Basics of Film Processing in Medical Imaging

Author:  Arthur Haus & Susan Jaskulski
ISBN:  9780944838785
Published:  1997 | 338 pp | 


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Advance for Radiologic Science Professionals  |  October 20, 1997


"At long last--a comprehensive book about photographic film processing in medical imaging! The previous publications about the photographic process in medical imaging were published by the Bureau of Radiological Health (now the Center for Devices and Radiological Health) of the Food and Drug Administration in 1976 and 1977 (and were written by this reviewer). This important topic deserves the fullest attention of medical physicists and radiologic technologists--and this book provides the needed information. (By the way, this is not just a topic related to mammography, but is essential to good image quality for all aspects of medical imaging in which the photographic process is used.)

The two authors are eminently qualified for the task. Art Haus is Director of Medical Physics for Health Imaging at Eastman Kodak. In addition, he has experience at the University of Chicago and M.D. Anderson Hospital, and serves on numerous committees including the American College of Radiology's Mammography Accreditation and Quality Assurance Committees. Susan Jaskulski is a Medical Physics Associate for Health Imaging at Eastman Kodak. In addition, she has experience at the Genesee Hospital in Rochester, New York, as a mammography technologist in a private clinic, as an application specialist and clinical coordinator for Lorad Medical Systems, and as a mammography specialist for Kodak. The authors have produced a book which is balanced in its presentation and recognizes the contributions of other film manufacturers.

This book consists of seven chapters including 1. Film, 2. Chemicals, 3. Processors, 4. Image Quality, 5. Quality Control, 6. Artifacts, 7. Troubleshooting, plus a series of appendices covering topics including reciprocity law failure and latent image fading, manual processing of film, handling and processing of mammography film, the mammographic darkroom, cleaning intensifying screens, processing films in mobile vans, and the sensitometric technique for the evaluation of processing (STEP) test used by the FDA. The first five chapters start with a section entitled either History or Background, providing a historical prospective. This is then followed by a tutorial on the components or steps in the process, and a section providing specific information and recommendations.

The chapter on artifacts is an excellent example of the format of the rest of the book. This section provides the tools for artifact analysis, methods for minimizing artifacts, and gives examples produced by specific processor components.

Chapter seven covers troubleshooting and is an excellent tool for technologists and others responsible for processor maintenance. There is a troubleshooting guide, a section on fixer retention, a section entitled "Tools for Troubleshooting" which is quite helpful, and a section describing information needed by manufacturers for troubleshooting.

There are also several highlights which should be of interest to anyone involved in medical imaging including a brief description of the 1929 Cleveland Hospital fire which resulted in the deaths of 126 people (due to the extremely flammable nature of nitrite-based films used at that time); comparison mammograms showing the image quality differences using direct exposure x-ray film and non-dedicated mammography equipment versus mammograms produced with equipment and techniques used today; and a discussion of safety issues associated with photographic processing chemicals. The authors address silver and other wastes in medical imaging facilities and provide an excellent overview of the technology of silver recovery.

This is an outstanding, comprehensive text and reference on the photographic process as applied in medical imaging. It is a "must read" for every medical physicist and radiologic technologist working in diagnostic imaging. It is also essential for any individuals providing service or support of photographic processors such as service and biomedical engineers. It provides an excellent overview and history of the photographic process which should be of interest to radiology residents and radiologists alike. In addition, I consider this book an essential for radiography training programs, especially the sections on chemicals and manual processing since it provides the insight necessary to understand the photographic process, be it manual or automatic--and it is also available in paperback at a slightly reduced price."
Joel E. Gray, Ph.D.