Quinnipiac University Diagnostic ImagingRS 240L Lab #2

Name: Karen Finn

Objective: To familiarize the student with the Konica CR system, film processing and darkroom. By the conclusion of the lab, the student will be able to set assigned techniques, process a CR imaging plate, and adjust a digital image. The student will also learn how to load and unload a cassette and process a film.

Equipment Used

The equipment that was used during this lab was the portable x-ray, a phantom elbow, a 14 by 17 Konica CR plate, a CR cassette used for capturing the image, and the dark room, which included the processor with the feed tray.

Procedure: The first step in this lab was to become familiar with the portable x-ray machine this was accomplished by moving the unit around the room. Next, the x-ray portable unit was placed over the table where the elbow phantom was placed. The 14 by 17 Konica CR plate was placed under the elbow and the x-ray tube was placed over the plate. Then, the SID was set to 40” and the elbow was collimated. The exposure factors were set to 55 kVp and the mAs was set to 6.3. the exposure switch was brought outside the door and the exposure was taken. After the exposure was taken the film was processed in the dark room with the lights off. The film was taken out of the cassette and placed on the feed tray of the processor, which was feed through until it began to automatically advance. After the film was processed it was taken out and looked at on light screen located in the lab. After the film was looked at, a new cassette was loaded in the dark room by opening the bin and taking the film out of the bag and placing it in the cassette with both sides clicked in.

Results / Discussion / Questions

1. When using the portable x-ray kV and mAs are the 2 exposure factors that are used.

2. Window level is used to adjust brightness and contrast. 3. The film changed when dipped into the developer because everything turns black

that is sensitive to light. The developing agent gives up electrons to convert the silver halide grains to metallic silver. Grains that have been exposed to the radiation develop more rapidly, but if enough time is given the developer will convert all the silver ions into silver metal.

4. The film changed clear when dipped into the fixer because it turns emlusion clear and stops the developer. Unexposed silver halide crystals are removed by the fixing bath. The fixer dissolves only silver halide crystals, leaving the silver metal behind.

5. You have to knock before going into the dark room because if the film is exposed to light before it is processed then the image will be erased.

6. Before exiting the dark room you have to make sure the bin is closed and you hear a beep before you leave or turn the lights on.