What should be done if a film has a light leak during processing?

When a film has a light leak during processing, retaking the x-ray is the appropriate course of action because a light leak typically leads to an unusable image. Light exposure results in fogging of the film, rendering the resulting radiograph unclear and potentially compromising diagnostic quality. Simply waiting to see if the issue resolves is not advisable, as the damage caused by the light exposure cannot be reversed, and will likely result in a film that does not provide the needed diagnostic information.

Removing the film immediately may not be sufficient to prevent further damage if the film has already been exposed to light, so the integrity of the image is still compromised. Developing the film, even if it is incorrectly exposed, does not restore its quality and does not provide an accurate representation of the patient's condition, meaning a retake is required in both scenarios to ensure proper diagnosis.

By opting to retake the x-ray, you ensure that the new image will be captured without any interference from the light leak, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.