Radiographic Film Artifacts
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DMI 50B
Kyle Thornton
What Is An Artifact?
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Any optical density
that is not anatomy
An unwanted
density on the
radiograph
Interferes with
diagnosis
There Are Three Time Periods In
Which Artifacts Can Occur
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113
During exposure
During processing
During film handling,
prior to processing,
loading cassette, or
storing
Exposure Artifacts
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Poor screen-film contact
Improper use/positioning of a grid
Double exposure
Patient motion
Poor patient preparation
– Clothing, jewelery, glasses, belts, etc.
Processing Artifacts
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Dirty Rollers
– Will leave deposits on film
– Areas of increased or reduced density
– Occasionally some sludge may not be
washed off and dried onto the film
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Chemical Fog
– Improper or inadequate chemistry
– Leaves a uniform dull gray haze on the film
– May also be seen in two different colors
• Referred to as dichroic stain
Guide Shoe and Roller Marks
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Guide shoes are sprung or improperly
positioned
– The ridges in the guide shoe press against
the film leaving an artifact
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Pi-lines
– Dirt or stain on a roller
– 3.14 inches apart
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Pressure marks
– Irregular or dirty rollers
• Small, circular patterns are produced
Handling And Storage Artifacts
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Light or Radiation Fog
– White light streaks
– Safelight too close or wrong wattage
– Film left in x-ray room during exposure
Kink Marks
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Improper handling or storage
Appears as a fingernail mark
Static
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Caused by buildup of electrons in the
emulsion
Three types of static artifacts
– Crown
– Tree
– Smudge
Hypo Retention
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Yellowish stain that appears on finished
radiograph
Due to inadequate washing
Remaining thiosulfate from fixer solution