IP FAQ

1xxx IP durability

1101

Q

How long does an IP last ?

A

As for the BAS-MS IP, if you use it properly, its characteristics do not change after being used 1000 times and stored for 5 years. Presumably, its practical durability is several fold of these values.

1102

Q

How long does an IP last ?

A

The following are the essential procedures.

1: Use well dried samples for direct contact.

2: Completely wrap the sample with polyvinylidene chloride sheet (e.g. Saranwrap) of 10 micron thickness.

3: Avoid high temperature, high humidity (dew condensation) and direct sunlight (UV light) to store the IP.

1103

Q

What does the durability data of IP suggest ?

A

We have made sure the following concerning the durability of BAS-III IP (the most widely used IP with BAS) used with BAS-2000 scanner. Its durability when used with BAS-2500 and others is probably higher than that with BAS-2000 since other BAS machines are designed to have smaller mechanical load on IP. It is considered that other multi-purpose IPs other than BAS-III have about the same durability for their designs.

1: There is no characteristic change recognized in photostimulable phosphor due to the usage cycle from exposure, scanning to erasing in the radioactive environment even after the 1000 cycles.

2: The deterioration of characteristics due to mechanical load along with the usage cycle has not been detected after 1000 times with BAS-2000. After 5000 cycles, damage was recognized on the 3mm inside from the edge. However, the IP was still usable.

3: There was no characteristic difference between the new IP and the IP that had been stored for 5 years in normal temperature and humidity.

1104

Q

When IP contacts water, how does it affect the durability of IP ?

A

If the IPs for BAS-III and BAS-IIIS contact water in such cases of exposing the sample that is not adequately dried, the parts of IP that have contacted water will deteriorate in sensitivity and turn yellow. However, MS-, SR- and MP-type IPs are almost completely anti-deterioration from contacting water.

1201

Q

Are there any IPs that do not yellow ?

A

As for IPs for BAS, yellowing phenomenon has been recognized with BAS-III, BAS-IIIS, BAS-TR, BAS-YR, TR2040, TR2040S. Yellowing does not occur on MS, SR and MP series.

1202

Q

How does yellowing progress ?

A

BAS-III IP started deterioration in sensitivity when it touches water, and the yellowing is visibly recognizable after two weeks. The deterioration steadily continues and the sensitivity becomes about 1/3 of other parts that had not touched water. It is impossible to restore the deterioration.

1203

Q

What should we do when yellowing occurs to BAS-III IP ?

A

The yellowed IP will not recover the original characteristics. It is highly recommended to use MS IP or SR IP to which yellowing will not occur. However, it is important to keep the IP surface from touching the water containing RI elements in order to avoid radioactive contamination.

1204

Q

What is element constituting Imaging Plates ?

A

In case of MS-IP