Overview
EN ISO 4090:2004 (ISO 4090:2001) standardizes the dimensions and related specifications for medical radiographic cassettes, intensifying screens, films and hard‑copy imaging films (sheet form such as laser and video output). It defines nominal sizes, aim dimensions with tolerances, weights, and a set of tests and marking requirements. Special attention is given to mammography cassettes/screens/films. Films in roll format are excluded (see informative annex A).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Nominal sizes and tolerances: Preferred and recognized nominal sizes are listed separately for metric‑origin and inch‑origin products to avoid ambiguity. Tables provide aim dimensions, inner/outer cassette dimensions and acceptable tolerances.
- Measurement conditions: Dimensional measurements apply at manufacture under standard atmospheres - typically (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH (ISO 554). Calibration of measuring instruments is referenced to 20 °C.
- Mechanical and dimensional tests:
- Squareness (normative annex B)
- Light‑tightness (informative annex C)
- Screen‑film contact tests for radiographic and mammography cassettes (annexes D and E)
- Dimensional stability of film (informative annex G)
- Marking and packaging: Requirements for package marking and quantity packaging guidance are included to support traceability and procurement.
- Mammography specifics: Preferred mammography sizes are defined; older “recognized” sizes are retained for legacy compatibility.
- Annex coverage: Annexes A–I cover roll film info, test methods, conversion guidance, packaging, and size exceptions.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 4090 is used by:
- Manufacturers of radiographic cassettes, intensifying screens and medical films to design and verify product dimensions, tolerances and labelling.
- Medical imaging equipment suppliers and system integrators to ensure component fit (film ↔ screen ↔ cassette).
- Hospital radiology departments, medical physicists and QA laboratories for acceptance testing, procurement specifications and routine QC.
- Regulatory bodies and standards committees referencing harmonized dimensional and test requirements for mammography and general radiography products.
Related standards
- ISO 554 (standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing)
- IEC 61267 (radiation conditions for diagnostic X‑ray equipment)
- Historical inputs: IEC 60406, IEC 60658, ANSI/NAPM ITI documents referenced in the standard’s development.
Keywords: EN ISO 4090, ISO 4090:2004, medical radiographic cassettes, radiographic screens, medical films, hard‑copy imaging films, mammography, cassette dimensions, film sizes, screen‑film contact, light‑tightness.
