COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY

QUALITY ASSURANCE HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT
& QUALITY CONTROL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

 Installation has been carried out as

AUTOMATIC FILM PROCESSING stated in the contract.
 Installation is complete and equipment is
CHOOSING AN AUTOMATIC PROCESSOR working efficiently and to your
 Identify your needs satisfaction.
 Throughput of films.  All QC tests have been carried out and
 Complexity of unit. are satisfactory.
 RESOURCES AVAILABLE  All accessory equipment and operating
 Power. manual has been supplied and is in good
 Water. order.
 Space.
 Exhaust systems and ventilation SETTING UP AN AUTOMATIC PROCESSOR
 Maintenance and repairs.  The manufacturer or supplier should:
 Finance.  Ensure that pre installation requirements
 Manufacturer warranty are adequate, e.g. ventilation, water
 Warranty period. pressure, drainage, power supply.
 Warranty cover.  Carry out the installation correctly and
 Determine responsibilities. make sure it is working properly.
 Supplier service  Carry out the initial quality control
 Installation. procedures and leave the results for
 Initial QC tests. future reference.
 Maintenance.  Give staff adequate instruction regarding
 Repairs. its use, care and maintenance.
 Parts.  Provide the relevant operating manual.
 Chemistry.  Provide a contact for service and repairs.
 Speed of response.  Provide service under the conditions of
the warranty.
Making the choice  Provide ongoing maintenance if required
 Establish your processor specification by the buyer.
requirements.
 Do you want a silver recovery unit? PRINCIPLES OF THE AUTOMATIC PROCESSOR
 Review the manufacturer's specifications.  The film is transported through the processor
 Make a short list of suitable processors. by motor driven rollers, at a standard,
 Submit your requirements to the selected regulated speed.
manufacturers for quotations.  The film passes through the developer; fixer,
 Review quotations. wash and drying sections for pre set periods
 Make your selection. of time.
 The developer and fixer are automatically
Acceptance of new processor replenished, by pre determined amounts,
 Upon completion of the installation and each time a film is fed into the processor.
before accepting responsibility for the new
processor, you must check that:
 Specifications of the processor installed
are the same as that ordered.

RT NER CARLO BSRT - III

 COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
QUALITY ASSURANCE HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
& QUALITY CONTROL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

 The replenishment rates can be adjusted to  Replenishment pump failure.

cater for the size and quantity of films being  Recirculation pump failure
put through.  CHEMISTRY
 The wash water; either runs continuously, or  Wrongly mixed.
only when films are fed through, depending  Contaminated.
on processor design.  Inadequate or incorrect replenishment.
 The temperature of the chemistry is  Blocked or partially blocked
maintained by thermostatically controlled replenishment hoses.
heating elements.  Incorrect temperature.
 Film drying is carried out by, variable  WATER
temperature, hot air blowers.  Inadequate supply.
 Blocked or restricted flow.
Use of an automatic processor  Contaminated.
 Follow manufacturer's instructions.  Algae growth.
 Place the film on the feed tray.  LACK OF CLEANLINESS
 Ensure that the longer edge of the film leads  Marked films.
and the shorter edge is in contact with the  Contamination of chemistry.
side of the feed tray (smaller films may not  Build up of chemical deposit resulting in
make contact with the replenishment mechanical failure.
microswitches).  Health hazard.
 Advance the film until it is taken up by the
first set of rollers. Daily
 Do not advance the film until the audio  Before start up
and/or visual signal indicates that the  Check replenishment tanks/bottles
previous film has advanced far enough. levels, color and smell.
 Processing time, dry to dry, could be 60  Check replenishment hoses for bends or
seconds to 4 minutes, depending on the type leaks.
or make.  Replace water drain stand pipe if
 Most manufacturers make a range of appropriate.
processors to suite all needs, with varying  Turn on water and check that the tank is
degrees of sophistication and processing filling
times.  Replace crossovers and tank lids
 During start up
Potential problems  Switch processor on (you will need to
 MECHANICAL activate microswitches manually with
 Broken cog teeth. the lid off).
 Roller wear or splitting.  Listen for any abnormal noise or
 Transport system breakdown. vibration.
 Film jam.  Check film transport system.
 Film damage.  Check replenishment system is working.
 ELECTRICAL
 Power failure.
 Drive motor failure.
 Heating element failure.
 Drying section failure.

RT NER CARLO BSRT - III

 COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
QUALITY ASSURANCE HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
& QUALITY CONTROL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

 Replace processor lid.  Replace processor lid, leaving it slightly

 Feed in one unprocessed 35 x 43 cm film raised at one end to avoid build up of
(do not use processed film as these are fumes and condensation.
harder and contain fixer).  Door of darkroom should be left open
 Inspect processed "clean up film".( Feed with ventilation system operating, if
in a second film if felt necessary. ) power supply constraints allow.
 Clean exterior surfaces, including the  Place crossovers on top of processor,
feed tray and receiving bin. Pay with wash stand pipe if appropriate, and
particular attention to the feed tray. cover with a cloth, or store in a
 Wipe over all darkroom work surfaces convenient cupboard.
 When the processor has reached normal  Re stock chemicals, films and any other
operating conditions carry out routine depleted supplies.
sensitometry procedures  Record all restocking.
 Normal Working  Report all faults
 Constantly be aware of any abnormal
noises,changes in operation, leaks or MONTHLY
deterioration of processed films.  Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
 Do not pull processed films out before  Inspect all racks and component parts, during
they are clear of the rollers. cleaning.
 Do not allow anyone to stand next to or  Clean filters.
lean against the processor.  Drain all tanks, clean and re fill with fresh
 Proper shutdown solutions. This may not be economically
 Remove processor lid. Remember it will possible however. - An alternative is to
be necessary to reactivate microswitches inspect the condition of the solutions and
when lid is removed (see manufacturer's tanks and change as felt necessary.
instructions).  Carry out any other maintenance
 Observe level of solutions. recommended by the manufacturer or felt
 Listen for abnormal noise or vibration. necessary.
 Observe transport system.  Report all faults.
 Look for any leaks.
 Switch processor off. QUARTERLY
 Remove and wash all crossovers, splash  Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
guards and tank lids.  Discard remaining chemicals in
 Wipe over all deep rack rollers above replenishment tanks.
solution levels.  Wash out replenishment tanks and flush
 Inspect and wash roller-drive cogs and hoses.
drive mechanisms.  Re fill with fresh chemicals.
 Replace tank lids.  Inspect electrical connections.
 Turn off wash water if appropriate.  Carry out any other maintenance
 Remove water drain stand pipe if recommended by the manufacturer.
appropriate.
 Wash off all chemical splashes on interior
exposed surfaces.
 Wipe any splashes from exterior
surfaces.

RT NER CARLO BSRT - III

 COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
QUALITY ASSURANCE HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
& QUALITY CONTROL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

 Report all faults.  Compare test temperature with

manufacturer's recommended
YEARLY temperature.
 If you do not have an ongoing service  - Built-in temperature.
contract with the supplier or their agent and  Record daily temperatures for
carry out the routine maintenance yourself it comparison.
is advisable to have them service your unit  Graphs may be plotted to show
yearly. variations over time
 Look for variations of temperature:
By maintaining and using your processor  - Too high.
correctly there will be:  - Too low.
 less down time.  - Irregular.
 less inconvenience.  Action
 lower costs.  Regular variations of more than one or
 greater through put. two degrees should be investigated.
 greater efficiency.  Check for likely cause:
 greater job satisfaction.  - Heater.
 - Thermostat.
 - Tests done at different times of the
Electrical/mechanical systems check day.
 Frequency of check  - Developer temperature not
 Daily. reaching operating level after start
 Yearly by service engineer. up.
 Items to be checked:  If necessary, call the processor service
 Electrical connections and cables. technician.
 Micro switches.
 Indicator lights. Replenishment rate test
 Audio signals.  Frequency of test
 Heaters and thermostats.  Monthly.
 Motors.  Equipment required
 Roller drives. Pumps.  One graduated 100ml cylinder.
 Method
Temperature check  Check that replenishment hoses do not
 Frequency of check have any bends that may restrict the
 Daily. flow.
 Equipment required  Switch on the processor.
 Thermometer-non-mercury (preferably  Remove lid of processor.
digital).  Place activate micro switches, if present,
 Method to ensure that processor will function
 Test at the same time each day with the lid off
 Place thermometer in developer.
 Read while in developer.
 Compare thermometer reading with the
built-in readout temperature.
 Evaluation

RT NER CARLO BSRT - III

 COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
QUALITY ASSURANCE
& QUALITY CONTROL
 Place the end of the developer
replenishment hose in the graduated
cylinder.
 Feed a film into the processor.
 A pre-set amount of developer will
automatically be pumped into the
cylinder. Record this amount.
 Empty cylinder and repeat for fixer.
 Evaluation
 Compare amount of developer and fixer
in cylinder with manufacturer's
recommendations.
 Action
 If amounts do not compare with
recommendations, adjust quantity
regulator accordingly (see
manufacturer's instructions).
 Re-check.
 File a report.
Sensitometry
 is the study and measurement of the
relationship between exposures, films,
screens and processing.
 is a more comprehensive and accurate form
of monitoring processing performance.
When to do processor control sensitometry
 First thing every morning.
 After the processor has reached the correct
operating temperature.
 After feeding clean up film through.
 Before processing any patient radiographs.
 After cleaning or servicing the processor.
The test film
 The image on the test film must be a
standard series of clearly defined densities,
ranging from barely visible to black.
RT NER CARLO
HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCE 
DEPARTMENT The
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
se densities are usually over a range of 21
steps.
 A smaller number of steps may be used.
 Number the steps from 1 (lightest step).
METHOD 1
 The best and most reliable method
 Using the sensitometer
 Use a dedicated box of film of the type
commonly used in your department.
 Use the sensitometer in the darkroom
where the processor is to be monitored.
 Select the light color relevant to your
films color sensitivity (blue or green).
 Under safelight conditions insert a sheet
of film into the sensitometer until it
reaches the back-stop.
 Press cover down and hold until signal
(audio or light) has stopped.
 Raise the cover and remove film.
 Process the film in the processor to be
monitored.
 The film should always be placed in the
same spot on the feed tray, with the
image parallel to the rollers.
METHOD 2
 Make an X-ray image of aluminum step
wedge under standard conditions.
 Place an 18 x 24 cm cassette, loaded with
your standard film, face up on the X-ray
table.
 Place the step wedge on the face of the
cassette.
 Using a 100 cm FFD (SID), center and
collimate to the step wedge. The
cassette can be divided with lead rubber
in order to make more than one image
on the same film.
BSRT - III
 COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
QUALITY ASSURANCE HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
& QUALITY CONTROL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

 Set an exposure that will produce a full METHOD 4

range of step wedge densities and make  Purchase pre-exposed sensitometry film
an exposure. You may need to produced by a film manufacturer.
experiment first in order to determine
the correct exposure for your step
wedge/ film/screen combination.
 Process the film, under safelight
conditions, in the processor to be
monitored.
 The film should always be placed in the
same spot on the feed tray, with the
image parallel to the rollers

METHOD 3
 Producing a standard range of densities,
using X-ray, without the step wedge.
 Making the Image
 Place an 18 x 24cm cassette, loaded with
your standard film, face up on the X-ray
table.
 Divide the face of the cassette into 11 strips.
 Cover all but the end strip with lead rubber.
 Set a 100 cm FFD (SID), centre and collimate
to the uncovered area (strip 1).
 Expose using a low exposure (enough to
produce a barely visible density).
 Move the lead rubber so that strips 1 and 2
are uncovered.
 Using the same exposure, expose both strips
(strip 1 has now been exposed twice).
 Move the lead rubber so that strips I, 2 and 3
are uncovered and expose all three strips,
using the same exposure (strip 1 has now
been exposed three times and strip 2 twice).
 Repeat this process until all strips have been
exposed.
 Process the film, under safelight conditions,
in the processor to be monitored.
 Feed the film into the processor in the same
way as that described in Method 2.
 The film may be cut down the middle
lengthways, when removed from the
cassette, in order to create a second strip.
The unused strip should be placed in a light
tight box for future use.

RT NER CARLO BSRT - III

 COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
QUALITY ASSURANCE HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
& QUALITY CONTROL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

when switched on. Movement may be too

fast, too slow, erratic or not take place at all
 .Frequency of test
 Yearly.
 As necessary.
 Equipment required
 Bucky to be tested.
 One.35 x 43cm loaded cassette
 Method
 Place the cassette, face up, in the
bucky tray and
 push the tray in.
 Set a 100 cm FFD (SID).
 Centre the X-ray beam to the bucky
and collimate to cover the film.
 Set an exposure to give a density of
1 (approximately 55 kV 20 mAs). You
may need to experiment before
carrying out the test.
 Switch the bucky on.
 Make an exposure. Process the film.
 Evaluation
 If there is an even, clear pattern of
grid lines over
 the whole of the film the grid did
not move at all,
 or moved too slowly, odor only
part of the exposure.
 If there is an uneven pattern of grid
lines over
 the film the grid moved erratically.
 If the grid lines could not be seen,
the grid moved,
 as it should.
 Action
 Check to see if anything is stopping
the grid movement.
 Check the cable and electrical
connections.
X-RAY EQUIPMENT  Re test.

Grid movement test

 The grid in a potter bucky is designed to
move from side to side during the exposure,

RT NER CARLO BSRT - III

 COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
QUALITY ASSURANCE HEALTH ALLIED SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
& QUALITY CONTROL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

 If you have been unsuccessful call

an X-ray engineer.
 Inform staff.
 File a report.

Cassette centered to the

middle of the bucky test
 Frequency of test
 Yearly.
 As necessary.
 Equipment required
 Bucky to be tested.
 Marker (small coin).
 One 35 x 43 cm loaded cassette.
 Method
 Place the cassette in the bucky tray face
up.
 Check that cassette clamp is firmly and
correctly closed.
 Push bucky tray fully in and lock bucky in
position.
 Set a FFD (SID) of 100 cm.
 Centre the beam to the middle of the
table.
 Adjust the bucky so that the central ray
coincides with the centreline of the
cassette.
 Place the marker on the tabletop so that
it coincides with the centre of the X-ray
beam.
 Adjust the collimation to cover the
cassette.
 Make an exposure.
 Process the film.
 Evaluation
 The marker should be in the middle of
the film.
 Measure from the image of the coin to
all four sides of the film.
 Action
 Check bucky tray movement.
 Check cassette clamp.
 Adjust as necessary
 If unsuccessful call an X-ray engineer.
 Inform staff. File a report.

RT NER CARLO BSRT - III