Uses

• When an x-ray film has been exposed, it must be processed in order to produce a permanent visible radiographic image. Generally, processing is the term used to refer to the several procedures that produce the visible, permanent image and consists of developing, rinsing, fixing, washing and drying procedures.
• Exposed radiographs that contain a latent image should be processed as soon as possible as they are more sensitive to energy.
• Obsolete due to widespread use of digital radiography Radiography: digital.

Disadvantages

• Film packets should only be opened in the darkroom or under safe-light conditions.
• Longer process compared to digital processing.
• Use of chemical fluids

Alternative techniques

• Automatic processing Radiography: processing.
• Smaller models can be found in many veterinary practices.
• In general produce results:
  • More rapidly (90-180 sec).
  • More consistently.
  • More easily.

Time required

Preparation

• Dark room must be maintained regularly to ensure consistent production of high-quality radiographs.

Procedure

• Approximately 10 min processing time for a single radiograph.