ISO 4090:2001

Overview

ISO 4090:2001 - Photography - Medical radiographic cassettes/screens/films and hard‑copy imaging films - Dimensions and specifications - defines dimensional, marking and basic test requirements for sheet photographic products used in medical radiography. The standard covers nominal sizes, aim dimensions with tolerances, weights and selected tests for radiographic cassettes, intensifying screens and sheet films (including hard‑copy laser and video films), with special attention to mammography cassettes/screens/films. It explicitly excludes roll‑format films (see informative Annex A).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Dimensional specifications: Nominal sizes, aim dimensions and tolerances for cassettes, screens and films. Tables separate metric‑origin and inch‑origin sizes and list preferred and recognized sizes.
• Cassette and screen compatibility: Inner and outer dimensions (ID/OD) and thickness limits to ensure correct fit and function.
• Weight and construction: Target weights for typical cassette sizes and material/design requirements to maintain dimensional stability across normal use temperatures and humidity.
• Measurement conditions: Dimensional measures apply at manufacture under standard atmosphere (23 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 5 % RH); instrument calibration referenced to 20 °C.
• Tests and annexes:
  • Annex B (normative) - squareness
  • Annex C (informative) - light‑tightness test
  • Annex D/E - screen‑film contact tests (radiographic/mammography)
  • Additional annexes address roll film info, dimensional stability, packaging and metric conversion
• Marking and denomination: Guidance for product marking and naming (e.g., “Cassette 18 × 24” denotes nominal cm dimensions).
• Mammography specifics: Preferred vs recognized mammography sizes; aim/tolerance differences noted for legacy formats.

Practical applications - who uses ISO 4090:2001

• Medical imaging equipment manufacturers - design and manufacture cassettes and screens to standard dimensions for interoperability.
• Film and hard‑copy imaging suppliers - produce laser/video films and sheet films that correctly fit standard cassettes and screens.
• Clinical radiology departments and PACS/printing workflows - ensure compatibility of hard‑copy output and accessories.
• Quality assurance and test laboratories - perform light‑tightness, squareness and screen‑film contact tests per the annex procedures.
• Procurement and regulatory teams - specify standard‑conforming products to reduce compatibility issues and support global interoperability.

Related standards

• ANSI/NAPM ITI.49 (legacy)
• IEC 60406 (radiographic and mammographic cassettes)
• IEC 60658 (radiographic intensifying screens)

ISO 4090:2001 is a practical reference for achieving dimensional compatibility and reliable performance of sheet photographic products in medical radiography, particularly where mammography and hard‑copy imaging are involved.