Introduction to Digital Radiography & PACS (VOCAB)

ADC

Analog to Digital Converter - converts signal

Analog

Continuous signal

Algorithm

A concise set of computer instructions to execute a specific task

Bandwidth

Transfer rate in the computer network system

Bit

A binary digit, a zero or a 1, the smallest unit of computer storage capacity- single unit of data

Byte 

A group of 8 bits used to represent a single alpha-numeric character (the amount of memory needed to store one alphanumeric character) 

Computer

Machine that performs mathematical computations, manipulates information, makes decisions accurately and quickly. Functions are based on machine’s ability to follow preprogrammed instructions (algorithms) 

Computer Program

A collection of inter-related algorithms which allow the used to perform functions

DICOM

Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine - common computer language that allows different pieces of imaging equipment to communicate (standardizes the behavior of various digital devices used within the PACS system) 

Digital Imaging

Any imaging acquisition process that produces an electronic image that can be viewed and manipulated on a computer 

EHR/EMR

Electronic Health Record/ Electronic Medical Record - electronic version of an individual’s medical documents 

Hardware 

The tangible components and connection within a computer (CPU, memory, etc) 

Health Level-7 (HL-7)

Integrates HIS and RIS and addresses the communication of data (patient demographics, types of exam, rad reports, etc.) 

HIS 

Hospital Information System - collect and process data to provide users with information needed to problem solve/decide 

Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) 

Removes data redundancy and task repetition by narrowing loop between RIS/HIS and PACS - Rads can view patient hx, labs, etc. while viewing images simultaneously  

LAN

Local Area Network- connects computers separated by short distances

Lossless Compression

Allows original image information to be retained

Lossy Compression

Lots of data information after compressed and uncompressed

Matrix

The collective rows and columns of pixels or dels that make up the area of an image or image receptor 

PACS

Picture Archive and Communication System - system that provides image storage, retrieval, manipulation, and transmission of digital images 

Pixel

Picture element, a two-dimensional picture element or cell in displayed image capable of producing an entire range of gray levels (bit depth) for the system.

Pixel size=

FOV/Matrix

(FOV must be in mm not cm) 

RAID

Redundant Array of Independent Discs - short term archival

RIS

Radiology Information System - integrates with the HIS and PACS systems 

Software

Operating system of a computer (programs/applications)

Teleradiology

Moving images via modem, phone, or cable lines or remote location

VNA

Vendor Neutral Achieve - image storage in a nonproprietary format

WAM 

Wide Area Network - connects computers separated by large distances