2. INTRODUCTION
The picture archieving and communication system (
PACS) is a provision, used in medical imaging
technology.
It provides cost effective and easy access to images
from multiple imaging tools.
Radiological images and reports are transmitted
digitally through PACS.
This increase the efficiency of the workflow in a
department and decreases the manual filing and
entries.
3. CONT…..
The PACS is a software and hardware that stores and
manipulate digital information in the form of images and
text data.
PACS helps in eliminating paper requisition forms and
radiology reports.
The aim of PACS is to replace conventional radiographs
and reports with a completely electronic network, these
digital images can be viewed on monitors in the radiology
department , emergency rooms, inpatient and outpatient
departments.
4. HISTORY
PACS was discussed at the meeting of
radiologists in 1982.
Dr. Glass has been of the pioneers in this field.
The first large scale PACS installations was is
the university of Kansas.
5. COMPONENTS OF PACS
PACS has for major components:
1. Imaging modalities like x-ray, MRI, CT scan (source of
data)
2. Secured network for transport of patient information.
3. Workstations for viewing and analysing images.
4. Archieves for storage and retrieval of image and reports
6.
7. HOSPITAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
HIS constitutes the patient master index which stores
demographic data of all patients, admission and
discharge records; outpatient appointments , clinician
responsible for patient care, laboratory data.
Hospital information system provide a common source
of information about a patient’s health history and
doctor schedule timing
HIS provides internal and external communication
among health care providers.
8. RADIOLOGY INFORMATION SYSTEM
It stores information regarding patients attending radiology department,
schedules of examination which include data, time and room allocation
and stores radiological reports.
RIS complements HIS and PACS , and is critical to efficient workflow to
radiology practices.
The RIS drives the workflow and transfer of information across the
department.
9. HIS- RIS- PACS INTEGRATION
PACS can be integrated with other systems like hospital information system so
that it support all modalities in all departments throughout the institution.
This allows all the data related to one patient to be available at single space .
10. WORKING OF PACS
First step involve image acquisition. It is done at different
modalities like x-ray, CT scan, MRI, USG etc.
The major role of using acquisition gateway computers are to
acquire images from the image modalities and convert the
format of data from the manufacturer’s specification to the
PACS standard format.
The two methods of image acquisition are the digitization of
films and direct digital radiography.The digitization of films
is the main method to convert radiology projections into
digital images.
11. CONT…
If the data and quality of images meet the required parameters of
QA workstations , images are then transferred to the archive for
storage.
The next step in the workflow are the reading stations where the
radiologists can analyse the images to prepare the reports.
Other facilities available at working stations are CD/DVD
software to burn the images.
The various subpart of the PACS are connected by the high speed
optic fibre cables to manage the data transfer.
12.
13. PACSWORKSTATIONS
It is the interactive component of the PACS where the radiologist or the
physician interact to generate the reports.
A workstations comprises of:
Display monitors
Computers
Local storage which is connected by network cabels
Types of workstations:
Primary diagnostic workstation
Review workstation
14. IMAGES IN PACS
Images in PACS are of two types:
Lossy: Lesser clarity than the non lossy images, they are
more useful where multiple viewing is required.
Loss Less:These require more space for storage and have
higher level of clarity, so are more useful in reporting areas.
It reversibly compress data, so that no data is subsequently
viewed.
15.
16. ADVANTAGES OF PACS
It makes paper free and film free department.
No fear of image loss
Save film cost
All images remain accessible from PACS any time any day.
Increases efficiency with better patient care
Provide option for integration with other systems( HIS, RIS)
17. DISADVANTAGES OF PACS
Expensive technology
Highly technical and requires skilled workforce
High initial cost
Requires continuous updates and maintenance
In case of PACS failure , no backup
