What should be done if a radiographic film is exposed to light before processing?

When a radiographic film is exposed to light prior to processing, it becomes fogged and generally unusable for diagnostic purposes. Light exposure degrades the film's ability to produce a clear image by causing the emulsion to react inappropriately, leading to a hazy or opaque result instead of a distinct radiographic representation.

Discarding the film is the safest option because any potential diagnostic information is lost; it's impossible to recover any details that may have been captured before the exposure. Developing a light-exposed film will not yield a usable image, and attempting to use it could mislead practitioners, compromising patient care. Therefore, understanding the effects of light exposure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of radiographic images and ensuring accurate diagnoses.