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Common Radiographic Faults, Module 7 - Coggle Diagram
Common Radiographic Faults
Operator Faults - Positioning Errors
Cone Cutting (Coning):
This occurs when the collimator is not centered over the film or sensor, resulting in a partial image. Only part of the area is exposed, leaving a clear, unexposed section.
Elongation:
This happens when the vertical angulation of the collimator is too shallow, causing the teeth to appear abnormally long.
Foreshortening:
This occurs when the vertical angulation is too steep, making the teeth appear unnaturally short.
Digital Processing Errors
Marble Effect:
This is caused by exposing the plate or sensor to excessive heat. This results in a blotchy or marbled appearance on the image.
Bending:
The digital plate becomes bent either during positioning or scanning, which distorts the image and can damage the plate.
Receptor scratches:
Scratches may occur if the plates or sensors are not stored or handled properly. These appear as streaks or marks on the image.
Underexposure:
The image appears pale or under-penetrated. This usually results from selecting too low an exposure setting.
Overexposure:
The image appears saturated or 'burnt out'. This occurs when the exposure settings are too high, leading to loss of detail.
Manual and Automatic Processing Errors
Film too dark:
This is typically due to overexposure, overdevelopment, high processing temperature, or overly concentrated developer.
Film too light:
Caused by underexposure, underdevelopment, low processing temperature, or weak/exhausted developer solution.
No Image:
May occur if the x-ray machine was not switched on, or if the film was accidentally placed directly into the fixer before exposure.
Partial Image:
This happens when films stick together in the developer tank or are not fully submerged, preventing even development
Fogged Image:
Can result from using outdated film, exposure to stray light, or inadequate light proofing in the darkroom
Stained Image:
Indicates poor or incomplete fixing or washing, leaving chemical residue on the film.
Double Image:
Occurs when the film is exposed twice, often due to confusion during handling or reusing an already-exposed film.
Blurred Image:
Caused by patient movement during exposure or by movement of the X-ray tube head.
White Spots:
These may result from chemical or waste splashes, or debris on the rollers of the automatic processor.
Module 7