THE INFLUENCE OF FILM PROCESSING TEMPERATURE AND TIME ON MAMMOGRAPHICIMAGE QUALITY

High image quality and low radiation levels are essential in mammograp hy. This study investigates the effect of changes in processor tempera tures and developing times on sensitometric findings. These findings w ere matched with the changes in the image quality during similar chang es in the developing parameters. Temperatures ranging between 35-degre es-C and 40-degrees-C and developing times from 20 s and 50 s were inv estigated. Higher developing temperatures and increased developing tim es resulted in an increase in film speed and film contrast. A definite pattern of change could be demonstrated in film speed and film contra st during sensitometry. The same pattern of change could, however, not be demonstrated in the quality of phantom images under similar circum stances. The base plus fog level was not adversely affected. Sensitome tric findings of film speed can be effectively used as an indicator of radiation exposure to the patient, but cannot be used to establish th e developing parameters that will give the best image quality. Both th ese methods should be used to determine which processing variables sho uld be used to obtain a combination of the best image with radiation a s low as possible. Recommendations for optimum processing parameters a re made for the films and processing chemistry investigated.