Radiographic TechniqueQuestion 42 of 100
Several archived radiographs have turned yellowish-brown over the past year. What most likely caused this deterioration?
a.The films were exposed at too high a kVp
b.Insufficient rinsing or exhausted fixer left chemicals in the emulsion
c.The films were developed for too long
d.The patient moved during the exposures
Explanation
Yellow-brown discoloration that develops over time indicates residual fixer or thiosulfate left in the emulsion because of exhausted fixer or inadequate final washing. High kVp lowers contrast at the time of exposure but does not cause later staining. Overdevelopment darkens the image immediately, and patient movement causes blurring rather than color change.
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