Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)

A comprehensive technology infrastructure designed for the acquisition, storage, retrieval, distribution, and presentation of medical images, enhancing the efficiency of radiology and imaging departments.

 

Radiology Information System (RIS):

An integrated component of PACS that manages patient scheduling, examination details, and radiology workflow, ensuring seamless coordination between administrative and imaging processes.

 

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM):

The standard protocol for the transmission and storage of medical images within PACS, facilitating interoperability among different imaging devices and systems.

 

Modalities:

Various medical imaging devices, such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI machines, and ultrasound devices, that produce digital images stored and managed by PACS.

 

Workstation:

The computer interface within PACS used by radiologists and healthcare professionals to view, interpret, and analyze medical images.

 

Image Compression:

The process of reducing the file size of medical images within PACS to optimize storage space and transmission speed without compromising image quality.

 

Vendor-Neutral Archive (VNA):

An archiving solution within PACS that allows the storage of medical images in a format-independent manner, ensuring accessibility and data integrity even when transitioning between different vendors’ systems.

 

Web-Based PACS:

A PACS system that enables users to access medical images and related information through web browsers, providing flexibility and remote accessibility.

 

PACS Administrator:

An individual responsible for the configuration, maintenance, and optimization of the PACS system, ensuring its smooth operation within a healthcare institution.

 

Cloud-Based PACS:

A PACS solution that utilizes cloud infrastructure for image storage, retrieval, and sharing, offering scalability and accessibility from various locations.

 

Voice Recognition:

A feature within PACS that allows radiologists to dictate and transcribe reports verbally, enhancing efficiency in the generation of radiology reports.