New IEC 62220-1-1 – Digital X-Ray Imaging Devices

IEC 62220-1-1, “Medical electrical equipment – Characteristics of digital X-ray imaging devices – Part 1-1: Determination of the detective quantum efficiency – Detectors used in radiographic imaging,” has just been released.  This new publication replaces the IEC 62220-1, which is now withdrawn and obsolete.  It brings the conversion of the old 62220-1 into a 3 part series to completion.  And it is available from Document Center Inc. in paper format, for pdf download, and as part of our Standards Online multi-user subscription service.

As with many tools, digital x-ray imaging is fast overtaking older analog devices.  The IEC 62220-1 series defines the parameters describing the specific imaging properties and standardizing the measurement procedures to be used with this new equipment.

Of course, your next question is what is “detective quantum efficiency?”  Also known as DQE, it describes the ability of the imaging device to preserve the signal-to noise ratio from the radiation field to the digital image.  It really is a ratio of two noise power spectrum functions.  Why do you need to know it?  It’s used to describe the dose efficiency of a given digital x-ray device.  How widely is DQE used?  You’ll find this ratio referred to by manufacturers to describe equipment performance and in regulatory requirements (like those of the FDA).

What does the part 1 cover compared to the other 2 parts of the series?  IEC 62220-1-1 is for all detectors in digital radiographic imaging except those for mammography, found in IEC 62220-1-2, and dynamic imaging, found in IEC 62220-1-3.   In addition it should not be used for dental radiography, slot scanning devices or computed tomography.

What are the main updates from the IEC 62220-1 to the new IEC 62220-1-1?  Subcommittee 62B on diagnostic imaging equipment provides the following information for the user in the introductory material:

  • Revisions are included that have resulted from input from IEC 61267, “Medical diagnostic X-ray equipment – Radiation conditions for use in the determination of characteristics.”
  • Lag and ghosting compensation are now both addressed in the method for determining lag effects.
  • The method for determining MTF (modular transfer function)  has been restricted to only include the averaging of the ESF (edge spread function.)
  • There’s now a description of obtaining the diagonal MTF and NPS (noise power spectrum.)

How will you get a copy of this new IEC standard?  Order at the Document Center Inc. webstore, www.document-center.com.  You’ll know that you’re purchasing an authorized copy, with no charge notification of future changes automatically included.  Want more information?  Contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’ve been working with conformance information since 1982.  Make us your Standards Experts!

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Claudia Bach

Claudia Bach is the President of Document Center Inc. and a world-wide recognized expert on Standards and Standards Distribution. You can connect with her on Google+

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