PACS in Radiology

laserbased film digitizers.

Even traditional screenfilm radiographs can be converted into digital format using

acquisition, interpretation, and storage

PACS is a system designed for the

___________

of medical images in digital form without the need for hard copies

Four Principal Components of PACS

• Image Acquisition System

• Display System Network

• Network

• Storage System

Image Acquisition System

Captures medical images from imaging modalities.

Display System

Allows visualization, review, and interpretation of images.

Network

Facilitates the transfer and sharing of image data between devices and locations.

Storage System

Archives images securely for retrieval, analysis, and record-keeping.

PACS

This improves interpretation, processing, viewing, storage, and recall

Purpose and Function of PACS Network

• Ensures fast and easy access to image-processing functions.

• Allows interaction between imaging systems, workstations, and central computers.

• Every workstation is microprocessor-controlled and connected to the network

Network

Connects multiple computers for data sharing and communication.

Clients

All devices connected to the network are called

Devices (Clients)

• Administrative/secretarial workstations

• PACS workstations (local and remote)

• Departmental and hospital mainframes

• Storage, retrieval, and image viewing devices

Teleradiology

Remote transmission and viewing of medical images.

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine)

a standard developed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to ensure compatibility between different systems.

Teleradiology

Allows for image interpretation remotely, even intercontinentally.

1

Image Acquisition: High - quality diagnostics images are captured

2

Secure Transmission: Images are encrypted and sent securely.

3

Image Interpretation: Radiologist review and analyze images remotely

4

Report Delivery: Diagnostics reports are sent to referring physicians

• Messaging and email utilities

• Calendar and scheduling

• Storage of text data

• Financial accounting and planning

Manages administrative and

data functions. Includes:

• Patient identification

• Billing and accounting

• Departmental interactions

Can initiate coded diagnostic reports, link to hospital systems for:

• Patient scheduling

• Staff scheduling (technologists, radiologists)

• Statistical analysis of departmental workload

Departmental computers handle:

Matrix size

pixel dimensions of the image.

Gray scale bit depth

Number of shades of gray.

Nuclear Medicine

Image size is 0.25 MB while the examination size is 5 MB

Diagnostics Ultrasonography

Image size is 0.25 MB while the examination size is 8 MB

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Image size is 0.25 MB while the examination size is 12 MB

Computed Tomography

Image size is 0.5 MB while the examination size is 20 MB

Digital Radiography

Image size is 5 MB while the examination size is 20 MB

Digital Mammography

Image size is 10 MB while the examination size is 60 MB