Using the “STEP Test” to evaluate processing speed in Moroccan hospitals

The STEP Test is a simple method that can be used to quickly evaluate processing speed of automatic processors. It allows the identification of large deviations (>20%) in the processor-chemicals-film system. STEP means Sensitometric Test for the Evaluation of Processing. The performance of the processors taking part in the survey are calculated and compared to a standard processor where the film is processed under ideal conditions, according to manufacturer's recommendations. For each processor, in the dark room, a film is exposed to a sensitometer light, processed and the sensitometric curve is obtained. This survey was performed in 8 Moroccan hospitals in the cities of Casablanca and Rabat and included 11 processors. It was concluded that 50% of the processors present processing problems and are functioning under inadequate conditions since they present deviations larger than 20%.