T.O. 33B-1-1
Table 6-18.
Description of Film Artifacts
Condition
Cause
Remedy
1. Pressure Marks
White or dark areas as re-
Handle film carefully, avoid bending
sult of pressure on emul-
when placing in cassette. Do not place
sion.
heavy objects on exposure holder.
2. Exposure to light
Usually dark areas on film
Light leaks in corners of exposure holders.
of shadow pattern.
Test film by developing without exposure
to X-rays.
3. Static pattern
Black, sharp chicken-track
Handle film properly.
type pattern. The result of
rapid removal of film from
paper cover of film box.
4. Paper pattern
Mottled effect over complete
Remove paper from film when exposing
area on film.
with screens.
5. Moisture on screen
Spots on radiograph.
Do not allow film to remain in lead screen
exposure holders overnight in humid at-
mosphere.
6. Mottle pattern
Processing streaks.
Use adequate short-stop and agitate film
during processing.
7. Film reversal
X-ray image reversed; light
Extremely excessive exposure to radiation.
areas dark, dark areas
Reduce exposure.
light.
8. Films stuck together
Can be either dark or light
Agitate film during processing to assure
during processing
depending on where in pro-
solution penetrates emulsion.
cess this occurred.
9. Water spots
Result of splashing water
Handle film in dry area of darkroom.
on films after they are
Completely remove from processing sec-
dried.
tion. Do not remove film from hangers
until dry under clips.
10. Developer scum
Surface on developer clings
Mix solutions thoroughly before process-
to surface of films in devel-
ing films.
oper.
11. Lead screen patterns
Streaking on film due to al-
Examine lead screens visually before use.
loy segregation of lead.
Change 3
6-87
