1
Possible Radiographic Errors
Radiology
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During Exposure
• Film is bent during set up and exposure
• Causing distortion
3
Elongation
• Vertical angulation error; not enough positive angle on max or negative angle on md
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5
Foreshortening
• Also vertical angulation; too much angulation; correct by decreasing vertical angulation
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7
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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9
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
15
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
25
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• Gray appearance, film image detail is lost, contrast is lessened; improper storage conditions, outdated films, light leaks in processing room, light leaks on daylight loaders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
34
Streaks
• Dirty rollers or x-ray racks
