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.

not
to	scale
	scale

emulsion
primary	blue
support:
	emulsion
secondary		layer

antihalation
	layer
orientation

Not to scale

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

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)

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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

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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 Replenisher. Developer and fixer replenishment rates may require adjustment for specific processing environments.

If attempting to use other manufacturer’s developers and fixers, contact the manufacturer for recommended replenishment rates.

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.

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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		260 sheets or more	90	105
		enabled	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

	Single		Medium - High	60 sheets or more	25	30
MIN-R EV			Low	60 sheets or less*	Flooded	Flooded
	Double	Medium - High		60 sheets or more	50	60
			Low	60 sheets or less *	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.

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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	115 sheets or more		50	70
		Medium	40 - 115 sheets		65	85
		Low	40 sheets or less *		80	100
	* If flooded replenishment is not used, sensitometry may not stay within control limits.

Flooded Replenishment: Flooded replenishment can be used to help maintain stable 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 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

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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	No	No	Yes
	Yes	Yes	No*
RP X-OMAT	No	No	Yes
	Yes	Yes	No*

* Fill the processor tank with chemistry that was mixed in the replenishment tank.

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.

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