Microradiography: a theoretical basis and practical applications

If low magnification (less than 40x) is required of either thick soft tissue specimens (greater than 20 mm) containing contrast media filled structures or dense tissue, such as bone (greater than 5 mm), a diagnostic, radiographic tube and a 50 kVp setting would prove satisfactory. In this situation Kodak Type R film would provide the required resolution. When the same image enlargement is desired but the soft tissue (greater than 20 mm) does not contain contrast media or the dense tissue is thinner (0.5-5 mm), a specialized radiographic tube is necessary. The unit must be capable of generating a range of 30-40 kVp. Most mammography equipment will produce the necessary kilovoltage if neither a Faxitron nor the resources to build a unit are available. Once again the Kodak Type R or a similar industrial radiographic film would be the film of choice. When high magnification (greater than 40x) is required, indicating thin low density (10-20 mm) or high density (less than 0.5 mm) tissues are being examined, a specialized tube capable of producing 20 kVp is necessary. Kodak High Resolution glass plates or polyester-based film must be used to record the image. Due to grain size visible at high magnifications, both the Kodak Type R radiographic films and the Agfa photographic films proved unsuitable.