Densitometric evaluation of four rapid dental film processing solutions

The aim of this study was to evaluate densitometrically four rapid processing solutions for dental films; also to identify those combinations of film, solution and temperature which produced the best results in terms of radiographic contrast and relative film speed at a given temperature. The film types used were Agfa Dentus M2, Flow X-ray and Kodak Ultra-speed while the rapid processing solutions tested were Kolchem Rapid Dev 1, Kolchem Rapid Dev 2, MEMS Ultra-Neg and Siemens Insta-Neg. An aluminium step-wedge was radiographed under standardized conditions. Processing was done manually at 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29 and 32 degrees C, the temperatures being controlled with the aid of two Julabo thermostatically controlled immersion circulators, to ensure constant temperatures. Unexposed films were processed at each temperature setting to determine base plus fog values. Densitometric readings were taken using a digital densitometer, and base plus fog values were subtracted from each reading. Radiographic contrast and relative film speed were calculated and the data obtained subjected to statistical analysis using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. It was concluded that Agfa Dentus M2 film processed with Kolchem Rapid Dev 2 at 18 degrees C gave the highest radiographic contrast of 0.44 and relative film speed of 4.36. All base plus fog values were within the acceptable limit of 0.25.