Which procedure can prevent the occurrence of a herringbone pattern?

A herringbone pattern on radiographic films typically occurs when the x-ray film is positioned incorrectly in the mouth or when the film is not oriented properly in the processing equipment. Using a properly aligned film addresses this issue directly by ensuring that the film is placed in the correct position and that the emulsion side is facing the x-ray source during exposure.

Correctly aligning the film avoids any positioning errors that might lead to distortion and pattern artifacts, such as the herringbone pattern. This pattern is characterized by a series of parallel lines or zig-zags that can obscure diagnostic information and can be mistaken for anatomical structures or pathology if not identified properly.

On the other hand, while storing film at room temperature, processing in fresh solutions, and agitating the film correctly are important factors for achieving optimal image quality and preventing other issues, they do not directly address the specific problem of a herringbone pattern resulting from film orientation during exposure and processing. Properly aligning the film is key to preventing this distinctive artifact from occurring.