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Possible Radiographic Errors

Radiology

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During Exposure

• Film is bent during set up and exposure

• Causing distortion

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Elongation

• Vertical angulation error; not enough positive angle on max or negative angle on md

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Foreshortening

• Also vertical angulation; too much angulation; correct by decreasing vertical angulation

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Overlapping

• Incorrect horizontal angulation; cone is angled toward mesial or distal surfaces of teeth, instead of at interproximal areas

• *Evaluate film placement in regard to curve of arch, NOT pt;s face/cheeks

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Conecutting

• X-ray beam missed part of the film; film is only partially exposed

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Clear Film

• Film was not exposed to any radiation

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Double Exposure

• Film is exposed twice; results in blurred images or dark x-ray

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Blurred Image

• Result from movement of pt’s head or tubehead or from film moving in pt’s mouth

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Underexposed Film

• Light and has thin image; check the settings for mAs, kVs and exposure time; also occurs if cone is not positioned close enough to pt’s face

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Overexposed Film

• Dark image; check settings again

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Radiopaque Film

• Metal objects; check for and remove

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Backward Film

• Placing film reversed causes image to be white and a herringbone pattern to be seen

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Film Processing

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Light film image

• Underprocessed; developing time too short, developing temp too low, developing solution weak from overuse and needs to be changed

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Dark film image

• Over developing: developing solution temp too high, devel solution too stong, film left in devel too long

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Fogged Film

• Gray appearance, film image detail is lost, contrast is lessened; improper storage conditions, outdated films, light leaks in processing room, light leaks on daylight loaders

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Partial Image

• Solution levels are low

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Film Artifacts

• Result from improper handling; water spots on unprocessed films leaves clear area; fixer on unprocessed film leaves white area; developer leaves black area; also, yellow/brown stain from not rinsing properly, black artifacts from static electicity, fluroide leaves fingerprint smudge; films which touch leave shape of edge or corner of film

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Torn or Scratched

• Rough handling; leaves white area or mark on processed film

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Air Bubbles on Film

• Trapped on film if not agitated when placed in processing solutions; leaves round white spots

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Reticulation

• When film has been exposed to high temp then low temp; looks dried with tiny cracks

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Streaks

• Dirty rollers or x-ray racks