Pengaruh Penambahan NaoH Pada Cairan Pengembang Yang Telah Terpakai Terhadap Durasi Waktu Pengembangaan Film Radiografi

Film processing in radiography involves two methods digital and manual (chemical). Chemical processing is still widely used in Indonesian healthcare facilities due to the high cost and limited resources required for digital systems. The developer solution, used in the initial stage of film processing, converts latent images into visible diagnostic images. Hydroquinone, a key component in manual film processing, requires a basic solution to function effectively, maintained by activators such as NaOH. This study aimed to investigate whether adding NaOH to used developer solutions reduces film developing time. This experimental laboratory study employed a posttest-only control group design, involving 40 samples divided into four groups: Group 1 (0–30 usages, negative control), Group 2 (31–45 usages, positive control), Group 3 (46–65 usages), and Group 4 (66–85 usages). Developing time was measured using a stopwatch at the Radiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Jember. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA with a significance level of p<0.05. The results showed significant differences in average developing times: Group 1 (15.82 s), Group 2 (18.51 s), Group 3 (3.50 s), and Group 4 (6.98 s) (p=0.000). Based on the findings of the stud, the groups treated with NaOH exhibited shorter developing times. The reduction in time was attributed to the increased pH and enhanced activity of hydroquinone. In conclusion, NaOH addition improves the efficiency of developer solutions by reducing developing time. Factors such as solution usage, hydroquinone degradation, pH changes, and supersaturation significantly influence the activity and effectiveness of developer solutions.