Notebook # 12

PACS- Picture Archiving and Communication System for storing;

- networked group of computers, servers, and archives that can be used to manage digital
images. (retrieving and distributing medical images using image acquisition, archiving
servers, and display workstations (most interactive part of PACS))
RIS- Radiology Information System
- holds all radiology-specific patient data, from the patient scheduling information to the
radiologists dictated and transcribed report.
HIS- Hospital Information System
- holds the patients full medical information from hospital billing to the inpatient
ordering system. (billing, scheduling, staffing, and system wide)
EMR- Electronic Medical Record
- any information relating to a patient transferable
HL7 Standards
- used in communication between HIS & RIS. It provides standards of interoperability
between stakeholders.
DICOM- Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine

- Its a universally accepted standard for exchanging medical images among networked
medical devices, viewing stations, and the archive. DICOM defines specific information
objects and the functions that can be performed on them. Each modality and PACS
communicate through DICOM.
CMOS- Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

- special type of memory chip that uses a small rechargeable or lithium battery to retain
information about the personal computer hardware while the computer is turned off. It
uses a scintillator that when struck with x-ray photons, it converts the x-rays into light
photons and stores them in capacitors. Each pixel or detector element has its own
amplifier, which is switched on and off by circuitry within the pixel, converting the light
photons into electrical charges.
 HIS Order System
Patient Therefor the order is
Now the tech will have
Registration- the input into the RIS and
to prepare the room,
patient needs a the RIS sends a
pull up the patients
requisition to message to the PACS to
information, take a
verify the patient find previous images
detailed history and
ID and to take a and put them on a
records it on the
patient history. short-term archive
requisition that will be
sent electronically

The images are tagged with

information from RIS so previous
reports are available at the PACS The exam is then
when new images are sent. performed and
(if patients doctor doesnt have completed and the
access to the images then a CD or images are processed
DVD can be made that will have to then sent to the
images in digital format). correct PACS for
processing.

The image acquisitions

are retrieved on the
server and archive
where everything is
stored.

After the image is retrieved, it is

The image is than read and the sent to PACS workstation where
report is dictated and has it is reviewed and interpreted by
transcribed software may be the radiologist. The radiologist
used. If the radiologist uses a can pull up the current images as
voice recognition software well as previous images and
than they can review the reports for comparison.
report right after dictation,
make corrections, and sign the
report.