ISO 9236-1:2004 specifies methods for the determination of the sensitometric curve shape, average gradient and speed of a single sample of a screen/film/filmholder/processing system for medical radiography. It is not applicable to special radiographic applications such as mammography, dental radiography and direct-exposing medical radiographic systems (see for example ISO 5799).

The filmholder can be any means that ensures close screen/film contact and prevents the film from being exposed to ambient light. In particular, the filmholder can be a light-tight vacuum bag, as often used in the laboratory, or a radiographic cassette as used in medical radiography.