MOD 5 - PACS

PACS

a secured network solution to transfer, store and retrieve digital image files in a secure server suitable for short and long term file management

DICOM Standard

• a universal standardized format and protocol for communication of medical imaging data, so there are no incompatibility issues of various vendors digital image file formats

• allows seamless transfer from any imaging equipment to PACS and image display stations, regardless of the brand

Diagnostic Image Display Systems

• Radiologist monitors have very high spatial and contrast resolution

• LCD flat panel monitors have replaced older CRT version

• exceptional brightness or luminance, however, degrades over time

Image Retrieval within vs. outside of site

• within = search pt’s MRN

• outside = electronic exchange service, cloud-based servers

Benefits of PACS

• lack of physical space (for film storage)

• images cannot be lost

• teleradiology (rads reporting from homes)

Risks of PACS

• lack of hard copy, and equipment can fail to transfer

• network connection vulnerability

• downtime and upgrades for optimal functioning

• incorrect RIS association with an exam  

Medicolegal Responsibilities for PACS

• ensuring accurate patient demographic data and correct markers

• in events of errors, the tech must take the corrective steps and must never delete the images, speedy reporting to the reporting rad and PACS administrator

Correction for Incorrect Patient Selected from the Worklist

1. PACS correction form submission

2. ensure the images are not reported by the rad

Correction for Incorrect Patient Imaged/Incorrect Exam Performed

1. consult supervisor

2. fully inform pt

3. exam request generated by the rad, so the exam can be entered into the RIS

4. then the images can be correctly associated with the imaged patient information

5. reporting of the images so that any benefit of imaging the patient can be realized

Image Compression Types

• lossy = archived image is smaller in size, degraded and data is lost (>10:1)

• lossless = the archived image is the same as the original (<10:1)

Compression Ratio

original image file size : compressed file size