Difference between revisions of "Picture archiving and communication system (PACS)"

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'''Picture archiving and communication system (PACS)''' are a collective group of workstations, servers, and archives, all tied to one or more imaging modalities (CT, MRI, ultrasound machines, etc.) to act as a database and processor of imaging data.
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'''Picture archiving and communication system (PACS)''' is a medical imaging technology which provides digital storage (film-less) and electronic access to images from multiple modalities.  
  
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= Introduction =
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Traditionally PACS consists of four major components:
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* Imaging modality
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* Secured network for transmission
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* Viewer for interpreting and reviewing images
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* Archives for the storage and retrieval
  
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The data involved is not solely contained within the image, there is plenty of metadata and patient information to accompany this digital film, some of which is handled by other systems. Like any networked computer system, a PACS can range from small and simple in the form of several machines, up to enterprise-level complexities, serving up large quantities of images and data from various modalities to a range of disparate end-user situations. More specifically, a typical PACS would likely involve a RAID (redundant array of independent disks) storage archive, an imaging device such as an ultrasound machine, workstations with high-resolution monitors, software for retrieval and display of the images, and an intranet (or internet) network connection to tie them all together.<ref name="telegraph">Sending dental x-rays by telegraph Anonymous, Dent Radiog Photog 2 (1929) (1), pp. 1–2.</ref>  Ideally a PACS would also provide multi-modal image acquisition, report generation and dictation tools, although these features are not defining.
 
  
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The PACS acronym was established in 1982, at the First International Conference on Picture Archiving and Communication Systems.<ref name="telegraph"/> Yet the basic idea of moving medical imagery over telephone lines dates back to 1929<ref name="network">Lemke, HU (1979) A Network of Medical Work Stations for Integrated Word and Picture Communication in Clinical Medicine, Technical Report., Technical University, Berlin</ref> and had been described several years prior to the conference<ref name="key">Siegel E, Reiner B. Work Flow Redesign : The Key to Success When Using PACS [Internet]. AJR. American journal of roentgenology. 2002 ;178(3):563-6. Available from: http://www.ajronline.org/cgi/content/abstract/178/3/563</ref>. The earliest PACS systems could be as simple as a film scanner and dial-up connection between two machines, and while second-generation systems in the latter-half of the 1980s placed more emphasis on the storage, retrieval and display features, were troublesome,<ref name="telegraph"/> and still designed with a film-producing workflow in mind. They showed potential, but needed an entrenched communications standard such as [[DICOM|DICOM]].
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= Background =
  
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Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) is a well-accepted standard for image metadata. As a standard, it provides guidelines for interfacing between an image modality and an image storage or retrieval system.  
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The term PACS was first coined in 1982 at the First International Conference and Workshop on PACS held in Newport Beach, CA. Yet the basic idea of moving medical imagery over telephone lines dates back to 1929[2] and had been described several years prior to the conference[3]. The earliest PACS systems could be as simple as a film scanner and dial-up connection between two machines, and while second-generation systems in the latter-half of the 1980s placed more emphasis on the storage, retrieval and display features, were troublesome,[1] and still designed with a film-producing workflow in mind. The late 1980s saw an evolution in high-speed networks and imaging systems integration with ACR-NEMA (American College of Radiology-National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association) and later [[DICOM|DICOM]] (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) Standards.  
  
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Radiology information systems (RIS) share close ties with PACS in an organization's workflow, but RIS as an idea more closely resemble Health Information Systems (HIS), and can even be considered a subset of HIS, or type of HIS specific to the radiology department. RIS provide information such as patient scheduling data, document management, billing and other adjunct information. Together, RIS and PACS are the two founding elements needed for a completely digital radiology department. When remote access is needed, it is likely the RIS would be involved with the PACS. For more information about RIS and PACS integration into other CIS systems, [[CIS Integration with RIS & PACS|click here]].
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In the early 1990s there was further integration of health information systems, radiology information systems and PACS. RIS provide information such as patient scheduling data, document management, billing and other adjunct information. Together, RIS and PACS are the two founding elements needed for a completely digital radiology department. For more information about RIS and PACS integration into other CIS systems, [[CIS Integration with RIS & PACS|click here]].
  
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In just the 15 years that they've been available,4 a stereotypical PACS installation has evolved from a small-scale operation somewhat confined to the radiology department. Current PACS approaches tend toward large-scale, Health Level Seven (HL7) compliant systems deeply embedded into the workflow of the whole hospital.  
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= Uses =
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Originally, PACS was primary utilized in radiology departments for storage, retrieval, and review of various modalities like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. However, its use has expanded to other medical fields such as ophthalmology, pathology, cardiology, oncology and dermatology. Often different PACS viewers are needed for each subspecialty which emphasizes the need for a vendor-neutral archive. In example, ophthalmologists review several different types of images (OCT Macula, Corneal topography, IOL calculations, OCT Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, Humphrey Visual Fields, Fluorescein Angiograms, Indocyanine green angiography, etc) that are not supported by radiology PACS viewers and therefore, require a specialty specific PACS Viewer.
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= Architecture =
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The architecture of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is dynamic, with varied configurations across different institutions. In a typical PACS workflow, four main components interact:
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* Worklist: A sophisticated tool that aggregates examination lists from various sources—be it different PACS, hospitals, or other healthcare entities. It integrates with diverse systems such as radiology information systems, PACS itself, or external applications. Worklists can draw from electronic medical records to enhance clinical data access.
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* Archive: A central archive stores images, reports, metadata and measurements. There has been a shift towards vendor-neutral archives that can connect with any PACS with standard communication protocols. This allows for interoperability across different PACS and allows the inclusion of medical images from non-radiology specialties (cardiology, ophthalmology, etc) that certain PACS vendors might not support.
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* Viewer: Essential for clinicians to review and interpret diagnostic images. The trend has moved from exclusive PACS workstations to more versatile, web-based viewers, expanding access options to include remote and mobile platforms. Although third-party and web viewers offer increased accessibility, they may lack some of the sophisticated visualization capabilities of dedicated radiology workstations.
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= Benefits =
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Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) offer several benefits:
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* Digital storage: Eliminates the need for physical film and storage. Less need for space and expenses associated with film processing and storage. It also enables faster access and transfer of medical images.
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* Remote access: Images stored in PACS can be accessed by multiple users from multiple locations and allows for teleradiology.
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* Integration with RIS/HIS: Allows for easier transfer of imaging and clinical information across departments.
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* Digital viewing: Allows for digital formats that can be manipulated to enhance diagnostic accuracy.  
  
 
=Related Articles=
 
=Related Articles=

Revision as of 20:53, 23 April 2024

Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a medical imaging technology which provides digital storage (film-less) and electronic access to images from multiple modalities.

Traditionally PACS consists of four major components:

  • Imaging modality
  • Secured network for transmission
  • Viewer for interpreting and reviewing images
  • Archives for the storage and retrieval


Background

The term PACS was first coined in 1982 at the First International Conference and Workshop on PACS held in Newport Beach, CA. Yet the basic idea of moving medical imagery over telephone lines dates back to 1929[2] and had been described several years prior to the conference[3]. The earliest PACS systems could be as simple as a film scanner and dial-up connection between two machines, and while second-generation systems in the latter-half of the 1980s placed more emphasis on the storage, retrieval and display features, were troublesome,[1] and still designed with a film-producing workflow in mind. The late 1980s saw an evolution in high-speed networks and imaging systems integration with ACR-NEMA (American College of Radiology-National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association) and later DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) Standards.

In the early 1990s there was further integration of health information systems, radiology information systems and PACS. RIS provide information such as patient scheduling data, document management, billing and other adjunct information. Together, RIS and PACS are the two founding elements needed for a completely digital radiology department. For more information about RIS and PACS integration into other CIS systems, click here.

Uses

Originally, PACS was primary utilized in radiology departments for storage, retrieval, and review of various modalities like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. However, its use has expanded to other medical fields such as ophthalmology, pathology, cardiology, oncology and dermatology. Often different PACS viewers are needed for each subspecialty which emphasizes the need for a vendor-neutral archive. In example, ophthalmologists review several different types of images (OCT Macula, Corneal topography, IOL calculations, OCT Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, Humphrey Visual Fields, Fluorescein Angiograms, Indocyanine green angiography, etc) that are not supported by radiology PACS viewers and therefore, require a specialty specific PACS Viewer.

Architecture

The architecture of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is dynamic, with varied configurations across different institutions. In a typical PACS workflow, four main components interact:

  • Worklist: A sophisticated tool that aggregates examination lists from various sources—be it different PACS, hospitals, or other healthcare entities. It integrates with diverse systems such as radiology information systems, PACS itself, or external applications. Worklists can draw from electronic medical records to enhance clinical data access.
  • Archive: A central archive stores images, reports, metadata and measurements. There has been a shift towards vendor-neutral archives that can connect with any PACS with standard communication protocols. This allows for interoperability across different PACS and allows the inclusion of medical images from non-radiology specialties (cardiology, ophthalmology, etc) that certain PACS vendors might not support.
  • Viewer: Essential for clinicians to review and interpret diagnostic images. The trend has moved from exclusive PACS workstations to more versatile, web-based viewers, expanding access options to include remote and mobile platforms. Although third-party and web viewers offer increased accessibility, they may lack some of the sophisticated visualization capabilities of dedicated radiology workstations.

Benefits

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) offer several benefits:

  • Digital storage: Eliminates the need for physical film and storage. Less need for space and expenses associated with film processing and storage. It also enables faster access and transfer of medical images.
  • Remote access: Images stored in PACS can be accessed by multiple users from multiple locations and allows for teleradiology.
  • Integration with RIS/HIS: Allows for easier transfer of imaging and clinical information across departments.
  • Digital viewing: Allows for digital formats that can be manipulated to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Related Articles

PACS - Next Generation

References

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