Radiology Consumables & X-Ray Film — Frequently Asked Questions
Procurement, products, logistics, tenders, and compliance — answered for distributors and hospital buyers sourcing radiology consumables from Europe.
General Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for Carestream dry laser film?
For Carestream, Agfa, Fujifilm, and Konica films for dry laser printing, 4 packs are available. Medelem partners with distributors and purchasing departments in over 40 countries and can accommodate orders from trial quantities in individual boxes to full containers. Pricing is tiered, with more competitive unit prices available for larger orders. Contact us with your required format (size, substrate type) and monthly volume to receive a customized quote within 48 hours.
How do I request a quotation from Medelem?
To request a quote, please email Medelem and include: (1) product name, manufacturer brand, model, (2) exact part number (if known), (3) required quantity of each size, and (4) delivery country. For film products, please specify the size (e.g., 35×43 cm), backing type (blue or clear), and compatible imaging system model. Medelem will respond within 48 hours with pricing, availability, and estimated delivery time. For regular orders, we offer framework pricing agreements.
Does Medelem sell directly to hospitals or only to distributors?
Medelem acts as a European broker and primarily supplies products to registered distributors, sales agents, and tender intermediaries. Direct deliveries to hospitals and government procurement organizations are possible in cases where relationships with local distributors are unavailable, particularly in emerging markets in Africa, the CIS, and the Middle East and North Africa. In all cases, Medelem provides a full set of CE documentation, declarations of conformity, and manufacturer’s certificates required for institutional procurement.
What payment terms does Medelem offer for international orders?
Standard payment terms are prepayment by bank transfer (T/T) against a pro forma invoice. Medelem issues official invoices on behalf of a legal entity registered in Europe, simplifying banking compliance for buyers in regulated markets. All transactions are conducted in euros and US dollars.
Which CR cassette and IP plate models does Medelem supply?
Medelem supplies original CR cassettes and IP plates from multiple manufacturers: Fujifilm FCR cassettes (IP Cassette Type CC BW PB) compatible with FCR Prima, FCR Capsula, and FCR XG systems; Konica Minolta IP plates compatible with Konica CS series CR readers; Carestream CR cassettes compatible with Carestream DirectView and Vita CR systems; AGFA CR cassettes compatible with AGFA CR 30-X and CR 35-X systems; and CAWO IP plates for compatible CR readers. All sizes available: 18×24 cm, 24×30 cm, 35×35 cm, and 35×43 cm. Products are original manufacturer items with full CE certification. Lead times are typically 2–4 weeks from order confirmation, depending on brand and size.
What dry film formats does Medelem offer for Carestream DRYVIEW systems?
Medelem supplies original dry laser imaging films for Carestream DRYVIEW laser imager systems. DVB+ (enhanced blue base, blue-black image tone) is the standard film for general radiology. DVE (blue-tinted polyester base, infrared-sensitive) is designed for high-volume departments at 160-250 films/hour and is compatible with DRYVIEW 5700, 5950, 6800, 6850, and 8900 systems. DVC (clear base) is available for facilities that prefer a neutral image tone. For mammography applications requiring higher maximum density, DRYVIEW DVM+ is the correct film. All formats are available in five sizes: 20×25 cm (8x10in), 25×30 cm (10x12in), 28×35 cm (11x14in), 35×35 cm (14x14in), and 35×43 cm (14x17in). All films are original Carestream products supplied in daylight-loadable 125-sheet cartridges with CE documentation. Contact Medelem with your DRYVIEW model number for confirmed film compatibility.
What dry film formats does Medelem offer for AGFA Drystar systems?
Medelem supplies original AGFA Drystar dry thermal films for AGFA Drystar laser imager systems. DT2B is the second-generation direct digital greyscale medium compatible with Drystar 5300, 5302, 5500, 5503, and Drystar AXYS imagers. DT2 Mammo is a high-density, high-contrast variant developed specifically for digital mammography, with maximum optical density above 3.7. DT5000IB and DT5000IB Mammo are designed for use with Drystar 5500, 5503, and AXYS imagers, providing maximum density above 4.0 for the highest diagnostic quality mammography output. All formats available in standard sizes 20×25 cm, 25×30 cm, 35×35 cm, and 35×43 cm depending on model. AGFA wet chemistry products (G138 developer, G334 fixer) for conventional X-ray film processing are also available. All products are original AGFA items with CE documentation. Contact Medelem with your Drystar imager model number for confirmed compatibility.
What dry film formats does Medelem offer for Fujifilm DRYPIX systems?
Medelem supplies original Fujifilm dry laser imaging films for Fujifilm DRYPIX imager systems. DI-HL is the standard daylight-loading blue polyester base film using Fuji dry silver technology with rapid thermal development, producing images with neutral colour tone comparable to wet processing. DI-ML is the premium mammography-dedicated film with D-max of 4.0, bluer film colour, and better sharpness, applicable for DRYPIX Plus and DRYPIX 7000. Compatible imager models include DRYPIX PRIMA, DRYPIX Plus, DRYPIX 4000, DRYPIX 5000, DRYPIX 7000, and DRYPIX Smart. Standard sizes available: 20×25 cm, 25×30 cm, 26×36 cm, 35×35 cm, and 35×43 cm. All films are original Fujifilm products with CE documentation. Contact Medelem with your DRYPIX model number for confirmed film format and size compatibility.
What dry film formats does Medelem offer for Konica Minolta DRYPRO systems?
Medelem supplies original Konica Minolta dry laser films for Konica Minolta DRYPRO imager systems. SD-Q2 is designed specifically for DRYPRO Model 873 and DRYPRO Model 832 imagers. SD-S is designed for DRYPRO SIGMA II and DRYPRO SIGMA imagers. SD-P and SD-PC are dry films for the broader DRYPRO family covering general radiology modalities including CT, MRI, and CR. SD-PM is the mammography-specific film for the DRYPRO 793 laser imager only. All Konica Minolta dry laser films are daylight-packaged and supplied in 125 sheets per box. Standard sizes available: 20×25 cm, 25×30 cm, 28×35 cm, 35×35 cm, and 35×43 cm depending on model. All films are original Konica Minolta products with CE documentation. Contact Medelem with your DRYPRO model number for confirmed film compatibility.
What dry film formats does Medelem offer for CAWO DRY systems?
Medelem supplies CAWO DRY Film, a direct digital greyscale medium with blue base offering high contrast, high density, and high throughput for the CAWO DRY 2.4 imager. CAWO DRY Film uses dry technology with no wet processing, no darkroom, and no chemicals, and complies with EU Medical Device Regulation 2017/745. Available in standard sizes 20×25 cm, 25×30 cm, 35×35 cm, and 35×43 cm. All products are original CAWO items with CE documentation. Contact Medelem with your CAWO imager model for confirmed compatibility and current stock availability.
Can Medelem supply Sony thermal ultrasound paper?
Yes. Medelem supplies original Sony UPP series thermal ultrasound paper, including UPP-84S, UPP-110S (standard), UPP-110HG (high gloss), UPP-110HD (high density), and UPP-210HD (210 mm format), used in Sony UP-850MD, UP-870MD, UP-890MD, UP-895MD, UP-897MD, and UP-898. All Sony products are original manufacturer items with CE documentation. Bulk pricing is available for distributor-level quantities.
Does Medelem supply Durico ULSTAR ultrasound thermal paper?
Yes. Medelem supplies Durico ULSTAR series thermal ultrasound paper, a Korean-manufactured compatible alternative to the Sony UPP series, distributed to over 70 countries worldwide. Available models: ULSTAR-1100S (equivalent to Sony UPP-110S, standard B&W, 110mm x 18m, compatible with Sony UP-850MD, UP-870MD, UP-890MD, UP-895MD, UP-897MD, UP-898 series); ULSTAR-1100HD (equivalent to Sony UPP-110HD, high density); ULSTAR-1100HG (equivalent to Sony UPP-110HG, premium high gloss with UV-cured coating resistant to water, fingerprints, and ultrasound gel); ULSTAR-2100HD (210 mm format, equivalent to Sony UPP-210HD); and ULSTAR-840HG (84 mm format, equivalent to Sony UPP-84HG). All Durico ULSTAR rolls are manufactured in Korea and come in 5 or 10 rolls per box. Important: Durico ULSTAR is a compatible alternative product, not the original Sony. For tenders requiring original manufacturer items with CE manufacturer documentation, Sony UPP originals must be specified. Contact Medelem for comparative pricing between Sony originals and Durico alternatives.
Are Medelem products original manufacturer items or compatible alternatives?
Medelem supplies both original manufacturer items and clearly labelled compatible alternatives, depending on the product line. Original manufacturer items from AGFA, Carestream, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, and Sony are sourced through European distribution channels and carry valid CE marking, manufacturer lot numbers, and full expiry dating. These are required for government and UN tender submissions. Compatible alternatives such as Durico ULSTAR thermal paper are clearly identified as such and are suitable for non-tender institutional supply where price competitiveness is the priority. Medelem never substitutes compatible products for originals without explicit buyer agreement.
What is the shelf life of dry imaging films supplied by Medelem?
Dry laser and thermal imaging films supplied by Medelem typically carry a manufacturer’s shelf life of 18 to 24 months from the date of manufacture. Medelem supplies only stock with a minimum of 12 months remaining shelf life at the time of shipment, unless the buyer specifically requests otherwise for tender pre-positioning purposes. Shelf life documentation is provided with each shipment. Storage requirements (cool, dry, away from direct light, temperature 4-25 degrees C) are included in all product documentation.
Which countries does Medelem ship to?
Medelem ships to distributors and institutions in over 40 countries across Africa (West, East, and North Africa), CIS (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan), MENA (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan), and selected European markets. Shipments originate from EU-based warehouses with standard Incoterms DDU or EXW, depending on buyer preference. CE documentation and manufacturer certificates are provided for all shipments.
What are typical lead times for delivery to Africa or Central Asia?
Lead times depend on product availability and destination. For in-stock items: Europe to West/East Africa typically 10-21 days via air freight or 25-45 days via sea freight. Europe to Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan) typically 7-14 days by air or 20-35 days by road/rail. Lead times for special-order or non-stocked items add 2-4 weeks. Medelem provides tracking documentation and airway bill numbers for all shipments. Customs clearance support and HS code documentation (HS 370110 for X-ray film) is provided on request.
Does Medelem handle customs clearance and import documentation?
Medelem provides complete export documentation, including: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (EUR.1 or Form A), CE conformity declarations, manufacturer certificates, and MSDS sheets where applicable. HS code 370110 is standard for sensitised X-ray films; other codes apply for ultrasound paper, ECG electrodes, and CR cassettes. Document sets are prepared to meet UN/UNGM tender import requirements. Medelem can coordinate with local customs brokers in destination countries on request.
Can Medelem ship X-ray film to tropical climates?
Yes. X-ray dry films and CR IP plates require protection from heat and humidity during transit. For shipments to tropical climates (West Africa, Southeast Asia), Medelem uses insulated packaging with desiccant and temperature indicators on request. Air freight is recommended over sea freight for film products destined for tropical regions to minimise transit time and thermal exposure. Storage instructions and maximum acceptable temperature ranges are included in all shipment documentation.
Does Medelem provide CE documentation for tender submissions?
Yes. CE documentation is a standard part of every order from Medelem. Documentation packages include: CE Declaration of Conformity (DoC), EC Certificate where applicable, manufacturer product specifications, ISO 13485 certificate of the manufacturing facility, and product registration certificates. These documents meet the requirements of government health ministry tenders, UN procurement processes (UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNOPS), and World Bank-funded projects. Multi-language versions (English, French, Arabic) are available on request.
Can Medelem supply products for World Bank-funded hospital projects?
Yes. Medelem supplies products that meet World Bank procurement standards, including original manufacturer CE-certified items with full documentation trails. World Bank projects typically require supplier pre-qualification documentation, product technical specifications conforming to WHO or IEC standards, and proof of manufacturer authorisation or distribution rights. Medelem prepares complete supplier qualification dossiers on request. Previous supply experience includes government hospital procurement in Uzbekistan, Kenya, Morocco, and Uganda.
Do the products come with manufacturer warranty?
All original manufacturer products supplied by Medelem carry the manufacturer’s warranty applicable to the product category. For CR cassettes and IP plates, the manufacturer’s warranty typically covers manufacturing defects. Dry film and thermal paper are consumable items without warranty beyond shelf-life guarantees. In the event of a verifiable manufacturing defect, Medelem manages the warranty claim process with the manufacturer on the buyer’s behalf. Batch numbers and lot traceability are maintained for all orders.
How does Medelem support distributors bidding on government radiology tenders?
Medelem provides a full tender support package for distributor partners: (1) competitive pricing with formal quotation valid for 60-90 days, (2) complete CE documentation and manufacturer certificates formatted for tender submission, (3) technical product specifications and compatibility data sheets, (4) sample provision for product demonstration where required, and (5) logistics planning for on-time delivery within tender execution timelines. Medelem has experience supporting tenders in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Can Medelem provide a Letter of Authorization from manufacturers for tender purposes?
Medelem can facilitate authorisation letters from manufacturer representatives or regional distributors for specific tender requirements. The structure depends on the manufacturer and region: for some brands, Medelem works in cooperation with authorised distributors who issue the letter with Medelem named as the supply partner. For tenders requiring direct manufacturer authorisation, Medelem coordinates with brand representatives. Contact Medelem at least 4 weeks before the tender submission deadline to allow time for documentation preparation.
What is the typical tender response time for a radiology consumables RFQ?
For standard RFQs covering dry films, CR cassettes, ultrasound paper, and ECG electrodes, Medelem targets a 48-hour response with pricing, availability, and documentation. For complex tenders involving multiple product lines, specific technical compliance matrices, or UN-format documentation, allow 3-5 business days. For large-volume or multi-year framework tenders, Medelem recommends contacting us at least 2 weeks before submission to allow full pricing optimisation and documentation preparation.
Does Medelem participate in tenders directly or only through local partners?
Medelem can participate in tenders both directly (as the supplying entity from Europe) and through local implementation partners, depending on tender requirements. For tenders requiring a local registered entity (common in Africa and CIS), Medelem works with vetted local trading agents who act as the contracting party while Medelem supplies the products and documentation from Europe. This structure allows buyers to meet local content requirements while benefiting from Medelem’s European sourcing and competitive pricing.
How do I know which CR cassette or IP plate is compatible with my CR reader?
CR cassette and IP plate compatibility depends on the CR reader manufacturer and model. Fujifilm IP cassettes (CC BW PB series) are compatible with all Fujifilm FCR systems. Konica Minolta IP plates (SD-Q2, SD-S) work with Konica DRYPRO 832, 873, SIGMA, and SIGMA II readers. Carestream CR cassettes are compatible with Carestream DirectView and Vita CR systems. AGFA CR cassettes are compatible with AGFA CR 30-X and CR 35-X systems. Cross-compatibility between different brands is generally not supported. Send Medelem your CR reader make and model number, and we will confirm compatible cassette specifications before you order.
Can I use AGFA Drystar film in a Carestream DRYVIEW printer?
No. AGFA Drystar films are specifically calibrated for AGFA Drystar laser imagers and are not interchangeable with Carestream DRYVIEW printers. Each manufacturer’s dry film is formulated for their specific print engine, laser wavelength, and thermal parameters. Using incompatible film results in poor image quality, calibration errors, and potential printer damage. The same applies across all brands: Fujifilm DI-HL, Konica SD-Q2, and CAWO DRY Film are each exclusive to their respective imager systems. Medelem can confirm correct film selection for any Carestream, AGFA, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, or CAWO dry imaging system before you order.
What ultrasound machines is the Sony UPP-110S paper compatible with?
Sony UPP-110S thermal ultrasound paper (110mm x 20m) is compatible with Sony UP-850MD, UP-870MD, UP-890MD, UP-895MD, UP-897MD, and UP-898 series black-and-white thermal printers, as well as many third-party ultrasound systems that accept standard 110mm thermal roll paper. Compatible third-party systems include selected Mindray, GE Logiq, Philips, and Hitachi ultrasound units equipped with built-in thermal printers. The Durico ULSTAR-1100S is a compatible alternative with identical dimensions and the same printer compatibility. For confirmation of compatibility with a specific ultrasound model, contact Medelem with the printer model number.
What is the difference between Sony UPP-110S, UPP-110HD, and UPP-110HG?
All three are 110mm Sony ultrasound thermal paper rolls, but differ in image quality grade. UPP-110S is the standard grade for general B&W ultrasound printing, the most widely used and cost-effective option. UPP-110HD (High Density) provides higher black density and improved contrast, suitable for departments requiring sharper diagnostic detail. UPP-110HG (High Gloss) is the premium grade with a glossy surface finish and the highest image resolution, used where photographic-quality output is required, such as referral imaging or documentation. Medelem supplies all three grades in original Sony and Durico ULSTAR compatible versions. Select the grade based on your diagnostic requirements and budget.
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