Exam Revison note- Image Processing
Image processing is the procedure by which the latent image formed on radiographic film
after X-ray exposure is converted into a visible and permanent radiographic image using
chemical or automatic processing methods.
What is Latent Image ?
A latent image is an invisible image produced on the radiographic film emulsion after
exposure to X-rays due to chemical changes occurring in silver halide crystals, which
becomes visible only after processing.
1. Formation of Latent Image (Before Processing)
Radiographic film consists of 4 layers:
1. Base
2. Adhesive layer
3. Emulsion layer-Main Active part
4. Protective coating (Super-Coating)
The emulsion layer contains silver halide crystals (silver bromide and silver iodide) suspended in
gelatin.
Process of Latent Image Formation- “Gurney Mott Theory”
X-rays pass through the patient.
Different body tissues absorb X-rays differently.
Transmitted X-rays reach the radiographic film.
X-ray photons interact with silver halide crystals.
Electrons are released within the crystals.
Silver ions attract these electrons.
Small deposits of metallic silver atoms form at sensitivity specks.
These invisible deposits form the latent image.
⚠️At this stage:
Image is present chemically.
Image cannot be seen.
Processing is required to visualize it.
2. Manual Film Processing
Manual processing converts the latent image into a visible image using chemical solutions
inside a darkroom.
Stages of Manual Processing
1. Developing Stage
Purpose
To convert exposed silver halide crystals into black metallic silver.
What Happens During Development
Developer penetrates swollen emulsion.
Exposed crystals containing latent image centers are reduced.
Metallic silver forms producing black areas.
Unexposed crystals remain unchanged.
-Image density and contrast mainly depend on development.
Developer Solution Components
PQ Developer (Developing Agents)
PQ developer contains:
Phenidone → Produces gray tones rapidly and initiates development.
Hydroquinone → Produces black tones and increases contrast.
Activator (Accelerator)– Sodium Carbonate
Maintains alkaline medium.
Swells gelatin for chemical action.
Preservative – Sodium Sulfite
Prevents oxidation of developer.
Restrainer – Potassium Bromide
Prevents chemical fog and unwanted development.
2. Rinsing (Stop Bath)
Process- Film is washed briefly with water.
Function
Stops developer action.
Removes excess developer.
Prevents fixer contamination.
3. Fixing Stage
Purpose- To make the image permanent and light insensitive.
What Happens?
Unexposed silver halide crystals dissolve.
Non-image areas become transparent.
Developed metallic silver remains.
Fixer Components
Fixing Agent- Ammonium thiosulfate / Sodium thiosulfate
Removes undeveloped crystals
Acidifier – Acetic Acid
Neutralizes developer action.
Preservative – Sodium Sulfite
Maintains fixer stability.
Hardener – Aluminum salts
Hardens emulsion and protects film.
4. Washing
Removes remaining processing chemicals.
Prevents staining and image deterioration.
5. Drying
Removes moisture.
Film becomes ready for viewing and storage.
Darkroom (Used in Manual Processing)
A darkroom is a completely light-proof room used for safe handling and processing of radiographic
films.
Requirements
Completely light-tight room
Proper ventilation
Adequate water supply
Clean and dust-free environment
Temperature control (18–24°C)
Separate working areas:
Dry side → Film handling
Wet side → Processing tanks
Safelight -Red or amber illumination used.
-Allows film handling without exposure.
3. Automatic Film Processing
Automatic film processing is the method in which radiographic films are processed
automatically using mechanical transport system, processing tanks, and controlled
temperature to convert latent image into a visible image.
Processing time: 90–120 seconds
Stages in Automatic Film Processing
1. Developing Stage
Developer Tank
Process
Film enters through the feed tray.
Roller Transport system carries film into the developer tank containing developer solution
maintained at about 35°C.
What Happens?
Exposed silver halide crystals are reduced into metallic silver.
Image density and contrast are produced.
Chemical activity is accelerated due to controlled temperature.
2. Fixing Stage
Fixer Tank
Process- Film moves from developer tank into the fixer tank.
What Happens?
Unexposed silver halide crystals are removed.
Emulsion becomes hardened.
Image becomes permanent and insensitive to light.
3. Washing Stage
Wash Tank / Wash Section
Process- Film enters wash section supplied with clean running water.
What Happens?
Residual fixer chemicals are removed.
Prevents staining and image deterioration.
4. Drying Stage
Dryer Unit
Process - Film passes into dryer section.
Warm filtered air circulates around the film.
What Happens?
Moisture completely removed.
Film exits dry and ready for viewing.
Main Components of Automatic Processor
Feed tray
Roller transport system
Developer tank
Fixer tank
Wash section
Dryer unit
Replenishment system
Temperature control system
Advantages of Automatic Processing
Rapid image production
Uniform image quality
Reduced manual handling
Suitable for busy radiology departments
N.B The only stage missing in automatic film processing compared to manual processing is the
rinsing (stop bath) stage, because development is stopped directly by the fixer solution
Prepared by-Eyob Melese(Med Rad)
Academic director, Uniscan Online Academy, Ethiopia 24/02/2026