Digital Imaging and PACS: An Update

Abstract

The instant and simultaneous availability of radiologic examinations has long been of interest to referring clinicians, and certainly to radiologists, within and outside of the hospital. In daily clinical routine, the term “film management problem” has been used to describe a lack of access to this essential part of clinical information. Comprehensive picture archiving and communication systems (PACSs) have been proposed and implemented only within few institutions. This article discusses some of the most important standards, and technical and practical aspects of digital imaging and PACS.