确的显影观片方法。 一、测试条件 1.我们采用天津Px型X线胶片、菲尼酮高反差显影液。2.显影液温度18～20℃,显影时间     

Assessment of mammographic film processor performance in a hospital and mobile screening unit.

In contrast to the majority of mammographic breast screening programmes, film processing at this centre occurs on site in both hospital and mobile trailer units. Initial (1989) quality control (QC) sensitometric tests revealed a large variation in film processor performance in the mobile unit. The clinical significance of these variations was assessed and acceptance limits for processor performance determined. Abnormal mammograms were used as reference material and copied using high definition 35 mm film over a range of exposure settings. The copies were than matched with QC film density variation from the mobile unit. All films were subsequently ranked for spatial and contrast resolution. Optimal values for processing time of 2 min (equivalent to film transit time 3 min and developer time 46 s) and temperature of 36 degrees C were obtained. The widespread anomaly of reporting film transit time as processing time is highlighted. Use of mammogram copies as a means of measuring the influence of film processor variation is advocated. Careful monitoring of the mobile unit film processor performance has produced stable quality comparable with the hospital based unit. The advantages of on site film processing are outlined. The addition of a sensitometric step wedge to all mammography film stock as a means of assessing image quality is recommended.     

Effect of processor temperature on film dosimetry

Optical density (OD) of a radiographic film plays an important role in radiation dosimetry, which depends on various parameters, including beam energy, depth, field size, film batch, dose, dose rate, air film interface, postexposure processing time, and temperature of the processor. Most of these parameters have been studied for Kodak XV and extended dose range (EDR) films used in radiation oncology. There is very limited information on processor temperature, which is investigated in this study. Multiple XV and EDR films were exposed in the reference condition (d_max., 10 × 10 cm², 100 cm) to a given dose. An automatic film processor (X-Omat 5000) was used for processing films. The temperature of the processor was adjusted manually with increasing temperature. At each temperature, a set of films was processed to evaluate OD at a given dose. For both films, OD is a linear function of processor temperature in the range of 29.4–40.6°C (85–105°F) for various dose ranges. The changes in processor temperature are directly related to the dose by a quadratic function. A simple linear equation is provided for the changes in OD vs. processor temperature, which could be used for correcting dose in radiation dosimetry when film is used.     

Optimizing optical density of a Kodak mammography film-screen combination with standard-cycle processing

The optimization of optical density in film-screen mammography is crucial in attaining good image quality. While a target range for film optical density of 1.4-1.8 has been recommended for centres participating in the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP), past investigations have shown that combinations of mammography film and screen and processor conditions can have various optimum densities, some of which are outside this recommended range. The optimum optical density of the film/screen/processor conditions combination used at our institution (the Kodak MIN-RM/MIN-R combination designed for standard-cycle processing) was evaluated using a breast detail phantom study. It was found that the optimum optical density was 1.25 OD. We recommend that an individual institution determines the optimum optical density for the film-screen combination it uses and the processing conditions specific to it.     

Effect of poor control of film processors on mammographic image quality.

With the increasingly stringent standards of image quality in mammography, film processor quality control is especially important. Current methods are not sufficient for ensuring good processing. The authors used a sensitometer and densitometer system to evaluate the performance of 22 processors at 16 mammographic facilities. Standard sensitometric values of two films were established, and processor performance was assessed for variations from these standards. Developer chemistry of each processor was analyzed and correlated with its sensitometric values. Ten processors were retested, and nine were found to be out of calibration. The developer components of hydroquinone, sulfites, bromide, and alkalinity varied the most, and low concentrations of hydroquinone were associated with lower average gradients at two facilities. Use of the sensitometer and densitometer system helps identify out-of-calibration processors, but further study is needed to correlate sensitometric values with developer component values. The authors believe that present quality control would be improved if sensitometric or other tests could be used to identify developer components that are out of calibration.     

Chest radiography: a survey of techniques and exposure levels currently used

In diagnostic radiology, the routine measurement of exposure levels for a reference patient is an important part of an effective quality assurance program. In the United States, chest radiography is the most frequent examination and has the lowest exposure level of all radiologic examinations. We estimated the amount of exposure an average patient received from both manual and automatic exposure-controlled radiographic techniques by using a "patient-equivalent" chest phantom during measurements. A densitometric procedure was used to assess processor performance. The mean exposure from 194 chest systems was 20 mR (5.16 X 10(-5) C/kg); the mean film density, 1.38; and the mean processing speed, 108. It is interesting to note that a wide range of radiographic techniques, processing conditions, and screen-film speeds are currently being used. With the information given in our study, investigators can begin to identify the problems that lead to unusual exposure levels and, perhaps, poor image quality.     

Quality assurance in mammography: artifact analysis.

Evaluation of mammograms for artifacts is essential for mammographic quality assurance. A variety of mammographic artifacts (i.e., variations in mammographic density not caused by true attenuation differences) can occur and can create pseudolesions or mask true abnormalities. Many artifacts are readily identified, whereas others present a true diagnostic challenge. Factors that create artifacts may be related to the processor (eg, static, dirt or excessive developer buildup on the rollers, excessive roller pressure, damp film, scrapes and scratches, incomplete fixing, power failure, contaminated developer), the technologist (eg, improper film handling and loading, improper use of the mammography unit and related equipment, positioning and darkroom errors), the mammography unit (eg, failure of the collimation mirror to rotate, grid inhomogeneity, failure of the reciprocating grid to move, material in the tube housing, compression failure, improper alignment of the compression paddle with the Bucky tray, defective compression paddle), or the patient (e.g., motion, superimposed objects or substances [jewelry, body parts, clothing, hair, implanted medical devices, foreign bodies, substances on the skin]). Familiarity with the broad range of artifacts and the measures required to eliminate them is vital. Careful attention to darkroom cleanliness, care in film handling, regularly scheduled processor maintenance and chemical replenishment, daily quality assurance activities, and careful attention to detail during patient positioning and mammography can reduce or eliminate most mammographic artifacts.     

Effects of developer exhaustion on the sensitometric properties of four dental films.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of exhaustion of five different processing solutions on the sensitometric properties of four dental X-ray films: Ektaspeed Plus and Ultra-speed (Kodak Eastman Co. Rochester, USA) and new and previous Dentus M2 (Agfa-Gevaert, Mortsel, Belgium). METHODS: An aluminum stepwedge was used to construct characteristic curves for the four films. All films were processed manually using three sets of chemicals for manual processing: Agfa (Heraeus Kulzer, Dormagen, Germany), Kodak (Kodak-Pathé, Paris, France) and Demat (Viscopac, Athens, Greece) and two sets for automatic processing: Dürr XR and Periomat (Dürr Dental, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany). Film speed and gradient were evaluated until the chemicals were completely exhausted. An analysis of variance was performed separately for each set of chemicals for manual and automatic processing. RESULTS: Ektaspeed Plus was the fastest film in the manual processing solutions. The new Dentus M2 and Ektaspeed Plus films had similar speed using the chemicals for automatic processing. Ultra-speed had the lowest speed in all solutions, but it had the greatest consistency. Exhaustion of the developer caused a comparable decrease in speed of Ektaspeed Plus and the two Dentus M2 films. In fresh chemistry Agfa was the strongest manual processing solution, but it had the highest exhaustion rate. The Dürr XR chemical was stronger than Periomat over the whole test period. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of film and processing solution is an important factor for achieving constant sensitometric properties. Ektaspeed Plus and the new Dentus M2 film should be used in dental practice, as they require lower exposure and have equivalent or superior properties compared with Ultra-speed.     

Sensitometric responses of selected medical radiographic films

Radiographic films produce different densities and contrast when processor changes occur, and the magnitude and rate of change vary with film type. The ability to detect and interpret the clinical importance of film density changes may depend on the method of sensitometry used. The characteristics of several medical radiographic films and various sensitometers were examined under three sensitometric variations and five processing variations. Of all variations used, only exposure with a single-versus a double-sided sensitometer caused a film type to have a marked different response. The results indicate that mismatching the sensitometer spectral output with the spectral sensitivity of the film in most cases does not affect the density changes of the film. The fact that a few films may be sensitive to differences in spectral content of the exposing light and dual- versus single-sided exposure and that only a limited number of film types were tested, however, leads to the prudent conclusion that the exposure conditions for quality control purposes should match clinical exposure conditions as closely as possible.     

Effects of processing conditions on mammographic image quality

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Any given mammographic film will exhibit changes in sensitometric response and image resolution as processing variables are altered. Developer type, immersion time, and temperature have been shown to affect the contrast of the mammographic image and thus lesion visibility. The authors evaluated the effect of altering processing variables, including film type, developer type, and immersion time, on the visibility of masses, fibrils, and speaks in a standard mammographic phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images of a phantom obtained with two screen types (Kodak Min-R and Fuji) and five film types (Kodak Min-R M, Min-R E, Min-R H; Fuji UM-MA HC, and DuPont Microvision-C) were processed with five different developer chemicals (Autex SE, DuPont HSD, Kodak RP, Picker 3-7-90, and White Mountain) at four different immersion times (24, 30, 36, and 46 seconds). Processor chemical activity was monitored with sensitometric strips, and developer temperatures were continuously measured. The film images were reviewed by two board-certified radiologists and two physicists with expertise in mammography quality control and were scored based on the visibility of calcifications, masses, and fibrils. RESULTS: Although the differences in the absolute scores were not large, the Kodak Min-R M and Fuji films exhibited the highest scores, and images developed in White Mountain and Autex chemicals exhibited the highest scores. CONCLUSION: For any film, several processing chemicals may be used to produce images of similar quality. Extended processing may no longer be necessary.     

Effect of developer temperature changes on the sensitometric properties of direct exposure and screen-film imaging systems

A heat exchanger was developed and incorporated into the recirculation system of a dental processor to maintain strict temperature control. Without the heat exchanger, developer temperature rose steadily over 8 h to a maximum of 35.7 degrees C: with the heat exchanger it was maintained, regardless of ambient conditions, at the desired temperature with virtually no fluctuation. Sensitometric properties of base and fog, speed, and average gradient were measured for D and E speed films and Lanex Regular/T-Mat G and Lanex Fast/T-Mat Hscreen-film systems at developer temperatures of 21.1, 23.8, 26.7, 29.4 and 32.2 degrees C. Small changes in these properties were found for D and E speed films: on the other hand, Lanex Regular/T-Mat G showed a 65% increase in base and fog and Lanex Fast/T-Mat H a 43% increase in average gradient over the temperature range studied. Although these changes may not be clinically significant for intra-oral and dental radiography, the variations in image quality may compromise controlled imaging experiments and clinically compromise radiographic quality when using screen-film systems.