New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 20 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 3 - RADIATION PROTECTION
Part 6 - X-RAYS IN HEALING ARTS
Section 20.3.6.612 - APPENDIX C. X-RAY FILM DEVELOPING

Universal Citation: 20 NM Admin Code 20.3.6.612

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 24, December 23, 2024

Time Temperature Chart:

Thermometer Readings Minimum Developing

(Degrees) Times (Minutes)

C F 2.0

27 80 2.0

79 2.5

78 2.5

77 3.0

24 76 3.0

75 3.0

74 3.5

73 3.5

22 72 4.0

71 4.0

70 4.5

69 4.5

20 68 5.0

67 5.5

66 5.5

65 6.0

18 64 6.5

63 7.0

62 8.0

61 8.5

16 60 9.5

A. Processing of Film: All films shall be processed in such a fashion as to achieve adequate sensitometric performance. This criterion shall be adjudged to have been met if either of the following items can be met:

(1) film manufacturers' published recommendations as regards time and temperature are followed; or

(2) each film shall be developed in accord with the time temperature chart.

B. Manual Processing of Film:

(1) Where film is developed manually, a system shall be available which consists of at least one three-sectional tank made of mechanically rigid, corrosion-resistant material (each section of which shall be constructed so as to retain its solution separation from the other two) and has the overall temperature-controlling capability of maintaining each solution such that the temperature of each solution will always fall within the range of 16 C to 27 C (60 -80 F).

(2) Devices shall be available which will:
(a) give the actual temperature of the developer; and

(b) give an audible or visible signal, after a preset time (in minutes of duration).

(3) Chemical-Film Processing Control:
(a) Chemicals shall be mixed in accord with the chemical manufacturer's recommendations.

(b) Developer replenisher shall be periodically added to the developer tank based on the area of the films which have been developed (e.g., 1 liter per 3100 in2 of film or in accord with the recommendations of the chemical manufacturer). Solution may be removed from the tank to permit the addition of an adequate volume of replenisher.

(c) All processing chemicals shall be completely replaced at least every 3 months.

(d) At the time of the complete processing chemical change, a film shall be exposed to a density of approximately one, with one-half of the film being protected from the exposure. After full development, it will be maintained in the darkroom or vicinity and at the beginning of each work day at least one test film or film strip (exposed under techniques identical with those used for the original test film) shall be compared with the original test film to evaluate the adequacy of developing results and base fog level.

C. Automatic Processors and Other Closed Processing Systems:

(1) Preventive maintenance shall be performed on the unit, except for extended periods of nonuse, on a frequency basis which is not less than that schedule recommended by the manufacturer. In the event that no schedule is available from the manufacturer a maintenance schedule shall be established which will preserve good film quality.

(2) After a full cleansing of the processor, a film shall be exposed to a density of approximately one, with one-half of the film protected from exposure. It will be developed and then kept near the unit and daily at least one test film (exposed under techniques identical with those used for the original test film) shall be compared with the original test film to evaluate the adequacy of the unit's developing capability and base fog level.

D. Darkrooms:

(1) Darkrooms shall be constructed so that film being processed, handled, or stored will be exposed only to light which has passed through a safe-light filter.

(2) The radiance and spectral emission of the safelight (bulb and filter combination) shall be such that film shall not be "fogged" above the base level when exposed for 1 minute at a distance of about 120 cm from the lamp(s). Film manufacturer's recommendations for a safelight and its placement shall be adjudged to meet this criterion.

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