If we consider the types of medical X-ray film, then it is divided into radiographic, used for general radiology, and fluorographic. There are also X-ray plates for specific purposes, but they are rarely used in medical practice.

Films of classic use are sheets of various sizes (most often 40x40 cm), on which layers of emulsion are applied on both sides. These layers form a light-sensitive surface, that is, such a film is double-sided. It is used in conjunction with 2 amplification screens. This type of film is used for taking pictures at a scale of 1: 1.

Agfa films

Fluorographic type of film has an emulsion layer on one side. That is, these are one-sided films. They are used to take pictures at a reduced size. For this, an optical system has been designed. Fluorographic film is available in rolls.

Main indicators of X-ray films

The sensitivity index is determined regardless of the type. There are films containing silver halides without dye impurities in the photosensitive layer. They are sensitive to the blue range of the spectrum. When dyes are added to the emulsion layer, the film is also receptive to the green range of the spectrum. There are films that contain dyes that also make them sensitive to red light.

Blue light is used in the classic use of radiography, in the production of conventional X-rays. In fluorographic examination, the green range of the spectrum is used.

Sensitivity is the reciprocal of the amount of x-rays required to take x-rays. It is calculated in inverse X-ray units. Medium gradient indicates the contrast setting of the film.

Domestic and foreign products

Domestic films have been produced for a long time, and are mainly intended for manual development. These are blue-sensitive films RM-1 and RM-K. For fluorography, a domestic product RF-3 is produced. These films are not suitable for automatic development in a developing machine. In recent years, Russia has been producing RM-D film based on imported raw materials. It is suitable for processing machines and for manual development.

On the other hand, imported films available on the market are only suitable for developing machines. It is impossible to develop them qualitatively by hand. The following table shows the types of imported films and their parameters:

Country Film Developer Development time (sec) Development temperature

(° Celsius)

 Medium gradient Sensitivity
Belgium Agfa -Gevaert (CurixXP) G230 480 20 240 x 10 -2 1000
Germany Retina (HVM) P-2 240 240 x 10 -2 1200
TRM-103P 240 300 x 10 -2 1200
T93 360 260 x 10 -2 1500
Czech Republic Foma (Medix MA) P-2 120 240 x 10 -2 600
DP 360 250 x 10 -2 1000
Foma (Medix 90) DP 240 250 x 10 -2 950
Fomadux FOMADUX According to the instructions 470 x 10 -2 650
Poland Foton (XS1) P-2 120 230 x 10 -2 950
WR-1 360 290 x 10 -2 1200
Foton (XR1) WR-1 360 250 x 10 -2 850
Doorman. Typon (TypoxRP) P-2 240 260 x 10 -2 600

In Russian radiology, Agfa blue-sensitive film is popular, especially Agfa D5. It is successfully used in radiography of the lungs, bone structure, and in angiography. She details the photo to the smallest nuances. The manufacturer claims that the image is stable when the conditions of development change, clarity when developing with weaker developers. Agfa recommends buying developer and fixative from the same company when using Agfa D5 blue-sensitive film.

Exposure process

Domestic classic films are sold in cassettes to maintain opacity. They are accompanied by sets of screens for amplification. Manufacturers take care that the screens do not have mechanical damage. After use, the screens are wiped with a cotton swab soaked in a solution specially developed for this purpose.

The photo exposure parameters depend on the screen parameters, on the X-ray film parameters, on the development conditions, on the developing and fixing reagents. All the necessary conditions are set automatically in the X-ray film developing machine. If developing manually, you must first take care of the optimal processing conditions for the image.

Image development

The developer for X-ray film Roentgen-2 is popular among radiologists. Films produced in the Fatherland have a marking, where it is written how long it is necessary to develop the film in the specified developer at a given temperature regime (20 g.). If the temperature is increased by 1 degree, you need to reduce the photo development time by 10%. If the temperature is reduced by 1 degree, the image development period is increased by 10%. The temperature should not differ from the optimum in any direction by more than 4 degrees.

More modern domestic developing reagents TRM-110R and Renmed-V appeared on sale. They develop the same photo in 20% less time. In 1 liter of such a developer, 1m 2 of starting material can be developed. Then the reagent is depleted.

Pre-flushing and fixing

The developed film is thoroughly washed in normal cold water. In the room where the treatment takes place, it is necessary to have a washbasin with a tap and water. Better yet, rinse the film in a slightly acidified liquid. If you pour a 1.5% acetic acid solution into the basin, in which you rinse the image, the development of the photo will stop.

Fixation is the destruction of unreduced silver from the composition of the emulsion layer of the image. This stage occurs gradually. First, the unexposed pieces of the film brighten, since the emulsion disappears from them, then the chemical process affects the exposed part of the sheet.

The time it takes to fix the film is written on the fixer packaging. It depends on the PH indicator. The pH for fixation should be between 4 and 6 units. In 1 liter of fixer, you can process from 1 to 2 m 2 of film, depending on its type.

Final rinsing and drying of the image

To remove residual silver ions, the photograph, after fixation, is washed under running water for a quarter of an hour. Then, so that streaks do not form, it is rinsed in a basin with distilled water.

Drying of the film is carried out in a clean room, from which suspended dust and foreign substances are removed, or in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 55-60 degrees Celsius. After drying, the photo can be cut into pieces or trimmed the light edges of the sheet.

Use of processing machines

X-ray rooms of paid polyclinics have acquired automatic machines for processing X-ray films. The whole procedure of developing and fixing the image takes place there according to preset parameters. It takes place at a higher temperature in less time. The whole process of image processing takes several minutes.

After chemical processing of the film, the images themselves, the developer and fixer contain silver ions. This metal is recyclable in industry, so the disposal of X-ray materials is important. There are companies that are engaged in recycling.

When choosing an X-ray film, it is necessary to take into account the parameters and conditions of image processing. Domestic films are suitable for manual processing, while foreign films are suitable for developing machines.

Obtaining images with the results of X-ray control when using a radiographic film is possible only after its development. The quality of the image and the reliability of the control depends on the control conditions, the choice of equipment and materials, the correct calculation of the exposure time, but also on the characteristics of the used processing reagents. The composition of the developer affects the gradient and graininess of the image, while the concentration of the fixer affects the brightness and stability of the image.

Reagents for manual processing

ReagentsAGFA . Developer G128 and fixer G328 in 5 liter canisters, ready solution volume - 25 liters. The canisters are sealed with foil to preserve the concentrates. It is recommended to use AGFA NDT film reagents. The reagents are supplied in a pack of four 5 liter canisters.

T-roentgen-1 reagents. Dry developer and fixer for diluting a 15 liter solution. Development time - 4 minutes, fixing time - 10 minutes at a temperature of (20 ± 1) o C. To process 1 m 2 of film, 1 liter of developer is required. It is recommended to use reagents with Structurix AGFA, Fomadus, RT-1 films.

Krok-roentgen-T reagents. A set of concentrates. The kit includes a developer, fixer and a reducing agent for diluting a solution with a volume of 30 liters. Development time - 4 minutes, fixing time - 10 minutes at a temperature of (20 ± 1) o C. To process 1.5 m 2 of film, 1 liter of developer is required. It is recommended to use reagents with Structurix AGFA, Fomadux, PT-1 films.

Reagents "Roentgen-2T". A set of dry mixes consists of a developer, fixer and regenerator. The volume of the finished solution is up to 15 liters. For processing 1 m 2 of film, 1 liter of developer is required. Short-term storage of reagents together with other chemicals (up to 3 days) is allowed.

Reagents "TRT-301". A set of dry mixes consists of a developer, fixer and regenerator. The volume of the finished solution is up to 15 liters. Working solutions can be prepared in drinking water without additional boiling or distillation. For processing 1.8 m 2 of film, 1.5 liters of developer are required. Short-term storage of reagents together with other chemicals (up to 3 days) is allowed.

Reagents "TRT-310k". A set of concentrated solutions consists of a developer and fixer. The volume of the canister is 5 liters, the volume of the ready-made solution is 20 liters. For processing 1.2 m 2 of film, 1 liter of developer is required.

Reagents for automatic processing

ReagentsAGFA . Developer and fixer in 5 liter cans for use in developing machines. Can be used for manual processing. The volume of the finished solution with automatic processing is 20 liters, with manual processing - 25 liters. It is recommended to use AGFA NDT film reagents. The reagents are supplied in a pack of four 5 liter canisters. Also, the supply of an AGFA NDT G135 starter is carried out to compensate for the alkaline medium of the developer (consumption: 1 liter of starter for 80 liters of developer).

Krok-roentgen-MT reagents. A set of concentrates for film processing in developing machines. The kit includes a developer and fixer for diluting a solution of 20 liters. Development time - 2 minutes at a temperature of (27 ± 1) o C. To process 1 m 2 of film, 0.8 liters of developer is required. It is recommended to use reagents with Structurix AGFA, Fomadux, PT-1 films.

Reagents "TRT-311k". Developer and fixer in 5 liter cans for use in developing machines with a cycle of 8-12 minutes. The volume of the finished solution is 20 liters. Developer consumption - 700 ml / m 2, fixer - 900 ml / m 2.

Sales consultants will help you choose the right reagent for your application and materials.

We deliver to all cities of Russia, as well as to the countries of the CIS and the Customs Union (Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, Tajikistan, the Republic of Moldova, Kyrgyzstan).

Consultations on the selection of reagents by phone +7 343 227-333-7 in Yekaterinburg and +7 495 640-71-00 in Moscow or by e-mail [email protected], from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00.

Storage conditions for Agfa NDT chemicals

During storage, chemical reagents must have optimal temperature limits, which, in accordance with the normative and technical documentation, are in the temperature range from + 4 ° С to + 23 ° С. The positive temperature range for the use of these chemicals is associated primarily with the high water content in their composition. The specified chemical reagents at low temperatures (down to -50 ° C) insignificantly change their physicochemical properties.

If chemical reagents freeze, they must be thawed at room temperature and used as usual. The same applies to STRUCTURIX brand chemicals for automatic processing of X-ray films.

Pour 5 liters of concentrate into a container with 15 liters of water (water temperature from +15 ° С to + 40 ° С), mix thoroughly, then add the remaining 5 liters of water to the resulting solution (water temperature from +15 ° С to + 40 ° C).

Developer G135

The retail set of delivery of the developer G135 (1 box) consists of two identical semi-sets, each of which, in turn, consists of three components. Each of the semi-sets can be diluted up to 20 liters of working solution. To dilute one half-set of the developer, it is necessary to pour 5 liters into a container with 10 liters of water (water temperature from +15 ° С to + 40 ° С). concentrate (component A), add 0.5 l. concentrate (component B) and add 0.5 l. concentrate (component C). After that, you need to add the remaining 4 liters of water to the resulting solution. ATTENTION! After each addition of the next component of the concentrate, the solutions should be thoroughly mixed.

Fixer G335

The retail package of the G335 fixator (1 box) consists of two identical semi-sets, each of which, in turn, consists of two components. Each of the semi-sets can be diluted up to 20 liters of working solution. To dilute one half-set of fixer, it is necessary to pour 5 liters into a container with 10 liters of water (water temperature from +15 ° С to + 40 ° С). concentrate (component A), add 1.25 l. concentrate (component B), after which it is necessary to add the remaining 3.75 liters of water to the resulting solution. ATTENTION! After each addition of the next component of the concentrate, the solutions should be thoroughly mixed.

Translation of labels on cans with chemical reagents

1. G128

Structurix G128 developer

Front side

5 liters "E" for 25 liters

Art. 35TBN code for 4x5L set

Downside

G128 developer

This product will be exchanged for other products in case of improper manufacture, packaging or description. Any other claim other than intent or gross negligence on our part is excluded.

Unhealthy

AGFA-GEVAERT N.V.

Septestraat, 27

B-2640, Mortsel, Belgium

Tel. + 32-3-444 21 11

Toxicity class 3

BAG-T No. 602063

CH 8600, Dubendorf

Contains hydroquinone

Irreversible impact is possible.

Sensitization possible by skin contact.

Irritating to eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse vigorously and seek medical advice. When working, wear appropriate overalls, safety footwear and overalls / face mask.

Structurix G328 fixer

Front side

For universal processing of X-ray films

5 liters "E" for 25 liters

Art. Code 35TAL for 4x5L set

Downside

G328 fixer

This product will be exchanged for other products in case of improper manufacture, packaging or description. Claims other than intent or gross negligence on our part are excluded.

AGFA-GEVAERT N.V.

В-2640, Made in Belgium

Toxicity class 4

BAG-T No. 601084

AGFA-GEVAERT AG, Dubendorf

Key No. 52707

(Ö-normal S 2101)

Do not ingest more than 20% of Class 4 chemicals.

3. Structurix G 135 A

Cases of carcinogenic effect are possible. There is a risk of irreversible exposure. Possible sensitization by skin contact. Irritating to eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention. Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and goggles / face mask when working.

Structurix G 135 B

Developer / compensating additive

0.5 l E for 20

Contains acetic acid 60 - 70%

Diethylene Glycol CAS # 11-46-6

Corrosive substance. Harmful if swallowed. Causes burns. Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Do not spray! In case of contact with eyes, rinse with plenty of water and seek medical attention. Wear suitable protective clothing when working. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical attention (show this label if possible).

Structurix G 135 С

Developer / compensating additive

For developing universal industrial X-ray film

4. Structurix G 135 S

For processing general purpose industrial X-ray film

1 L E for 40 L

Irritant substance

Contains 10 - 25% acetic acid and potassium bromide

Irritating to eyes and skin. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.

In cases of defects in the product, label or packaging, the product must be replaced. Apart from these cases, the manufacturer does not provide any warranty. The exceptions are cases of criminal intent and obvious negligence on the part of the manufacturer.

5. Structurix G 335 A

5 L E for 20 L

Safety information for professional users is available upon request.

Structurix G 335 B

Fixer / compensating additive

1.25 L E for 20 L

For general purpose industrial X-ray film

Safety information for professional users is available upon request.

STRUCTURIX chemicals are designed for high-quality processing of AGFA STRUCTURIX films, as well as Russian films made from AGFA raw materials (P5 and P8F).

Packaging
AGFA packs its products in cardboard boxes, which are 60% made from recycled materials. All packages are easy to handle and easy to carry. For the convenience of identifying their contents, boxes are marked with different colors. Red stripes for developer, blue stripes for fixer, brown stripes for other chemicals.

Practical canisters
AGFA NDT chemicals are supplied in cans made of pure polyethylene. The labels on the canisters are also made of pure polyethylene. The canisters have colored stoppers and colored labels (red for developer, blue for fixer).

Reliable cover
The canisters with the concentrate are sealed with plastic wrap for better preservation of the concentrates. When you unscrew the lid, a thin layer of polyethylene remains on the neck, so the canister can be turned over for installation on the mixer.

Marking "e"
AGFA is officially registered as a supplier of liquid chemicals. The "e" mark is on the label after the quantity of the product. The "e" mark ensures that all chemicals are supplied in certified containers.

Security measures >>>
Health safety and environmental protection are regulated by MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) documents. Follow the instructions on the containers. Ensure laboratory ventilation is adequate to avoid excessive concentrations of chemical vapors. Air exchange is required 10 times the volume of the room (per hour).

DESCRIPTION OF CHEMICALS

Developers supplied in the form of a concentrate are intended for photochemical processing of X-ray films: one-component - for manual and three-component - for automatic processing, respectively, for 25 and 40 liters of ready-made solution. Fixers are supplied in the same way: one-component - for manual processing and two-component - for automatic processing.

Ordinary fixer is an aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate. For fixing negative photographic materials, a 25-30% solution is usually used. A solution of higher concentration is rarely used, since, interacting with the oxidation products of the developer, it easily stains itself and gradually begins to stain the emulsion layer of the photographic material. Ordinary fixer is rapidly enriched with developer alkali, which, in turn, causes significant swelling of the gelatin and a decrease in the mechanical strength of the emulsion layer. The increased alkalinity of the solution leads to the fact that the photographic material immersed in the fixer continues to develop in parallel with fixation. In addition, the appearance of images processed in ordinary fixer always leaves much to be desired.
Maximum duration fixing the X-ray film in an ordinary fixer at a solution temperature of 18-20 ° C for 15 to 20 minutes.

In one liter of ordinary fixer, approximately 1 m2 of X-ray film can be fixed (without staining the solution).
Depleted fixer causes the appearance of a dichroic veil on x-rays.

Thiosulfate sodium It is recommended to dissolve in water with a temperature of 50 ° C. When it dissolves, a strong heat absorption occurs, as a result of which the water temperature decreases and the dissolution process slows down, at a water temperature of 72 ° C, thiosulfate can decompose.

Rapid dissolution of sodium thiosulfate can be achieved without preliminary heating of the water. Sodium thiosulfate is poured into cloth bags, which are immersed slightly below the water level. This dissolution method does not require preliminary crushing of caked lumps of substance, which is usually done before dissolving in hot water.

Sour fixer... It is called acidic because it contains acidic salt or weak (!) Acid. The introduction of an acid into a sodium thiosulfate solution is possible only in the presence of sodium sulfite, otherwise the so-called sulfurization occurs, that is, the decomposition of sodium thiosulfate with the precipitation of sulfur. Sulfurization can also occur when more acid is added to the solution than indicated in the recipe, or there is an insufficient amount of sodium sulfite in the solution. It should be noted that an excessive amount of acid negatively affects the quality of the images, contributing to the appearance of reticulation on the emulsion layer. Sulfurization also occurs at a high temperature of the acid fixer, as a result of which the concentration of sodium thiosulfate decreases, and sulfur is deposited on the emulsion layer of the photographic material.
When cooking sour fixers the order of dissolution of substances and mixing of solutions must be strictly observed.

IN a separate container of water(50 ° C) sodium thiosulfate dissolves. In another vessel, dissolve the entire amount of sodium sulfite, which is indicated in the recipe. Acid is carefully, in a thin stream, poured into a solution of sodium sulfite.

Not earlier than in 20 minutes received solution poured in small portions to a solution of sodium thiosulfate with continuous stirring of the latter. Draining the solutions is possible only after they have been completely cooled.
Enter acid it is impossible directly to the sodium thiosulfate solution, since sulfur will precipitate and the fixer becomes unusable.

When working with acids care should be taken, especially with acids of high concentration. You should always pour acid into the water, not the other way around.
If in sour fixer potassium metabisulfate is used, then it is introduced into the sodium thiosulfate solution without preliminary dissolution in a separate vessel. In this case, it is necessary that the sodium thiosulfate solution be cold.