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The latent image produced when a radiographic
film is exposed to a beam of X-ray can be visualized and examined only after the
film has been suitably processed in the dark room. However, the most detailed
and careful radiographic technique in the X-ray room can be wasted unless it is
matched by similar high standard in the dark room.
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It is essential that the dark room should be
suitably constructed and that the processing solutions should be suitable
maintained and used.
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A room should be set aside as
a permanent dark room, ideally with a floor area of not less than 8X6 ft (2.6 X
2 m). Although individual
circumstances must dictate where a dark room is to
be sited, the following points might be borne in mind:
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The room must be capable of
being made completely lightproof.
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It should not be damp or
subjected to extreme of temperature.
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Water and electrical outlets
should be provided.
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A room should be set aside as
a permanent dark room with sufficient space to accommodate a dry bench (3 x 2), a
wet bench and a sink.
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Too large room is as undesirable as small room.
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Dark room should be near the
x-ray examination area.
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The room must be capable of
being made completely light proof to avoid film fog and should be well
ventilated.
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The wall should be
constructed of solid concrete (15 cm thick), have a lead box inside to store
boxes of unexposed films currently in use.
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Sufficient running water and
electrical outlet should be provided
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The walls and roof should be
painted by white or cream enamel as such a paint acts as a good reflecting
surface fore safe light.
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X-ray rotating warning
light in hallway switched "on" signaling that x-ray machine is operating.
