PACS

PACS or Picture Archiving and Communication System is a medical imaging technology that provides economical storage and convenient access to images from multiple modalities (source machines). Electronic images and reports are transmitted digitally via PACS; this eliminates the need to manually file, retrieve, or transport film jackets, the folders used to store and protect X-ray film.

Overview

The universal format for PACS image storage and transfer is DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). Non-image data, such as scanned documents, may be incorporated using consumer industry standard formats like PDF (Portable Document Format), once encapsulated in DICOM. A PACS consists of four major components: the imaging modalities such as X-ray plain film (PF), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a secured network for the transmission of patient information, workstations for interpreting and reviewing images, and archives for the storage and retrieval of images and reports.

History

The concept of a PACS has been credited to Harold Glass and Kenneth C. Knowlton, who outlined the idea in a 1965 paper. The development of PACS technology has been driven by advances in digital imaging, computer technology, and healthcare informatics standards.

Components

A PACS has four major components:

• Imaging Modalities: These are the machines that produce the medical images, such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines.
• Secure Network: This is the system that allows for the secure transmission of patient information and images.
• Workstations: These are the computers and software that doctors and other healthcare professionals use to view and interpret the images.
• Archives: These are the systems used for the storage and retrieval of images and reports.

See also

• DICOM
• Radiology Information System
• Electronic Health Record
• Health Level 7
• Medical imaging