Western Blot X-Ray Film Processors

Although it is fast becoming a digital world, there is still a place for x-ray film processors in the world of blot analysis, specifically Western, Northern and Southern Blot techniques. The term "blotting" refers to the transfer of biological samples from a gel to a membrane, and their subsequent detection on the surface of the membrane. RNA, DNA, and Proteins are the three major macromolecules that are essential for all known forms of life, and blot techniques are used to identify their presence. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting to detect proteins and glycoproteins is one of the most widely used and broadly useful techniques in cancer research.

The Northern Blot is an analytical technique used in molecular biology research to study gene expression through detection of RNA in a tissue sample. Northern blotting allows one to observe a particular gene's expression pattern betweens tissues, organs, developmental stages, environmental stress levels, pathogen infection, and over the course of a treatment protocol. The hybrid signals are detected by x-ray film and can be quantified by densitometry.

The Southern Blot is a technique routinely used in molecular biology for detection of a specific DNA sequence in DNA samples. After hybridization, excess probe is washed from the membrane and the pattern of hybridization is visualized on x-ray film by autoradiography in the case of a radioactive or fluorescent probe.

The Western Blot (also called the Protein Immunoblot) is a more widely used analytical technique used to detect specific proteins in the given sample of tissue homogenate or extract. The specific proteins are separated through electrophoresis by the use of labeled antibodies. This enables the identification of a target protein in a complex protein mixture. Western blotting can also produce qualitative and semi-quantitative data about the protein.

The most sensistive detection methods in Western Blot use a chemiluminescent substrate that will produce light when combined with the enzyme. The light is a transient product of the enzyme-substrate reaction and is measureable only as long as the reaction occurs. In well-optimized assays using proper antibody dilutions and sufficient substrate, the reaction may produce stable light output for 1 to 24 hours, allowing consistent and sensitive detection with x-ray film or digital imaging equipment. The light output can be captured using x-ray film or a CCD digital imaging system. X-ray film is the most sensitive method and can provide the most detail because x-ray film is more densely coated with photo-reactive molecules than a CCD digital imaging detector has photo sensors. In addition, the x-ray film is placed nearly in direct contact with the blot, separated only by a thin transparent plastic sheet, allowing more light photons to collide and interact with the film emulsion than with a CCD digital detector that may be located behind one or more focusing lenses. For these reasons, x-ray film exposure times are shorter than those required when using digital imaging equipment.

So despite a world that is becoming more digitized, x-ray film still has a place thanks to blot analysis which means x-ray film processors still have a place. FI Sales offers 2 models perfect for developing of blots.

The ECOMAX is a high quality, fully automatic x-ray film processor made by Protec in Germany. For low to medium volume x-ray film developing, the ECOMAX is a good fit. It is FDA approved and suitable for human use. The ECOMAX typically sells for about $4500 to $5000. It is available with an optional No Plumbing Kit and a Stand.

The OPTIMAX is also made by Protec in Germany, and has a few more features than the ECOMAX. For higher volume x-ray film processing, the OPTIMAX is recommended. It is FDA approved and suitable for human use. The OPTIMAX typically sells for about $5500 to $6000. It is available with an optional No Plumbing Kit and a Stand.

Compare that price with the cost of a CCD digital imaging system that can run upwards of $20,000.  For about 20% of the cost of digital, you can have a reliable x-ray film processor.
Visit our Protec processor webpage for more details on the ECOMAX and OPTIMAX x-ray film processors.

FI Sales Launches ebay Store

FI Sales, LLC is pleased to announce that we have officially launched our ebay store. The FI Sales ebay store can be accessed at http://stores.ebay.com/fisalesllc. Available for sale now are:

• Protec ECOMAX, the world's simplest x-ray film processor


• Chemicals for x-ray film processing


• G5 Professional Massage Equipment


• FI-3199 Mobile X-Ray Table

More products are added regularly. We hope you will browse the store and start shopping soon!

When To "Go Digital" - Updated 2019

Some practices are still wondering about when to go digital. There are many advantages to digital imaging:

• No expenses for chemical, film, or monthly maintenance
• Ability to manipulate and improve image quality, thereby reducing retakes
• Improved processing speed, especially with DR
• Ability to easily store and transit images digitally
• And many more ...

So if a practice can afford digital, then by all means they should purchase a name brand digital system from a respected manufacturer. Be cautious of off-brands that may be as much as $10,000 less expensive, but may not be around in 2 years when support is needed.

But what about practices that are short on funds and are conservative with the funds they have? I have seen estimates around $5 per film for the cost of processing an x-ray film using a chemical x-ray film processor. Then ROI (return on investment) calculations can be made to justify the purchase or lease cost of the digital system. But for the practices that only process a few x-ray films per week or even per month, the numbers just don't add up in favor of digital imaging.

At this point, most hospitals, orthopedic clinics, and large general practices have already made the switch to digital. Large chiropractic, podiatric, and veterinary practices have moved into the digital imaging age. But there are still some smaller practices with sporadic x-ray use that simply can't justify the investment in digital imaging. For them, an x-ray film processor is still a wise investment.

FI Sales now offers 3 x-ray film processor models to meet the needs of any practice.

• The Protec OPTIMAX is a 90 second, fully automatic processor with many features. 
• The Protec ECOMAX is a 100 second, fully automatic processor with basic features.
• The AFP Mini-Med is a 90 second, fully automatic processor with many features.

Many practices these days are choosing the ECOMAX due to it being an excellent quality processor that can handle film volume from very low to a moderately high.

All models are available in "No Plumbing" versions, allowing a practice some versatility as to what room to use as a darkroom. This can be very important for new practices being built that will eventually "go digital," but do not want to make that investment just starting out.

Feel free to contact FI Sales for further discussion on what image processing system is appropriate for your practice. We can refer you to a trusted digital imaging supplier or sell you an x-ray film processor. Call us at 1-888-972-9777 or email us at info@fisalesllc.com.