[en] Darkroom practices followed in radiology departments of various hospitals in India have been surveyed. Pre-exposed film strips were sent for processing and returned films were examined for sensitometric parameters. The data were compared with those obtained under standard conditions. It is found that the dark room practices followed by the most of the hospitals are resulting into high patient exposure and loss of image quality. It is suggested that the hospital authorities should provide suitable temperature controlled facilities to enable to technicians to process the films as per the film manufacturer's recommendations. (M.G.B.)