IEC 62709-2024 PDF

Full title and description

Radiation protection instrumentation - Security screening of humans - Measuring the imaging performance of X-ray systems. This International Standard (IEC 62709:2024, 2nd edition) defines standardized methods for measuring and reporting imaging-quality characteristics of X‑ray based human security‑screening systems (mobile or fixed), including systems using primary, backscattered or forward‑scattered radiation, to enable repeatable performance reporting and comparisons between vendors.

Abstract

IEC 62709:2024 specifies test procedures and reporting conventions to establish consistent indicators of imaging performance for X‑ray security screening systems used on persons (not inside vehicles or enclosures). It is intended to provide repeatable, verifiable imaging performance data, to establish baselines for calibration and degradation detection, and to set minimum imaging requirements for the covered system types. The 2024 edition clarifies test procedures (to align with IEC 62463), introduces the term "pentalith resolution" (replacing "spatial resolution"), and modifies several test conditions and imaging requirements compared with the 2014 edition.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (valid).
• Publication date: 13 September 2024.
• Publisher: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
• ICS / categories: 13.280 (Radiation protection).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2024).
• Number of pages: 43.

Scope

Applies to X‑ray security screening systems designed to inspect people (excluding inspections inside vehicles, containers or enclosures). Includes mobile and fixed systems that form two‑dimensional X‑ray images using primary, backscattered or forward‑scattered radiation (or combinations), and systems that are primarily imaging but may include complementary functions (material discrimination, automatic alarms). The standard provides methods for measuring imaging quality and reporting results; it does not specify test procedures for the complementary detection features themselves.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized imaging performance metrics and reporting formats to support vendor comparisons and baseline/calibration tracking.
• Definition and measurement of resolution using the updated "pentalith resolution" concept (terminology change from "spatial resolution").
• Specific test procedures for assessing imaging quality for transmission and backscatter/forward‑scatter modalities; clarified test conditions to keep consistency with IEC 62463.
• Guidance on establishing minimum acceptable imaging performance for general‑use transmission systems and other system classes covered by the document.
• Annexes and test artefacts referenced for repeatable measurement; the standard complements (but does not replace) explicit detection testing and evaluation.

Typical use and users

Used by X‑ray security‑screening system manufacturers for product development and specification, independent test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies for performance verification, procurement and technical evaluation teams (airports, ports, critical‑infrastructure security), and regulators establishing minimum imaging performance expectations. The standard is also a reference for operations and maintenance groups establishing baseline checks and periodic performance audits.

Related standards

Closely related to IEC 62463 (radiological and imaging test procedures referenced for consistency) and to other radiation protection instrumentation standards produced by TC 45/SC 45B. IEC 62709:2024 cancels and replaces IEC 62709:2014 (first edition). National adoptions and tracked‑change national variants (for example BS/DIN adoptions) exist.

Keywords

radiation protection; security screening; X‑ray imaging; imaging performance; pentalith resolution; backscatter; forward scatter; transmission imaging; test methods; baseline calibration; TC 45/SC 45B.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62709:2024 is the second edition international standard titled "Radiation protection instrumentation - Security screening of humans - Measuring the imaging performance of X‑ray systems", which defines measurement and reporting methods for imaging quality of human X‑ray screening systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures and reporting for imaging performance (resolution, contrast, artefact assessment and related measurements) of mobile and fixed X‑ray systems used to screen people, including systems using primary, backscattered or forward‑scattered radiation; it does not prescribe tests for complementary detection functions such as automated material discrimination.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: System manufacturers, independent test labs and conformity‑assessment bodies, security procurement and operations teams (e.g., airports, transportation hubs), and regulatory/standards organizations involved in radiation protection and security screening.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — this 2nd edition was published on 13 September 2024 and cancels and replaces IEC 62709:2014.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the radiation protection instrumentation portfolio under IEC TC 45/SC 45B and is intended to be used alongside related standards such as IEC 62463 and other TC 45 documents; national adoptions (e.g., BS, DIN variants) provide tracked changes and national publishing formats.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Radiation protection, security screening, X‑ray, imaging performance, pentalith resolution, backscatter, transmission imaging, test methods, performance reporting.