IEC 62220-1-1-2015 PDF

Full title and description

Medical electrical equipment - Characteristics of digital X-ray imaging devices - Part 1-1: Determination of the detective quantum efficiency - Detectors used in radiographic imaging (IEC 62220-1-1:2015). This international standard specifies a test method to determine the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of digital X‑ray detectors as a function of air kerma and spatial frequency for radiographic imaging applications.

Abstract

IEC 62220-1-1:2015 defines procedures and measurement requirements for characterising the dose-to-image quality performance of digital radiographic detectors by measuring DQE. The standard covers required test conditions, radiation qualities, measurement of modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), handling of lag/ghosting effects, and presentation of DQE as a function of spatial frequency and air kerma. It is intended for manufacturers, medical physicists and well-equipped test laboratories performing objective detector performance assessments.

General information

• Status: Published — current edition (technical revision replacing IEC 62220-1:2003; maintained as the 2015 edition).
• Publication date: 12 March 2015.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 11.040.50 (Radiographic equipment / Medical electrical equipment).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2015).
• Number of pages: 74 pages (IEC publication).

Scope

This part of IEC 62220 specifies the method for determining the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of digital X‑ray imaging devices used for radiographic imaging. It applies to projection digital X‑ray detectors (for example computed radiography, indirect and direct flat‑panel detectors and other detectors used for single‑exposure radiography) and describes measurement conditions, required radiation qualities, detector preparation and signal processing considerations needed to produce repeatable DQE results appropriate to clinical working conditions defined by the manufacturer.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and measurement of DQE as a function of air kerma and spatial frequency.
• Requirements for radiation qualities and air‑kerma measurement appropriate for radiographic applications.
• Procedures for determining modulation transfer function (MTF) — ESF acquisition and averaging rules (final averaged MTF obtained from ESF only).
• Noise power spectrum (NPS) measurement methods and required ROI selection and processing.
• Handling and measurement of lag and ghosting effects; guidance on compensation where applicable.
• Requirements for test setup: removal of anti‑scatter grid, minimising scatter/backscatter influences, and detector positioning to approximate clinical use while enabling accurate measurements.
• Optional guidance for obtaining diagonal (45°) MTF and NPS measurements.
• Presentation of results and reporting recommendations to allow comparisons across detectors and laboratories.

Typical use and users

Used by detector manufacturers for product development and specification, by independent test laboratories and medical physics departments for performance verification and acceptance testing, and by procurement and regulatory bodies for objective comparison of detector performance. It is typically applied during R&D, type testing, acceptance testing and when documenting imaging performance in datasheets and conformity assessments.

Related standards

This part is part of the IEC 62220 series. Relevant related standards include IEC 62220-1:2003 (earlier version, now replaced), IEC 62220-1-2 (DQE procedures for mammography detectors), later parts addressing dual‑energy and other detector modalities (for example IEC 62220-2-1 for dual‑energy), and IEC 61267 (reference radiation qualities) which is referenced for radiation quality definitions. National/adopted versions exist as EN/BS/ISO adoptions (for example EN 62220-1-1:2015).

Keywords

DQE, detective quantum efficiency, digital X‑ray imaging, radiographic detector, MTF, NPS, ESF, air kerma, detector testing, image quality, IEC 62220.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62220-1-1:2015 is an international standard that specifies how to measure the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of digital radiographic X‑ray detectors as a function of air kerma and spatial frequency.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement procedures and requirements for radiation qualities, MTF and NPS determination, treatment of lag/ghosting, test setup and reporting so that DQE can be measured reproducibly for detectors used in radiographic imaging.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, medical physicists, independent test laboratories, regulatory and procurement bodies, and R&D teams developing or validating digital X‑ray detectors use this standard.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2015 edition is the current edition of IEC 62220-1-1 and it replaced IEC 62220-1:2003. Users should confirm whether a newer edition or related parts have been published for specific modalities or updates in subsequent years.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. IEC 62220-1-1 is part of the IEC 62220 series addressing performance characterisation of digital X‑ray imaging devices; other parts address mammography, dual‑energy and additional detector-specific measurement methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: DQE, digital X‑ray, radiography, detector performance, MTF, NPS, air kerma, ESF, lag, ghosting.