Processing of x-ray films involves developing and fixing the exposed film. The developer contains hydroquinone and elon as developing agents to convert exposed silver halide crystals to black metallic silver in different tones. Sodium sulphite acts as a preservative while sodium carbonate, potassium bromide, and glutaraldehyde help activate the agents, restrain unexposed crystals, and prevent emulsion softening. The fixer contains sodium or ammonium thiosulphate to remove unexposed crystals, sodium sulphite as a preservative, potassium alum as a hardening agent, and acetic or sulfuric acid to neutralize alkalinity and stop development. Water acts as the solvent for both solutions.

1. Processing of x-rays films
Dr. M. Madeena Begum, M.V.Sc.,
(Surgery and Radiology)
Assistant Professor
VCC, VCRI, Tirunelveli

2. Processing of x-rays films

3. Composition of developer
Ingredient Chemical Function
Developing
agent
i. Hydroquinone
ii. Elon
i. Converts exposed silver halide
crystals to black metallic silver. Slowly
generates the black tones and contrast
in the image
ii. Converts exposed silver halide
crystals to black metallic silver. Quickly
generates the grey tones in the image
reservative Sodium sulphite Prevents rapid oxidation of the
developing agents

4. Ingredient Chemical Function
Accelerator Sodium carbonate Activates developer agents. Provides
alkaline environment for developing
agents. Softens gelatin of the film
emulsion
Restrainer Potassium bromide Prevents the developer from developing
the unexposed silver halide crystals.
Hardener Glutaraldehyde Used in automatic processing, to
prevent emulsion from softening and
sticking to the rollers
Antibacterial Fungicide Prevents bacterial growth
Solvent Water It dissolves chemicals

5. Composition fixer
Ingredient Chemical Function
Fixing agent Sodium thiosulphate;
ammonium thiosulphate
Removes all unexposed
undeveloped silver halide crystals
from the emulsion
Preservative Sodium sulphite Prevents deterioration of fixing
agent
Hardening
agent
Potassium alum Shrinks and hardens the gelatin in
the emulsion
Acidifier Acetic acid; sulphuric
acid
Neutralizes the alkaline developer
and stops further development
Solvent Water It dissolves chemicals