Kodak Min-R User manual
KODAK MIN-R EV Mammography Film Conversion Guide and Processing Recommendations
KODAK MIN-R EV Mammography Film Conversion Guide
• MIN-R EV has a novel double emulsion design, for use with standard, green-emitting single
screen cassettes.
• MIN-R EV is identified by a spaced double V-notch. The primary emulsion is up when the
notch is on the right hand side at the top edge of the film. The primary emulsion must be in
contact with the screen during imaging.
• Kodak has added an orientation layer to the film to aid in the identification of the primary
emulsion side; the dull side identifies the primary emulsion side of the film (the side which is
to be placed against the screen during imaging).
• KODAK MIN-R EV Film is designed for optimal results in standard cycle processing
o The film may be processed in Rapid cycle when used with KODAK X-OMAT EX II or
KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer and KODAK RP X-OMAT LO Fixer.
•
In documentation that refers to the emulsion side of the film, this should be considered a
reference to the primary emulsion of MIN-R EV film.
prima ry emulsio n
sup p ort : blue
secondary emulsion
antihalation layer
not to scale
orientation layer
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONVERSION GUIDE
• Establish/verify correct processing parameters for KODAK MIN-R EV Film
• Establish quality control aims
• Establish initial image quality parameters
• Verify other Quality Control tests
Tools Required:
• Sensitometer capable of producing 21 steps
• Densitometer capable of spot reading greater than optical density of 4.5
• Thermometer
• Curve plotting paper (KODAK Publication # M3-58, Cat # 841 2843) or scanning
densitometer
• 4-5 cm Lucite or BR 12 tissue equivalent phantom (RMI 156, Nuclear Associates 18-220)
Reference Material:
• KODAK MIN-R EV Film System User Guide (KODAK Publication #, Cat #)
• MIN-R EV Film Demonstration Guidelines
• MIN-R EV Film Q&A Guide
• Service Bulletin No. 30, revised 2003
• Mammography Quality Control Manual 1999, American College of Radiology
Not to scale
0. Before you begin
Benchmark the facility using the mammography benchmarking form.
o Compare sensitometry (current film versus MIN-R EV)
o Compare accreditation phantom (current film versus MIN-R EV)
© Eastman Kodak Company 9/03 Page 1
KODAK MIN-R EV Mammography Film Conversion Guide and Processing Recommendations
o Perform the optical density and kVp series with MIN-R EV
1. Processors
KODAK MIN-R EV Film is designed for optimal results in standard cycle processing. All KODAK
X-OMAT Processors should be adjusted to comply with the standard cycle processing
parameters listed in the film processing instructions for that specific processor. If using KODAK
X-OMAT EX II or KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer and KODAK RP X-OMAT LO Fixer, the film
may be processed in the Rapid cycle. If using the rapid cycle, all KODAK X-OMAT Processors
should be adjusted to comply with the rapid cycle processing parameters listed in the film
processing instructions for that specific processor.
KODAK MIN-R EV Film should be processed primary emulsion side down in the KODAK
MIN-R Mammography and KODAK X-OMAT M35A-M / M35-M processors. Best results will be
obtained using the KODAK MIN-R Mammography processor.
Processor Process Min-R EV Primary Emulsion
Up/Down
Min-R Mammography, M35A-M, M35M Down
3000 RA, 270 RA, M7 series Up
M6 B, M6R, 5000 RA, 480 RA, 460 RA Up
Note: The KODAK Medical X-Ray, X-OMAT M43, M43A, Clinic 1, X-OMAT 1000, M35A, M35
and X-OMAT 2000 and 2000 A Processors are not recommended for processing KODAK
MIN-R EV Film (or other KODAK Mammography Films). Other manufacturers’ processors
with shallow developer tanks or short developer racks may not produce optimum results if
used to process KODAK MIN-R EV Film. Consult the processor manufacturer
recommendations for standard/rapid cycle processing set-up.
2. Chemicals
• Drain, clean, and refill the Developer and Fixer Tanks.
• If using an automated specific gravity based mixer and converting to KODAK X-OMAT
EX II Developer and Replenisher (or KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer and Replenisher)
and KODAK RP X-OMAT LO Fixer and Replenisher, ensure that the specific gravity is
set as follows:
Processing Chemistry Specific Gravity
Range*
KODAK X-OMAT EX II Developer and Replenisher 1.070 to 1.080
KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer and Replenisher 1.081 to 1.091
KODAK RP X-OMAT LO Fixer and Replenisher 1.080 to 1.100
*Specific Gravity measured at 77º F.
KODAK MIN-R EV Film requires 25 ml/l (3 fluid ounces per gallon) of KODAK RP
•
X-OMAT Developer Starter. See the attached General Processor Information for
recommended starter volumes for a specific KODAK processor
Optimum results are obtained using KODAK X-OMAT EX II and RP X-OMAT Developer
Replenishers. Kodak does not recommend the use of KODAK Medical X-ray Developer
Replenisher with KODAK MIN-R EV Film. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) Final Regulations, effective April 28, 1999, states
that processing solutions be capable of developing films in a manner equivalent to the minimum
requirements specified by the film manufacturer. To determine if another manufacturer's
developer is within Kodak's acceptable range for KODAK MIN-R EV Film, please refer to the
.
© Eastman Kodak Company 9/03 Page 2
KODAK MIN-R EV Mammography Film Conversion Guide and Processing Recommendations
KODAK MIN-R EV Film System Mammography User Guide. If attempting to use another
manufacturer’s developer, contact the developer manufacturer for recommended replenishment
rates.
Optimum results are obtained using KODAK RP X-OMAT LO Fixer and Replenisher.
For best results, processing solutions should be mixed with 70°F to 80°F (21.1°C to 26.6°C)
water.
Warning: KODAK Medical X-ray Developer and Replenisher is not recommended for
KODAK Mammography Film. KODAK Medical X-ray Fixer is not optimized for KODAK
Mammography Film.
3. Adjust the Developer and Fixer Replenishment Rates.
Dedicated Processing: KODAK MIN-R EV Film requires specific replenishment rates for
developer and fixer. These recommendations are guidelines for KODAK X-OMAT EX II
Developer and Replenisher, KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer and Replenisher and KODAK RP
X-OMAT LO Fixer and
adjustment for specific processing environments.
If attempting to use other manufacturer’s developers and fixers, contact the manufacturer for
recommended replenishment rates.
Replenisher. Developer and fixer replenishment rates may require
Recommended Replenishment Rates
Dedicated Mammography
A processor is considered dedicated if only mammography or single-emulsion film such as
ultrasound is processed.
General purpose (non-dedicated) processors should use the replenishment rates listed for
general radiography.
Note: These guidelines should be used as initial starting points only. If adjustments are made
from these it is recommended that only 10% change be made at any one time.
For Area Processors with Smart Replenishment
KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models 270 RA, 3000 RA, M6RA, 460 RA, 480 RA, 5000 RA
KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 7000, KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 300/300 Plus
• Smart Replenishment is enabled by default. It is recommended that smart
replenishment be disabled for Min-R EV film. Consult service.
• The equivalent area of a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film is 1505 cm sq. (238 sq. in.).
• Replenishment takes place after the equivalent area of a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film
has been fed; therefore, replenishment rates must be set for a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17
in.) film feed.
• Additional replenishment occurs automatically during low film usage. This feature
can be overridden by using software version 3.0 or higher. Note: X-OMAT 3000 RA
and X-OMAT 5000 RA Processors have the ability to override this feature without
installing new software.
© Eastman Kodak Company 9/03 Page 3
KODAK MIN-R EV Mammography Film Conversion Guide and Processing Recommendations
Average Number of Replenishment Rates*
Film Use Films per 8 hrs (ml per 35 x 43 cm)
Processed Condition Of Processor Operation Developer Fixer
MIN-R EV Smart Replenishment
60 sheets or more 90 105
disabled (recommended)
Less than 60 sheets Flooded Flooded
MIN-R EV Smart Replenishment
enabled
260 sheets or more 90
200 sheets 80
150 sheets 70
100 sheets 65
70 sheets 60
Less than 60 sheets Flooded Flooded
* Flooded replenishment is available if needed to maintain sensitometry for very low use conditions.
Smart replenishment should be turned off (refer to Service Bulletin No. 30)
For Length Processors
KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models M35-M, M35A-M, M7B, M7B-E, M6A-N, M6AW , M6B,
M6R
KODAK MIN-R Mammography Processor
• Replenishment takes place whenever film is in the entrance rollers.
• Replenishment rates must be set according to usage and film size(s) fed.
• MIN-R EV Film is fed primary emulsion side down in M35-M, M35A-M, and MIN-R
Mammography Processors.
• For the KODAK Multiloader 700 docked to length replenished processors, mammography
rates are set using 18 cm film travel.
Average Number of Replenishment Rates
Film Film Use Films per 8 hrs (ml per 18 x 24 cm)**
Processed Feeding Condition Of Processor Operation Developer Fixer
MIN-R EV
Single Medium - High
Low
Double Medium - High
Low
60 sheets or more
60 sheets or less*
60 sheets or more
60 sheets or less *
25
Flooded
50
Flooded
Flooded
Flooded
* If flooded replenishment is not used, sensitometry may not stay within control limits.
** Use a single 18 x 24 cm film to set the replenishment rates listed.
Recommended Replenishment Rates
Non-Dedicated Mammography
Non-Dedicated Processing: KODAK MIN-R EV Film can be processed with most current
traditional medical x-ray film. Kodak does not recommend processing Helium Neon and IR films
with KODAK MIN-R EV Film. Use 25 ml/l (3 fl oz per gallon) of KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer
Starter for non-dedicated processing environments. KODAK MIN-R EV Film requires specific
replenishment rates for developer and fixer. These recommendations are guidelines for KODAK
X-OMAT EX II Developer and Replenisher, KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer and Replenisher,
and KODAK RP X-OMAT LO Fixer and Replenisher. Developer and fixer replenishment rates
may require adjustment for specific processing environments. If attempting to use other
manufacturers’ developers and fixers, contact the manufacturer for recommended replenishment
rates.
105
30
60
© Eastman Kodak Company 9/03 Page 4
KODAK MIN-R EV Mammography Film Conversion Guide and Processing Recommendations
For Area Processors with Smart Replenishment
KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models 270 RA, 3000 RA, M6RA, 460 RA, 480 RA, 5000 RA
KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 7000, KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 300/300 Plus
• Smart Replenishment is enabled by default.
• Replenishment takes place after the equivalent area of a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film has
been fed; therefore, replenishment rates must be set for a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film feed.
•
Additional replenishment occurs automatically during low film usage.
Average Amount of 35 x 43 cm Replenishment Rates
Film Size Use Equivalent Films per (ml per 35 x 43 cm)
Processed Condition 8 hrs of Processor Operation Developer Fixer
All Any Any number * 60 85
* Flooded replenishment should not be needed due to the automatic compensation for use, but it is available if
needed to maintain sensitometry for very low use conditions (fewer than the equivalent of 25 35x43 cm films).
For Length Processors
KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models M35-M, M35A-M, M7B, M7B-E, M6A-N, M6AW , M6B,
M6R
KODAK MIN-R Mammography Processor
• Replenishment takes place whenever film is in the entrance rollers.
• Replenishment rates must be set according to usage and film size(s) fed.
• Film should be fed as recommended in the processor Operator Manual/User Guide.
. Processor Process Min-R EV Primary Emulsion
Up/Down
Min-R Mammography, M35A-M, M35M Down
3000 RA, 270 RA, M7 series Up
M6 B, M6R, 5000 RA, 480 RA, 460 RA Up
• X-OMAT M35M, M35A-M and MIN-R Mammography Processors are not recommended for
roll film
Average Number of Replenishment Rates
Film Size Use Films per 8 hrs (ml per 35 x 43 cm)
Processed Condition Of Processor Operation Developer Fixer
Average size intermix High
Medium
Low
115 sheets or more
40 - 115 sheets
40 sheets or less *
50
65
80
70
85
100
* If flooded replenishment is not used, sensitometry may not stay within control limits.
Flooded Replenishment:
processor quality control with low volume processing. For KODAK MIN-R EV Film, it requires
25 ml/l (3 fl oz per gallon) of KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer Starter in the external
developer replenishment tank.
Flooded replenishment can be used to help maintain stable
Flooded Replenishment Rate Recommendations
• For low use rates, if sensitometry does not stay within control limits, flooded replenishment
may be needed to maintain the developer solution at a continuously fresh chemical activity.
This is accomplished by replenishing not only when film is fed or area accumulated, but also
© Eastman Kodak Company 9/03 Page 5
KODAK MIN-R EV Mammography Film Conversion Guide and Processing Recommendations
on the basis of additional replenishment added during the processor on time with an
automatic replenishment timing system.
• When in the flooded mode, developer starter is added to the replenishment tanks at a rate of
89 ml per gallon or 25 ml per liter (3 fl oz per gallon) for MIN-R EV film.
• For detailed information on how to set up each processor for flooded replenishment, see the
appropriate service publication for that processor.
• Qualified service personnel should do the processor setup.
• When filling the developer replenishment or processor tank, add starter according to the table
below.
KODAK Flooded Add Starter?
Developer Mode Replenishment Tank Processor Tank
X-OMAT EX II
RP X-OMAT No No Yes
Yes Yes No*
* Fill the processor tank with chemistry that was mixed in the replenishment tank.
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No*
4. Dryer
Dedicated processors converted to Min-R EV film may be able to reduce the dryer temperature.
An uneven density pattern may be noted if the dryer temperature is too high. Please refer to
Section 7.
• Set the Dryer temperature to the minimum required to produce dry film. Tacky or wet films
occurring even with adjusted Dryer temperatures may indicate that additional service is
required.
• Check that the Dryer Air Tubes are in the correct positions. Remove any dirt from the Dryer
Rollers and Air Tubes, especially the slots.
• Check the settings for correct replenishment.
• Check the replenishment system for kinks in the Tubing, the operation of the Recirculation
and Replenishment Pumps, and the Detector Switches. Change any chemicals that were not
mixed correctly, are exhausted, or are contaminated.
• Check that the Dryer air exhaust is free from any obstructions and is installed correctly
according to the specifications in the installation instructions.
• You may be able to decrease the dryer temperature.
• Should uneven density be noticed, refer to Section 7, evaluating the Imaging Chain for
Uniformity.
© Eastman Kodak Company 9/03 Page 6
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