Reduction of X-ray film processing variations

The reduction of variations in automatic and manual X-ray film processing depends on parameters linked to the processor (''mechanical'') and parameters linked to the processing solutions (''analytical''). The most important parameters are reviewed and the monitoring methods are discussed. The advantages of sensitometric tests are shown and the ways of carrying them out are described. It is demonstrated that careful analysis of trends and drifts during sensitometric tests is one of the most efficient ways to achieve quality assurance programmes in the area of processing. (author)