An asymmetric radiographic element is disclosed comprised of a transparent film support, silver halide emulsion layer units of differing sensitometric characteristics coated on opposite sides of the film support, and a processing solution decolorizable means for reducing crossover to less than 10 percent. The radiographic element is positioned between intensifying screens and mounted in a cassette for exposure to X-radiation. A feature is included for ascertaining which of the emulsion layer units is positioned nearest a source of X-radiation during exposure.