What is the correct processing sequence for radiographic film?

The correct processing sequence for radiographic film is to develop, rinse, fix, wash, and then dry.

In this process, developing is the first crucial step where the exposed film is placed in a developer solution, which reduces the silver halide crystals that have been exposed to light to metallic silver, thus creating the latent image. Following development, the film is rinsed briefly to stop the development process and remove any excess developer.

The next step involves fixing the film, which uses a fixer solution to dissolve and remove any unexposed silver halide crystals on the film. This ensures that the image remains stable and does not continue to develop upon exposure to light. After fixing, the film undergoes a thorough washing to remove any remaining chemicals, ensuring that the potential for further chemical reactions is eliminated.

Finally, once washed, the film is dried, making it ready for viewing or further processing. Adhering to this sequence is critical for obtaining high-quality radiographs and ensuring the longevity of the film image.