PACS and digital radiology involve the acquisition, storage, transmission, and display of medical images using digital systems. Students learn how digital detectors capture data, how images are processed, how exposure indicators work, and how workstation tools assist in interpretation. Understanding PACS workflow is essential for modern radiology departments.
To build a strong foundation, begin with Radiographic Physics to understand how digital detectors respond to x rays. Review Film Critique to learn how digital processing affects image quality. Study Patient Care to understand how digital workflow improves efficiency and safety.
Summary: PACS and digital radiology manage the creation, processing, and distribution of digital images. Strengthen your understanding by reviewing physics, analyzing image quality, and exploring workflow improvements.
Uses photostimulable phosphor plates and laser readers.
Flat‑panel detectors convert x rays directly to digital data.
Includes MTF, DQE, SNR, and pixel size.
Determines brightness and contrast mapping.
Apply contrast curves to digital images.
Improves detail visibility using algorithms.
Software smoothing to reduce quantum mottle.
Inverse relationship to exposure.
Direct relationship to detector exposure.
Standardized indicator comparing target vs actual exposure.
Standard for storing and transmitting medical images.
Metadata including patient info, technique, and orientation.
Communication between PACS, RIS, and HIS.
Images captured and sent to PACS.
Automatic forwarding to radiologists and archives.
Long‑term storage and redundancy systems.
Workstation tools for measurement and interpretation.
Ensures consistent grayscale display.
Diagnostic vs non‑diagnostic display standards.
Daily and monthly tests for luminance and uniformity.
Detector defects causing black or white dots.
Misalignment in long‑length imaging.
Incorrect LUT or histogram selection.
Protecting patient data in digital systems.
PACS vulnerability and mitigation strategies.
Encrypted DICOM communication.
Digital imaging cases and explanations.
Official DICOM documentation and tools.
Digital imaging physics and QC guidelines.
Educational digital imaging content.
Digital radiology news and PACS updates.
PACS, workflow, and imaging IT solutions.
Digital imaging and PACS technologies.
Digital radiography and PACS systems.
Digital imaging research articles.
Digital radiology studies.
PACS and imaging workflow guides.