Introduction to PACS

PACS stands for Picture Archiving and Communication Systems, and is one example of a digital imaging solution.  PACS was originally invented by the United Stated department of defence, for use in the battlefield.  It allowed radiologists and surgeons away from the front lines to view and advise on images taken in the field of battle injuries.  It has since been developed for widespread use in healthcare settings all over the world.

PACS allows a means of acquiring, storing, distributing and viewing images taken from various  modalities (XRay, CT, Ultrasound, MRI) across a network, or in remote locations using a web browser.  Images are stored electronically, and the system can eliminate lost films and reduce repeat examinations.  Images can be annotated and reported on with links to the report available on the same system.  As well as offering huge efficiencies in staff time searching for films, there are reduced space requirements for archival, reduced running costs and improved patient safety by reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to a minimum.

The PACS consists of the imaging modalities, the server for locating and distributing images, archival / storage servers for storing all examinations, and an image browser and display for viewing / analysing the images.  PACS solutions may be complete systems including all elements, or can be purchased / provided as separate components.  You may elect to obtain image acquisition and processing / browsing systems separately from storage servers and displays.

Depending on your organisation's current clinical IT system, you may be able to link the PACS images to the rest of an Electronic Patient Record (EPR). 

To continue to learn about the basics of digital imaging, you may return to the basics page.