What Is Cloud Storage for a PACS System and How Does It Work?

We present a revolutionary option for storing your medical images and reports securely and without limits in the cloud through PACS systems. 

Cloud storage is a computing service that allows data to be stored and processed through a network of interconnected servers.

In this sense, cloud storage is a type of storage that provides external safekeeping of data. This system is maintained by a third party, generally on physical servers that may be located in one or several places. 

This means information can be stored without risk of loss in a remote database, which can be accessed at any time and from anywhere, provided there is an internet connection. The cloud replaces hard drives and other types of external storage, which carry risks such as data loss, as well as taking up physical storage space. 

Cloud Storage for PACS Systems

PACS is an image storage and distribution system that electronically safeguards the images and reports of radiological studies.

When these systems first came into use, PACS storage was typically divided into two types: online and historical.

• Online. This is short-term storage that holds the information for studies already performed. These images are usually available on the device for immediate use for periods of up to 15 days. After this time, the information moves to historical storage.
  
• Historical. This is long-term storage that lasts approximately thousands of days. Generally, a period of several hours is needed to retrieve the files one wishes to consult. 

Nowadays we can talk about cloud storage for a PACS system, which basically means that the information is hosted on cloud-based servers. In other words, the storage PACS provider takes care of saving and storing the data.

Basically, all that is needed is an internet connection, and some providers may also offer a local server. A PACS system user will send copies to the server from a computer subscribed to the service, where the information is registered and can later be accessed. 

In this way, cloud storage for a PACS system can be compared to some well-known services, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. The difference is that PACS systems offer a service specialized in the storage and management of medical images. 

Security of Cloud Storage in a PACS System

The information stored in a PACS system's cloud storage is 100% reliable and secure. A good PACS system complies with certain cybersecurity standards, as well as patient data protection standards (such as the HIPAA regulation).

A combination of techniques is used to protect the data, including:

1. Encryption. This consists of a series of algorithms used to effectively encode the information.
   
2. Authentication processes. The system user is required to create an account protected by a password.
   
3. Authorization. The PACS system allows the administrator to list the people who will be authorized to access the information stored in the cloud.

Advantages of Cloud Storage for a PACS System

These are some of the benefits worth pointing out about using cloud storage for a PACS system:

• More storage. Due to their resolution and the use of advanced equipment, medical images are quite large, but this is no longer a problem since storage is unlimited (depending on each PACS provider's capabilities).
  
• Easy access to images. Medical images can be viewed more quickly and easily. Radiologists can interpret studies from inside or outside the hospital or clinic, as long as they have an internet connection.
  
• Low cost. Cloud storage represents savings compared to other storage methods, such as the traditional archive of radiological film.

The cloud storage of a PACS system is an excellent solution when managing a large volume of files and data. Simply consider that in the event of physical damage or the loss of hard drives or computer equipment, it is not possible to recover the information. Cloud storage, on the other hand, keeps the information secure, since it allows the system to be hosted off-site, with experts safeguarding the information.

References 

1. How Cloud Storage Works. How Stuff Works. 
2. Systems for image archiving and communication (PACS). CENETEC, SALUD (Mexico's Ministry of Health). November 2009. Mexico.
3. Benefits of cloud computing for PACS and archiving. Koch P. Benefits of cloud computing for PACS and archiving. Radiol Manage. 2012 Mar-Apr;34(2):16-9; quiz 21-2. PMID: 22514969 .