MUHIMBILI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND

ALLIED SCIENCE

RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING

MR.BURHANI A. ABDUL

NAME: SYLVESTER EDMUND SAFIEL.

REG NO. 2020 – 02 – 14860

 INTENSIFYING SCREEN

- Intensifying screen are thin sheets coated with fluorescent materials

called phosphors. Phosphors are materials which convert photon energy
(reminant radiation) to light. Intensifying screen is composed of four layer
which are Protective layer, Phosphor layer, Reflective layer and Base. In
convetional radiography intensifying screen is found in the cassette.

FUNCTIONS OF THE INTENSIFYING SCREEN

i. Intensifying screen absorbs reminant radiations. It absorbs x-rays

emerging from the patient’s body and transform it to visible light
which is then cast to the radiographic film .The reflective layer
helps to avoid scattered radiations.
ii. Intensifying screen converts x-ray energy into light. In the phosphor
layer, fluorescent process occurs where approximately 5%-30% of
reminant radiation is converted to light depend on material used in
screen construction.
iii. . Intensifying screen amplifies the visible light produced from the
reminant radiations
iv. Intensifying screen reduces the patient’s dose due to use of low
kVp, hence image being slightly blurred.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF INTENSIFYING SCREEN

i. It consist of a base of about 1mm thick made of polyester.

ii. It consist of a base which is chemically inert. This means it is not
chemically reactive.
iii. It contain high concentration of phosphor crystals for high speed in
fluorescence process where x-rays are changed into visible light.
iv. It consist of reflective layer which redirects light to the film for
formation of latent image.
v. It contain thick phosphor layer for high conversion of reminant x-
rays into light.
vi. It consist of transparent protective coat layer of 10-20 um thick
resistant to abrasion, anti-static and allows easy handling.
vii. It’s tough and flexible to allow proper handling hence avoiding
unnecessary damages.

CARING OF THE INTENSIFYING SCREEN

 Avoid touching the screen with your hands.

 Screen should be cleaned with screen cleaner or clean water.
 Do not slide the film in or out when loading the cassette.
 Don’t stack the cassette on top of each other as the weight might damage the
intensifying screen.
 The screen should be cleaned at least quarterly.
 Alcohol should never be used to clean the intensifying screen.
  The intensifying screen should be dry before reloading the radiographic film
into the cassette.
 The dark room should be clean to avoid dirt and dust from getting into the
cassette.
 The intensifying screen should be kept away from humidity and high
temperature.

Qn.WHY INTENSIFYING SCREEN IS NOT USED IN WARD

RADIOGRAPHY

Ward Radiograph -refers to the portable/mobile x-ray used to produce

medical images direct from the ward for the patients who are not able to visit the
department. Various safety measures are applied to reduce effect of the scattered
radiation to the technologists and other patients.

>In ward radiography the intensifying screen is not used because the
portable x-ray machines use high technologic features where film is not used hence
the cassette contain phosphor plates were image is viewed in portable unit through
computer system.

REFERENCES

>www.sprawls.org/ppmiz/FILMSCR/
 >Chesney’s radiographic imaging sixth edition by John and Tony
price page (89-106)

>www.slideshare.net/mobile/Eddylskandar/intensifying-screens