BRITISH STANDARD BS 7725-2.

2:
1994
IEC 1223-2-2:
1993

Evaluation and routine

testing in medical
imaging departments —
Part 2: Constancy tests —

Section 2.2 Method for radiographic

cassettes and film changers and
film-screen contact and relative
sensitivity of the screen-cassette
assembly
BS 7725-2.2:1994

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Health Care
Standards Policy Committee (HCC/-) to Technical Committee HCC/73, upon
which the following bodies were represented:

British Institute of Radiology

College of Radiographers
Department of Health
Institute of Physical Sciences in Medicine (IPSM)
Royal College of Radiologists
Society of X-ray Technology

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Health Care
Standards Policy Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes into effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 February 1994

© BSI 10-1999
Amd. No. Date Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference HCC/73
Draft for comment 88/56156 DC

ISBN 0 580 22798 7

 BS 7725-2.2:1994

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Introduction 1
1 Scope and object 1
2 References to other publications 1
3 Terminology 1
4 General condition of radiographic cassettes, intensifying
screens and intensifying screens in film changers 2
5 Testing the constancy of adequate contact in film-screen
combinations 2
6 Testing the relative sensitivity of intensifying screen(s) and
associated radiographic cassettes 3
7 Test report 5
Annex A Terminology — Index of terms 6
Annex B Example of a form for the standardized test report 8
Annex C Guidance on action to be taken 10
Annex D Rationale 11
List of references Inside back cover

© BSI 10-1999 i
BS 7725-2.2:1994

National foreword

This Section of BS 7725 has been prepared under the direction of the Health Care
Standards Policy Committee. It is identical with IEC Publication 1223-2-2:1993
Evaluation and routine testing in medical imaging departments —
Part 2-2: Constancy tests — Radiographic cassettes and film changers —
Film-screen contact and relative sensitivity of the screen-cassette assembly,
prepared by the Technical Committee 62 Electrical equipment in medical practice
and published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Cross-references
International Standard Corresponding British Standard
IEC 788:1984 BS 6641:1985 Glossary of medical radiology terms
(Identical)
BS 7725 Evaluation and routine testing in medical
imaging departments
IEC 1223-1:1993 Part 1:1994 General
(Identical)
IEC 1223-2-1:1993 Section 2.1:1994 Film processors
(Identical)
IEC 1223-2-3:1994 Section 2.3:1994 Method for darkroom safelight
conditions
(Identical)
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

ii © BSI 10-1999

Introduction
Some provisions or statements in the body of this
technical report require additional information.
Such information is presented in Annex D,
Rationale. An asterisk in the left margin of a clause
or subclause indicates the presence of such
additional information.
1 Scope and object
1.1 Scope
This technical report applies to RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTES and to FILM CHANGERS used to record an
X-RAY PATTERN on RADIOGRAPHIC FILM by DIRECT
RADIOGRAPHY.
This technical report applies to RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTES and FILM CHANGERS that are equipped
with INTENSIFYING SCREEN(S).
This technical report does not apply to specialized
RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES such as mammographic
cassettes, multi-section cassettes and cassettes used
in DENTAL PANORAMIC TOMOGRAPHY. Its application
to RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES with an integrated
ANTI-SCATTER GRID may not give satisfactory
results.
This technical report is a part of a series of
Particular Publications (standards and technical
reports) which will describe test methods for the
constancy of properties of various subsystems of
diagnostic X-RAY EQUIPMENT, as described in
IEC 1223-1.
1.2 Object
This technical report describes simple methods to
check:
— the constancy of adequate, homogeneous
contact between the INTENSIFYING SCREEN(S) and
the RADIOGRAPHIC FILM in the RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTE or the FILM CHANGER;
— the relative sensitivity of the INTENSIFYING
SCREEN(S) and associated RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTE.
2 References to other publications
The following IEC publications are quoted in this
technical report:
IEC 788:1984, Medical radiology — Terminology.
IEC 1223-1:1993, Evaluation and routine testing in
medical imaging departments — Part 1: General
aspects.
IEC 1223-2-1:1993, Evaluation and routine testing
in medical imaging departments —
Part 2-1: Constancy tests — Film processors.
© BSI 10-1999
BS 7725-2.2:1994
IEC 1223-2-3:1993, Evaluation and routine testing
in medical imaging departments —
Part 2-3: Constancy tests — Darkroom safelight
conditions.
IEC 1223-2-12, Evaluation and routine testing in
medical imaging departments —
Part 2-12: Constancy tests — Film illuminators.
(under consideration)
3 Terminology
3.1 Use of terms
This technical report contains a number of terms
that are defined in IEC 788, in IEC 1223-1 and in
IEC 1223-2-1 (see Annex A, Terminology — Index of
terms). Where these terms are used with the
meanings given in their definitions, they are printed
in capital letters to signify that the defined meaning
applies. Words forming a part of the whole of any
defined term may also appear in lower-case letters.
In that event, the meaning is not intended
necessarily to correspond to any formal definition,
but to be derived from the customary meaning of the
words in the language and from the actual context.
Terms derived from those formally defined (for
example, the plural form of a term defined in the
singular or the adjectival form of a term defined as
a noun), are used where appropriate and, if printed
in capital letters, have meanings linked to the
definitions of the source terms concerned.
The term:
“specific” when used with parameters or
conditions: refers to a particular value
or standardized arrangement, usually
to those required in an IEC publication
or a legal requirement.
“specified” when used with parameters or
conditions: refers to a value or
arrangement to be chosen for the
purpose under consideration and
indicated usually in ACCOMPANYING
DOCUMENTS.
3.2 Definitions
3.2.1
FILM ILLUMINATOR
luminous surface in combination with additional
provisions for the observation of transparent objects
such as RADIOGRAMS on RADIOGRAPHIC FILM
1
BS 7725-2.2:1994
4 General condition of RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTES, INTENSIFYING SCREENS and
INTENSIFYING SCREENS in FILM
CHANGERS*
Any relevant instructions given in the
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS of the RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTES, FILM CHANGER, and the INTENSIFYING
SCREEN(S) should be observed when examining the
devices.
The following measures should be taken:
— Each single INTENSIFYING SCREEN or each pair
of INTENSIFYING SCREENS is given an individual
identification such as a number;
• this identification is written with permanent
ink in an unobtrusive position on one
INTENSIFYING SCREEN, so that it will be
recorded on the film;
*NOTE Attention has to be paid to the fact that
permanent ink may affect or destroy the protective layer of
INTENSIFYING SCREENS.
• this identification is indicated on the outside
of the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE.
— Each RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE and FILM
CHANGER should be labelled with
• name of manufacturer of INTENSIFYING
SCREEN(S) contained;
• type(s) of INTENSIFYING SCREEN(S) contained;
• date of acquisition of the INTENSIFYING
SCREEN(S).
The general condition of all RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTES and the INTENSIFYING SCREENS should be
checked as follows, at least every six months:
1) The exterior and interior of each cassette is
examined for
• correct labelling;
• cleanliness;
• signs of warping and fatigue of the material
provided to ensure the contact between
RADIOGRAPHIC FILM and INTENSIFYING SCREEN.
2) The hinge assembly and closure mechanism of
the cassette are examined for wear and damage.
3) Each INTENSIFYING SCREEN is examined for
• cleanliness;
• worn and stained areas; and
• *as appropriate, any screen or pair of screens
is cleaned or replaced, and the date recorded.
NOTE It is generally undesirable to replace only one of a
pair of INTENSIFYING SCREENS.
4) *Taking appropriate precautions to protect the
eyes of the examiner, INTENSIFYING SCREENS are
examined under ultra-violet light to reveal
• artefacts;
2 © BSI 10-1999
• regions where the protective coat has been
worn away.
5 Testing the constancy of adequate
contact in film-screen combinations
5.1 Summary
The adequacy of the contact between the
RADIOGRAPHIC FILM and INTENSIFYING SCREENS is
determined by viewing the uniformity in blackening
of the DIRECT RADIOGRAM, and the clarity of the
image of a standard TEST DEVICE placed in front of
the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE or FILM CHANGER to be
tested.
5.2 Test equipment
5.2.1 RADIOGRAPHIC FILM
The RADIOGRAPHIC FILM used for the test should be
typical of that used with the INTENSIFYING SCREENS
and associated RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES or FILM
CHANGERS to be tested.
For successive tests, RADIOGRAPHIC FILM of the same
type should be used.
5.2.2 Standard TEST DEVICE
The TEST DEVICE required for this test is a metal
wire mesh of linear dimensions not smaller than the
IMAGE RECEPTION AREA of the RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTE or FILM CHANGER to be tested.
*The wire mesh should have a square pattern of
such a quality that its structure appears uniform
when viewed on a FILM ILLUMINATOR.
To facilitate the measurement of the optical density
of the RADIOGRAM obtained during the test, the
standard TEST DEVICE should have an opening in the
centre of the wire mesh of 1 cm square or 1 cm in
diameter.
*The wire should be made from metal composed
predominantly of elements with an atomic number
of at least 26, for example copper or zinc.
The diameter of the wire should be
approximately 0,5 mm and the separation between
the centres of adjacent wires should be
approximately six diameters.
5.2.3 FILM PROCESSOR
The FILM PROCESSOR used for the test should have
been tested and found satisfactory, according to
IEC 1223-2-1.
5.2.4 Densitometer
Optical densities are measured with a densitometer
which reads consistently within ± 0,02.
5.2.5 FILM ILLUMINATOR
The FILM ILLUMINATOR used for the test should have
been tested and found satisfactory, according to
IEC 1223-2-12.

5.3 Criterion for satisfaction*
The contact between RADIOGRAPHIC FILM and
INTENSIFYING SCREEN(S) is satisfactory if the optical
density of the image of the standard TEST DEVICE on
the RADIOGRAM appears uniform.
5.4 Test procedure
1) Prior to starting any constancy check, the
identity is established of any device such as a
RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE, INTENSIFYING SCREEN,
FILM CHANGER, or ACCESSORY used for the test,
and having properties that can influence the
result of the test.
2) The conditions of the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE
and INTENSIFYING SCREENS as described in
clause 4 are checked, and any action necessary
before commencing the test is taken.
3) *If shown worthwhile, any ANTI-SCATTER GRID
present is removed from the equipment used for
the test and from a FILM CHANGER to be tested.
4) The RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE or FILM CHANGER
is loaded with the type of RADIOGRAPHIC FILM
selected according to 5.2.1.
5) *Unless otherwise chosen for the test, the test
is not continued until at least 15 min after
loading the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE.
6) The standard TEST DEVICE is placed flat on the
outside of, and in contact with, the incident face
of the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE, or when testing a
FILM CHANGER, the TEST DEVICE is placed on the
PATIENT SUPPORT or another suitable support
immediately in front of the FILM CHANGER to
avoid contact with the surface of the FILM
CHANGER.
7) The FOCAL SPOT TO IMAGE RECEPTOR DISTANCE
is set to the distance used in normal clinical
practice.
8) The dimensions of the X-RAY FIELD are adjusted
to the IMAGE RECEPTION AREA, and the
RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE or FILM CHANGER is
aligned with the X-RAY BEAM.
9) The individual RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE or
FILM CHANGER is identified with lead numbers.
10) The standard TEST DEVICE is irradiated, using
the smallest available FOCAL SPOT and LOADING
FACTORS that will produce an optical density in
the processed RADIOGRAM of about 2 above FILM
BASE PLUS FOG DENSITY in the image of the
opening in the wire mesh.
11) In general, for testing RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTES and FILM CHANGERS, an X-RAY TUBE
VOLTAGE of not more than 70 kV is used.
© BSI 10-1999
BS 7725-2.2:1994
Rapid type FILM CHANGERS should be tested in the
static and dynamic mode, by making:
— two RADIOGRAMS in static mode, and
— a series of at least six RADIOGRAMS in dynamic
mode at the highest frequency normally used in
the department.
Other FILM CHANGERS are tested in the static mode.
Equipment identification, test conditions and other
pertinent information shall be included in the test
report (see clause 7).
5.5 Evaluation
The RADIOGRAMS are viewed on the FILM
ILLUMINATOR from a distance of 2 m to 3 m.
If regions of the image of the TEST DEVICE on the
RADIOGRAM appear dark or non-uniform, or details
of the image are blurred, the film-screen contact is
poor, and will impair the quality of the recorded
diagnostic information.
5.6 Further action
If the image of the TEST DEVICE shows the defects
described in 5.5, consideration should be given to
the repair or replacement of screen-cassette
assemblies showing poor film-screen contact.
5.7 Frequency of testing
Adequate, homogeneous contact between the
RADIOGRAPHIC FILM and INTENSIFYING SCREEN(S)
should be tested:
— initially on acquisition; and then
— at least annually; or
— when poor film-screen contact is suspected.
6 Testing the relative sensitivity of
INTENSIFYING SCREEN(S) and associated
RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES*
6.1 Summary
The relative sensitivity of screen-cassette
assemblies is determined by comparing the optical
density produced by simultaneously and equally
irradiated identical films placed in each of a group
of three test and one reference RADIOGRAPHIC
CASSETTES. The process is repeated for all
RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES to be tested, using the
same reference screen-cassette assembly for all the
groups.
*The screen-cassette assemblies are then sorted
into groups that produce similar optical densities,
and therefore are of similar sensitivity.
3
BS 7725-2.2:1994
6.2 Test equipment
6.2.1 RADIOGRAPHIC FILM (see 5.2.1)
6.2.2 Reference cassette
From each group of assemblies of INTENSIFYING
SCREENS of the same nominal sensitivity and their
associated RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES in the
diagnostic X-ray department, one reference cassette
is selected from the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES to be
tested, and identified as the reference cassette for
that group of assemblies.
6.2.3 FILM PROCESSOR (see 5.2.3)
6.2.4 Densitometer (see 5.2.4)
6.3 Criteria to be applied*
The range of difference in optical density is
established for each group of screen-cassette
assemblies of the same nominal sensitivity.
6.4 Test procedure
The following measures should be taken:
1) Prior to starting any constancy check, the
identity is established of any device such as a
RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE, INTENSIFYING SCREEN,
FILM CHANGER, or ACCESSORY used for the test,
and having properties that can influence the
result of the test.
2) The conditions of the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE
and INTENSIFYING SCREENS as described in
clause 4 are checked, and any action necessary
before commencing the test is taken.
3) The reference cassette for the group of
screen-cassette assemblies is checked to verify
that it is still suitable for the purpose.
4) All RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES of the group to be
tested are loaded with RADIOGRAPHIC FILM from
the same package.
— If practicable, one sheet of film is cut into
four equal pieces.
— One of these pieces is put into a corner of
each of a group of four cassettes in such a way
that the corners will touch each other in a
square array.
5) Up to three cassettes are placed together, with
the reference cassette in a square array, with
their corners touching the centre of the array at
a FOCAL SPOT TO IMAGE RECEPTOR DISTANCE of
at least 1 m at the X-RAY BEAM AXIS.
6) A lead number is placed on each cassette to
permit identification of the processed RADIOGRAM
with respect to that of the screen-cassette
assembly.
7) The dimensions of the X-RAY FIELD are adjusted
to cover the area of the four pieces of film.
4 © BSI 10-1999
8) This area is irradiated, using LOADING FACTORS
that produce an optical density of between 0,8
and 1,5 in the processed RADIOGRAM:
The X-RAY TUBE VOLTAGE is typical of that
regularly used with the screen-cassette
assemblies under test; for example,
— for those used primarily for
gastro-intestinal investigations: 90 kV;
— for those used for extremities: 55 kV.
The same LOADING FACTORS are used for all
screen-cassette assemblies of the group tested.
9) The four films are all processed together.
10) The optical density is measured for each
developed RADIOGRAM in a region 3 cm to 5 cm
from the corner of the film that was close to the
X-RAY BEAM AXIS.
11) The test is repeated until all the cassettes of
one category have been compared with the
reference cassette. Place the film in the same
corner of the reference cassette each time, and
place the reference cassette in the same position
in the group each time.
6.5 Evaluation
The differences in optical density are determined for
the RADIOGRAMS produced by screen-cassette
assemblies in the same nominal sensitivity group.
6.6 Action to be taken*
If screen-cassette assemblies in the same nominal
sensitivity group show differences in optical density
in excess of the criteria described in 6.3, they should
be sorted and regrouped into groups of similar
relative sensitivity.
When this has been done:
— The RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES are identified by
the new group of relative sensitivity to which
they have been assigned.
— As necessary, new LOADING FACTORS are
established and recorded for each group.
*Consideration should be given to the withdrawal of
individual screen-cassette assemblies from regular
use if their relative sensitivity is outside the
tolerance for their group.
6.7 Frequency of testing
Relative sensitivity of all screen-cassette assemblies
should be tested
— initially on acquisition; and then
— at least annually; or
— when a significant change in relative
sensitivity is suspected.
 BS 7725-2.2:1994

7 Test report • X-RAY TUBE VOLTAGE;

All the conditions and results of each test should be • X-RAY TUBE CURRENT;
recorded so that the properties and the behaviour of • LOADING TIME;
the equipment, where these may influence the — essential geometrical conditions of the testing
diagnostic quality of the RADIOGRAMS, can be traced. arrangement, such as
An example of a standard test report form is given • orientation of the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE;
in Annex B.
• orientation of the TEST DEVICE;
The test report shall contain at least, as applicable:
• FOCAL SPOT TO IMAGE RECEPTOR DISTANCE;
— the identification of the
— test results, such as
• RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE tested;
• values of optical density measured;
• INTENSIFYING SCREEN(S) tested;
• decisions made based on the test results; for
• group of assemblies with respect to example, new grouping of screen-cassette
sensitivity; assemblies.
• type of RADIOGRAPHIC FILM used for the test;
— X-RAY EQUIPMENT used for the test, including
details such as:
• X-RAY TUBE and the FOCAL SPOT chosen;
• layers in the X-RAY BEAM;

© BSI 10-1999 5
BS 7725-2.2:1994

Annex A Terminology — Index of terms

IEC 788: Medical Radiology — Terminology rm-..-..

Name of unit in the International System SI rm-..-..*
Derived term without definition rm-..-..+
Term without definition rm-..-..–
Name of earlier unit rm-..-..w
Shortened term rm-..-..s
Clause 3 of IEC 1223-1 AG-3...
Clause 3 of IEC 1223-2-1 1-3...
Clause 3 of IEC 1223-2-2 (present publication) 2-3...

ABSORPTION rm-12-05–
ACCEPTANCE TEST AG-3.2.4
ACCESSORY rm-83-06
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS rm-82-01
ANTI-SCATTER GRID rm-32-06
AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM rm-36-45
CONSTANCY TEST AG-3.2.6
CURRENT TIME PRODUCT rm-36-13
DENTAL PANORAMIC TOMOGRAPHY rm-41-12
DIRECT RADIOGRAM rm-32-03
DIRECT RADIOGRAPHY rm-41-07
ELECTRO-OPTICAL X-RAY IMAGE INTENSIFIER rm-32-40
ESTABLISHED CRITERIA AG-3.2.8
FILM BASE PLUS FOG DENSITY 1-3.2.2
FILM CHANGER rm-31-07
FILM ILLUMINATOR 2-3.2.1
FILM PROCESSOR 1-3.2.1
FILTRATION rm-12-11
FOCAL SPOT rm-20-13s
FOCAL SPOT TO IMAGE RECEPTOR DISTANCE rm-37-13
IMAGE RECEPTION AREA rm-37-16
INTENSIFYING SCREEN rm-32-38
IRRADIATION TIME rm-36-11
LOADING FACTOR rm-36-01
LOADING TIME rm-36-10
MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY rm-40-04
OPERATOR rm-85-02
PATIENT rm-62-03
PATIENT SUPPORT rm-30-02
QUALITY ASSURANCE AG-3.2.1

6 © BSI 10-1999
 BS 7725-2.2:1994

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMME AG-3.2.2

QUALITY CONTROL AG-3.2.3
RADIATION BEAM rm-37-05
RADIOGRAM rm-32-02
RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE rm-35-14
RADIOGRAPHIC FILM rm-32-32
SPECIFIC rm-74-01
SPECIFIED rm-74-02
STATUS TEST AG-3.2.5
TEST DEVICE rm-71-04
X-RAY BEAM AXIS rm-37-06+
X-RAY BEAM rm-37-05+
X-RAY EQUIPMENT rm-20-20
X-RAY FIELD rm-37-07+
X-RAY GENERATOR rm-20-17
X-RAY PATTERN rm-32-01
X-RAY SOURCE ASSEMBLY rm-20-05+
X-RAY TUBE rm-22-03
X-RAY TUBE CURRENT rm-36-07
X-RAY TUBE VOLTAGE rm-36-02

© BSI 10-1999 7
BS 7725-2.2:1994

Annex B Example of a form for the standardized test report

Test report on constancy test

of equipment for radiographic cassettes and film changers —
Film-screen contact and relative sensitivity of the screen-cassette assembly
according to IEC 1223-2-2:1993
Identification
Person performing test Identification:
Equipment and subsystems Identification:
History of tests

STATUS TEST Date:

latest test on darkroom conditions Date:
latest test on film-processing equipment Date:
latest initial CONSTANCY TEST Date:
previous CONSTANCY TEST Date:

Identification of screen-cassette assembly

Date of first CONSTANCY TEST (BASELINE VALUES)
Date of latest CONSTANCY TEST
Date of current CONSTANCY TEST
Frequency of testing
Date of next CONSTANCY TEST
Latest designation with respect to sensitivity
Labelling on the outside of the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE
— Individual identification of the screen-film assembly
— Sensitivity of the screen-cassette assembly, or
— Designation of the latest association to a group of
screen-cassette assemblies
*For the front screen:
— Manufacturer of the INTENSIFYING SCREEN
— Type of INTENSIFYING SCREEN
— Date of acquisition of INTENSIFYING SCREEN
*For the back screen:
— Manufacturer of the INTENSIFYING SCREEN
— Type of INTENSIFYING SCREEN
— Date of acquisition of INTENSIFYING SCREEN
— RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE:
— Cleanliness according to item 1) of clause 4 satisfactory YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— Hinges and closure mechanism satisfactory YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— Overall state satisfactory YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
INTENSIFYING SCREEN:
*Front screen:
— Cleanliness according to item 3) of clause 4 satisfactory
— Absence of defects according to item 3) of clause 4 YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— Absence of defects according to item 4) of clause 4 YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO

8 © BSI 10-1999
 BS 7725-2.2:1994

*Back screen:
— Cleanliness according to item 1) of clause 4 satisfactory YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— Absence of defects according to item 3) of clause 4 YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— Absence of defects according to item 4) of clause 4 YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
RADIOGRAPHIC FILM:
— Type of film according to 5.2.1
— Package or batch identification according to 5.2.1
Identification of screen-cassette assembly
TEST DEVICE:
— Identification of TEST DEVICE according to 5.2.2
Densitometer:
— Identification of densitometer according to 5.2.4
Identification of X-RAY EQUIPMENT:
— X-RAY GENERATOR
— X-RAY SOURCE ASSEMBLY
— FOCAL SPOT
— FILTRATION
— Other layers in the X-RAY BEAM
*LOADING FACTORS:
— X-RAY TUBE VOLTAGE
— X-RAY TUBE CURRENT, and
— LOADING TIME, or
CURRENT TIME PRODUCT, or
Selection of AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM
Geometrical conditions:
— FOCAL SPOT TO IMAGE RECEPTOR DISTANCE
— .............
— .............
Identification of FILM ILLUMINATOR
Test results:
— Value of density measured
*Decisions made:
— New association to a group of screen-cassette assemblies YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— Designation of new group
— Mechanical state and visual inspection satisfactory YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— Contact film-screen satisfactory YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— Relative sensitivity satisfactory YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— ............. YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— ............. YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
— .............
— .............
— .............
*Final decision:
— Screen-cassette assembly passed the test YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
Labelling of date of next CONSTANCY TEST

© BSI 10-1999 9
BS 7725-2.2:1994

Annex C Guidance on action to be taken

C.1 If the test result indicates that the equipment does not perform according to specified requirements or
to ESTABLISHED CRITERIA, the performance of the test equipment should be verified, and the result
confirmed by repeating the test, before any further action is initiated.
C.2 If the result of the repeated test confirms that the equipment fails to perform according to the specified
requirements or to ESTABLISHED CRITERIA, one or more of the following actions may be taken:
a) action is initiated as specified in the QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMME for the equipment tested;
b) the person responsible for the management of the QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMME is informed;
c) the person responsible for the daily management of the equipment tested is informed.
C.3 If the result of a test indicates that the equipment fails marginally to perform according to specified
requirements or to ESTABLISHED CRITERIA:
a) the result of the next CONSTANCY TEST is awaited, but meanwhile the quality of the clinical images
produced should be closely monitored;
b) the frequency of the CONSTANCY TEST is increased;
c) the failure of the CONSTANCY TEST is recorded as an item requiring attention when the next routine
servicing is carried out.
C.4 If equipment has a history of failing to perform according to ESTABLISHED CRITERIA for a CONSTANCY
TEST, the persons described in items b) and c) of C.2 should consider:
a) carrying out a STATUS TEST; together with
b) a relaxation in the criteria to be applied; together with
c) a restriction on the use of the equipment tested with respect to the category of radiological application;
together with
d) placing the equipment on the list of equipment requiring replacement.
C.5 If the result of a test substantially fails to perform according to specified requirements or to
ESTABLISHED CRITERIA:
a) a STATUS TEST is carried out and its result is referred to the personnel described in items b) and c)
of C.2;
b) the extent is considered to which servicing of the equipment
— is appropriate; and
— should be immediate; and
c) a decision is made whether
— further clinical use of the equipment is suspended;
— or action according to C.4 is taken.
C.6 Other action to be decided upon by the USER.

10 © BSI 10-1999
 BS 7725-2.2:1994

Annex D Rationale
Concerning 4 General condition
The performance of RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES and INTENSIFYING SCREENS may change with handling and
age in normal use.
Worn or damaged screen-cassette assemblies may cause unsharp and fogged RADIOGRAMS, thus requiring
that cassettes or screens be repaired or replaced.
Inadequate film-screen contact, dirt, and other causes of impaired performance may also be present in
FILM CHANGERS and other systems in DIRECT RADIOGRAPHY, not using RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES.
Therefore, screen-cassette assemblies and other systems for DIRECT RADIOGRAPHY need to be inspected at
least annually.
In order to facilitate survey of the performance of the single components involved, they should be
individually identified, and their age and date of commissioning should be known.
In order to trace an individual INTENSIFYING SCREEN that might have caused a recurring film artefact, the
individual identification of the INTENSIFYING SCREENS or pairs of screens is extremely important.
If the identification with permanent ink presents the risk of damaging the INTENSIFYING SCREEN, other
ways of identification, transferable to the RADIOGRAM obtained, must be used, such as the individual
production number, if provided.
A careful inspection of INTENSIFYING SCREENS should pay attention to:
— worn areas;
— stained areas;
— dirty specks;
which may produce artefacts on RADIOGRAMS; and to yellowing due to age.
Within the diagnostic X-ray department an inventory of the screen-cassette assemblies and other systems
for DIRECT RADIOGRAPHY should be maintained, listing as appropriate:
— individual identification;
— type of the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE or image reception system;
— date of acquisition of the RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTE;
— individual identification of the INTENSIFYING SCREENS;
— types of INTENSIFYING SCREENS;
— sensitivity of a screen-cassette assembly, or its assignment to a group of similar sensitivity.
Concerning 4 General condition — item 3)
Cleaning should be done using only methods recommended in the ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS of the
INTENSIFYING SCREEN(S).
The necessary frequency of cleaning INTENSIFYING SCREENS will depend upon the extent and conditions of
use.
Concerning 4 General condition — item 4)
Special care should be taken in work with ultra-violet light.
Light sources for inspection of INTENSIFYING SCREENS under ultra-violet light are commercially available.
A description of their use is given in:
B.L. Diffey and W.E. Mallion
“An apparatus for the routine inspection of intensifying screens”,
Radiography 44, 223 (1978)
Concerning 5.2.2 Standard TEST DEVICE
As ferromagnetic materials may affect the function of certain electromagnetic equipment, for example,
ELECTRO-OPTICAL X-RAY IMAGE INTENSIFIERS, such materials should not be used for these TEST DEVICES.

© BSI 10-1999 11
BS 7725-2.2:1994

Concerning 5.3 Criteria for satisfaction

Because air included between the RADIOGRAPHIC FILM and the INTENSIFYING SCREENS may not escape
quickly enough, some loss in screen-film contact is to be expected for the FILM CHANGER operating in the
dynamic mode compared to the static mode, but this should not be to such an extent that the quality of the
recorded diagnostic information is impaired.
Concerning 5.4 Test procedure — item 3)
The test is carried out without an attenuating TEST DEVICE. The required optical density may necessitate
an IRRADIATION TIME too short to avoid the imaging of the pattern of the ANTI-SCATTER GRID so that the
latter is superposed on the image of the wire mesh.
If the resulting structures in the test RADIOGRAM would impair the evaluation of the test results, it may be
worthwhile to remove the ANTI-SCATTER GRID.
Concerning 5.4 Test procedure — item 5)
RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES intended for the same purpose and used in the same diagnostic X-RAY
DEPARTMENT or likely to be interchanged between departments should:
— have front covers and other layers in the RADIATION BEAM of similar ABSORPTION;
— incorporate INTENSIFYING SCREENS of similar sensitivity;
in order to allow consistent radiographic results to be obtained.
Where differences in optical density exist that are significant in daily use, appropriate measures have to
be taken, such as replacement of RADIOGRAPHIC CASSETTES and/or INTENSIFYING SCREENS.
Concerning 6.3 Criteria to be applied
The range of acceptable differences in optical density for each one of a group of screen-cassette assemblies
of the same nominal sensitivity will have to be determined.
The subdivision into groups can be influenced by the clinical needs and the organizational structure of the
department.
Unless reasons exist to widen or restrict the range of accepted differences in optical density obtained during
the test of a group of screen-cassette assemblies of the same nominal sensitivity, the difference of any two
optical densities within a group should not exceed 0,2.
Concerning 6.6 Action to be taken
Screen-cassette assemblies showing differences in relative sensitivity exceeding the acceptable range can
either be replaced by screen-cassette assemblies operating within the range, or be grouped according to
acceptable ranges, which then might be used for certain limited applications, either locally with designated
X-RAY EQUIPMENT, or for designated examinations within the X-ray department.
It is essential that measures are taken to ensure that different nominal sensitivities of screen-cassette
assemblies are obviously recognizable in daily use.
A significant change in the difference in optical density of a single screen-cassette assembly may indicate
the rapid deterioration of an INTENSIFYING SCREEN.

12 © BSI 10-1999
 BS 7725-2.2:1994

List of references

See national foreword.

© BSI 10-1999
BS 7725-2.2:
1994
IEC 1223-2-2: BSI — British Standards Institution
1993
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