Darkroom

• darkroom:

  • a scientific laboratory
  • where latent image is converted to visible image
  • where radiography starts and ends
• main function of darkroom: to prevent or protect film exposure to white light and ionizing raiation during handling and processing
• loading bench: area where the cassette are loaded and recharged with fresh film and exposed film
• specifications of loading bench:

  • made up of antistatic material
  • should be large enough to accommodate the largest cassette in use when opened out
• safelight: a light inside a box containing a low wattage bulb, behind a specified filter
• processing tank: holds the solutions of developer, fixer, and water for processing of films
• automatic processor: a device designed to move the medical x-ray film from one solution to another withoout the need for human intervention except for inserting the film or cassette
• pass box:

  • it has an outer door accessible by the x-ray/radiologic technologist from the outside of the dark room
  • it is used to reduce exposure of unprocessed radiographic film
  • it has a two-way door and it is automatically locked when one is open
• film hangers: it is used to hold the radiographic film without leaving artifacts and while protecting the radiologic technologist from physical exposure to chemicals
• film rack: holds the films that are in drying stage of film processing
• film bin: a safety box used to store films that are yet to be processed and it is built for the specific purpose to safeguard the films from exposure and artifacts before they are processed
• drainage system: it is where liquids such as chemicals and water inside the darkroom are eliminated
• room thermometer: used to identify or determine the proper temperature of the inside of the darkroom to ensure the quality of film
• processing tank thermometer: used to identify or determine the proper temperature of each processing solutions
• x-ray film: a highly sensistive recording medium used in medical radiography for the purpose of obtaining anatomical images for diagnosis and treatment
• negatoscope: a radiographic equipment used for film viewing
• interval timer: used to control the length of time of processing
• mixing paddles: used to ensure that all processing chemicals are correctly and evenly mixed
• location of darkroom:

  • centrally located
  • in proximity or near to exposure room
• size of darkroom:

  • 15ft x 9ft or greater (minimum of 10 sq.) and could accommodate 200 radiographs/day
  • ceiling height: 2.7-3.3m
• sections of darkroom:

  • wet section
  • dry section
• wet section: where the film is chemically processed and finally becomes a radiograph
• dry section:

  • 4ft away from the wet section
  • It is here that the cassettes are loaded and emptied.
• wall: concrete

  • greater than 6 inches (3 3/4 inches if added with lead)
• wall: hollow blocks

  • filled with cement
• wall: wood

  • with 1.5 mm lead (1/16 inches)
• wall: color

  • light or bright tones for good reflection of safelight
• floor of darkroom:

  • should be non slippery and free from any stored objects
  • space should be sufficient for at least 1-2 person to work inside the darkroom
  • chemical resistant
• single door entrance:

  • one way entrance and exit
  • simplest type
  • all locks should be located inside the darkroom and should have the capability to open from the outside using a key outside for emergency purposes
• light lock door/ double door entrance:

  • both doors must be locked during processing
  • found adjacent to hallways
  • ensures that no one enters the darkroom accidentally
• maze entrance:

  • also called as labyrinth entrance
  • no door, walls only
  • pathway going to the darkroom
• revolving door entrance:

  • fastest access type
  • one way entry and exit
  • prone to light leakage
  • difficult to maintain
• ventilation in the darkroom:

  • exhaust fan, AC, electric fan
• storage room temperature: 10-20 degrees celsius or 50-70 degrees fahrenheit
• humidity for storage room and darkroom: 40-60%
• • psychrometer: used to measure the air temperature or humidity
  • thermometer: used to measure room temperature
• white light:

  • for inspection and maintenance of cassette
  • cleaning work surfaces
  • servicing of equipment
  • changing of solutions