T6 (Informatics)

xray

quick, painless tests that produce images of the structures inside your body, especially bones.

ct scan

uses a series of x-rays to create cross-sections of the inside of the body, including bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.

mri

uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body.

ultrasound

uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and structures within the body.

pet scan

uses radioactive drugs (called tracers) and a scanning machine to show how your tissues and organs are functioning.

radiology information system

are computer systems that manage medical imaging data and related information within a healthcare organization.

standalone ris

These systems are designed to handle the scheduling and tracking of radiology exams and patient information management within a single department or facility.

integrated ris

These systems are designed to integrate with other healthcare information systems, such as electronic medical record (EMR) systems and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), to provide a more comprehensive view of a patient's medical history and care.

web-based ris

These systems use a web browser to access the RIS system, allowing users to access the system from any location with an internet connection.

cloud-based ris

These systems are hosted on remote servers and accessed through the internet, allowing healthcare organizations to outsource the management and maintenance of the RIS system to a third party.

mobile ris

These systems are designed for use on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, and allow users to access and manage radiology information while on the go

hybrid topology

Combines elements of star, mesh, and other topologies to meet specific requirements.

dicom

The international standard for transmitting, storing, and sharing medical images and related information.

HL7

A set of international standards for the exchange, integration, sharing, and retrieval of electronic health information.

tcp/ip

The fundamental protocol suite for data transmission over the internet and most local networks. Underpins the network communication for transmitting DICOM images and HL7 messages.

fhir

A standard describing data formats and elements (known as "resources") and an API for exchanging EHR.

vpn

Creates a secure connection over a less secure network, such as the internet. Encrypts data, ensuring secure remote access to radiology systems.

https

An extension of HTTP with encryption for secure communication over a computer network.

vpn

 protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services.

integrations

Ensure seamless integration between PACS, RIS, and EHR systems using DICOM, HL7, and FHIR protocols.

security

Use encryption protocols like HTTPS and VPN to secure data transmission.

redundancy and back up

Implement redundant network paths and backup systems to ensure continuous availability and data integrity.

pacs

manages the storage, retrieval, distribution, and presentation of medical images. They integrate with RIS and HIS (Hospital Information Systems) to streamline radiological workflows.

radiology information system

the core system for the electronic management of imaging departments.

hospital information system

integrates patient information across different departments within a hospital.

local area network

Connects devices within a limited area such as a hospital.

wide area network

Links multiple LANs across larger geographic areas, allowing remote access and tele-radiology services.

virtual private network

Enables secure remote access to PACS and other radiologic data from outside the hospital network

dicom

Standard for handling, storing, printing, and transmitting information in medical imaging.

HL7

Standard for exchanging information between medical applications, particularly useful for integrating RIS with other healthcare systems

hospital information system

Ensuring patient data privacy and compliance with regulations like HIPAA, which involves secure transmission networks, encrypted storage, and access controls (Radiology Key).

online storage

Provides immediate access to data, typically through hard drives.

nearline storage

Uses magnetic tapes or optical jukeboxes for data that do not need immediate access.

offline storage

For long-term data storage and backups, often using magnetic tapes or optical discs

display workstations

receives images from the archive or from the various radiology modalities and presents them for viewing.

medical image data transfer

refers to the process of transmitting medical images (such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, etc.) from one location to another.

data compression

Utilize compression techniques to reduce file sizes for faster transmission without compromising image quality.

image format

Use standard formats such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) to ensure compatibility across different systems and devices.

network bradwidth

Assess and optimize network bandwidth to accommodate large image files and prevent delays during transmission.

security protocols

Implement robust security protocols (e.g., encryption and authentication) to protect patient data from unauthorized access or breaches.

metadata handling

Ensure accurate transmission of metadata along with images to maintain clinical context and ensure proper interpretation.

data integrity

Implement QoS policies to ensure medical imaging data receives priority on the network.

internet services

refer to various applications, tools, and platforms that utilize the Internet to enhance the practice and delivery of radiological services.

pacs

a comprehensive system used for storing, retrieving, presenting, and distributing medical images.

ris

used to manage the administrative and operational functions of a radiology department or facility.

teleradiology

involves the transmission of radiological patient images (such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs) from one location to another for interpretation or consultation.

cloud based radiology solutions

offer storage, access, and analysis of medical images and related data over the Internet

online radiology learning

These platforms facilitate online education, training, and collaboration among radiologists, allowing them to share knowledge, discuss cases, and access educational resources

ai and machine learning

increasingly being used in radiology to assist with image interpretation, diagnosis, and workflow optimization.

patient portals

where patients can securely access their medical images, reports, and related information.

remote consultation services

These services enable radiologists to provide expert consultations to other healthcare providers or patients remotely, using secure internet connections and specialized software platforms.

web applications

refer to software applications accessed via a web browser over the internet or an intranet.

web services

software systems designed to support interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a network.

client/server distributed computing

refers to a computing model where tasks or processes are divided between clients (end-user devices) and servers (centralized computers or databases).