What is the correct sequence for manually processing radiographs?

The correct sequence for manually processing radiographs is to develop, wash, fix, wash, and then dry. This process ensures that the radiographic film is properly processed to produce a reliable and high-quality image.

Starting with the developing step, this is where the latent image on the film is converted into a visible image through a chemical reaction. Following development, a wash is necessary to remove excess developer, preventing any further development that could affect the quality of the image.

Next, the film is fixed, which halts the developing process by removing unexposed silver halide crystals from the film, ensuring that the image remains stable under normal lighting conditions. After fixing, another wash is performed to eliminate any residual fixer, which could cause deterioration of the image over time. Finally, the film is dried to prepare it for viewing and archiving.

This sequence is critical because it allows each stage to effectively contribute to the creation of a clear, durable, and archival-quality radiograph. Proper adherence to this sequence minimizes the risks of image artifacts and degradation, which can occur if the steps are performed out of order or skipped altogether.