DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

What density differences will be evident on a processed film with short film contrast?

1. few shades of gray

2. more shades of gray

3. black and white only

4. none of the above

The correct answer is: few shades of gray

A processed film with short film contrast will primarily display few shades of gray. This occurs because short contrast indicates a limited range of density differences within the film, resulting in less variation and fewer distinct tonal differences. In dental radiography and other forms of imaging, short contrast means that the film has limited ability to distinguish between different densities, leading to a more uniform appearance with less gradation among the shades of gray. This is opposed to films with high contrast, which display a wider range of density differences, resulting in a more pronounced black and white appearance with many shades of gray between. The indication of very few shades of gray effectively communicates that the film lacks the ability to portray fine detail and subtle differences in tissue density, which is critical for diagnosis and analysis in radiographic images.