New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
He - Department of Health and Human Services
Subtitle He-P - Former Division of Public Health Services
Chapter He-P 4000 - NEW HAMPSHIRE RULES FOR THE CONTROL OF RADIATION
Part He-P 4045 - USE OF RADIATION MACHINES: ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
Section He-P 4045.07 - X-Ray Film Processing Facilities and Practices

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules He-P 4045.07

Current through Register No. 40, October 3, 2024

(a) Each registrant using analog image receptors, such as film, shall have available suitable equipment for handling and processing radiographic film in accordance with the following provisions:

(1) For manually developed film:
a. Processing tanks shall be constructed of mechanically rigid, corrosion resistant material;

b. Developer solutions in the developing tanks shall be maintained at temperatures within the range of 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C);

c. Film shall be developed in accordance with the time-temperature relationships recommended by the film manufacturer, or, in the absence of such recommendations, with the recommendations set forth in Table 4045.1;

d. Devices shall be utilized which will indicate the actual temperature of the developer solution; and

e. Devices shall be used to signal the passage of a preset time appropriate to the developing time required;

Table 4045.1 Manual Time-Temperature Chart

Developer Solution Temperature Minimum Developing Time
(Degrees) (C) (F) (Minutes)
26.7 80 2.0
26.1 79 2.0
25.6 78 2.5
25.0 77 2.5
24.4 76 3.0
23.9 75 3.0
23.3 74 3.5
22.8 73 3.5
22.2 72 4.0
21.7 71 4.0
21.1 70 4.5
20.6 69 4.5
20.0 68 5.0
19.4 67 5.5
18.9 66 5.5
18.3 65 6.0
17.8 64 6.5
17.2 63 7.0
16.7 62 8.0
16.1 61 8.5
15.6 60 9.5

(2) For automatic processors and other closed processing systems:
a. Films shall be developed in accordance with the time-temperature relationships recommended by the film manufacturer; or, in the absence of such recommendations, the film shall be developed using Table 4045.2; and

b. The specified developer solution temperature and immersion time shall be posted in the darkroom or on the automatic processor; and

Table 4045.2 Automatic Time-Temperature Chart

Developer Solution Temperature Minimum Immersion Time(1)
(C) (F) (Seconds)
35.5 96 19
35.0 95 20
34.5 94 21
34.0 93 22
33.5 92 23
33.0 91 24
32.0 90 25
31.5 89 26
31.0 88 27
30.5 87 28
30.0 86 29
29.5 85 30
(1) Immersion time only, no crossover time included.

(3) Processing deviations from the requirements of He-P 4045.07(a) shall be documented by the registrant in such manner that the requirements are shown to be met or exceeded.

(b) Each installation using an x-ray system and analog image receptor shall be subject to the following additional requirements:

(1) Pass boxes shall be constructed to exclude light from the darkroom when cassettes are placed in or removed from the boxes;

(2) Pass boxes shall incorporate adequate shielding from stray radiation to prevent exposure of undeveloped film;

(3) The darkroom shall be light tight;

(4) The darkroom shall use proper safe lighting such that any film type in use exposed in a cassette to x-rays sufficient to produce an optical density from 1 to 2 when processed shall not suffer an increase in density greater than 0.1 (0.05 for mammography) when exposed in the darkroom for 2 minutes with all safelights on;

(5) If used, daylight film handling boxes shall preclude fogging of the film;

(6) Darkrooms typically used by more than one person shall be provided with a method to prevent accidental entry while undeveloped films are being handled or processed;

(7) Film shall be stored in a cool, dry place and shall be protected from exposure to stray radiation;

(8) Film in open packages shall be stored in a light tight container;

(9) Film cassettes and intensifying screens shall be inspected periodically and shall be cleaned and replaced as necessary, but at least annually;

(10) Outdated x-ray film shall not be used for diagnostic radiographs, unless:
a. The film has been stored in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations; and

b. A sample of the film passes a sensitometric test for normal ranges of base plus fog and speed;

(11) Film developing solutions shall be prepared in accordance with the directions given by the manufacturer; and

(12) Film developing solutions shall be maintained in strength by replenishment or renewal so that full development is accomplished within the time specified by the manufacturer.

#6827, eff 8-6-98; ss by #8692, INTERIM, eff 7-27-06, EXPIRES: 2-2-07; ss by #8808, eff 1-24-07

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