Autoradiography Cassettes

An autoradiograph is an image on an x-ray film or nuclear emulsion produced by the pattern of decay emissions from a distribution of a radioactive substance. In molecular biology, this technique may be used to detect a radioactive substance introduced into a metabolic pathway, bound to a receptor or enzyme, or hybridized to a nucleic acid. After exposure, the film or emulsion is placed in a cassette or holder which is left in the dark for days or weeks while the radioisotope decays. This exposure time depends on the activity of the isotope, the temperature and the background radiation. Cassettes should be robust, chip-proof and light-tight. Features to consider are maximum contact between film and sample, ability to withstand a range of temperatures, and easily cleaned surfaces to ensure minimum contamination.