Database of diagnostic images in hospital integrated picture archiving and communication systems

The implementation of a database management system in a clinical open-architecture picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is discussed. Standardization of communication protocols and file formats permit the equipment of various vendors to be linked. The main functions of the database management system are introduced at two levels of the system. Clinical experiences show three main advantages which are causing increasing interest in this concept. Access time, computer-assisted diagnosis and cost-effectiveness are the parameters describing the the system's efficiency.