What is a PACS system and what does PACS stand for?

The name PACS It comes from the acronym in English of Picture Archiving Communication System, that is to say, systems for image archiving and communication. Its function is the Expediting of the processes of obtaining, managing and distributing and storing medical images, and it benefits both health and administrative personnel and, of course, patients.

It can be said that PACS systems are the digital version of the reading room and the radiologist's file. Their main objective is the storage, management, visualization and distribution of medical information and images in a systematic way.

How does a PACS system work?

Basically, the operation of PACS systems consists of:

1. The images are obtained from the diagnostic modality (radiography, tomography, magnetic resonance, etc.).
2. Reception of images in digital format.
3. Sending the images to a server, where they will be integrated into the database.
4. Visualization and interpretation of images.
5. Issuance of the report or report of results.
6. Diagnostics.

Access a demo of Eva PACS:

With the above in mind, we see that PACS work like a large database in which it is possible to converge several actions and processes: the visualization, processing, management and dissemination of medical information and images and the issuance of reports. This means that they not only store data, but it also allows them to be managed in a more profitable and efficient way.

What are the components of a PACS system?

The components of PACS systems are the following:

• The interfaces for imaging equipment or modalities such as: linear accelerator (LINAC), computerized axial tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), mammography, nuclear medicine (MN) and others.
• Communication networks, such as the Internet and intranet.
• File systems. For example, storage on a local server or cloud storage.
• The workstations for presenting and viewing images. In some cases, images can be viewed from a DICOM viewer without you being on a workstation.
• The software designed for database administration.

DICOM format in PACS systems

El DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is an image format for the comprehensive communication of clinical imaging studies. In other words, it is a link between internal communication (covering all image modalities) and external communication (facilitating communication with other PACS servers and DICOM workstations).

The format DICOM is a protocol through which images are shared so that they are compatible with any medical equipment, computer and operating system (MAC, Windows, Linux, etc.). In addition, it has the advantage that it can be used on a Canon or Nikon camera.

The images are shared and analyzed with a viewer or DICOM viewer. The ideal is to have a DICOM viewer integrated with the PACS system, so that a diagnostic report can be easily prepared by accessing patient data within the same system.

Advantages of PACS systems

To achieve all its objectives, PACS are adapted to the place where they will be installed and the existing imaging equipment in the center or institution. Therefore, it is completely adapted to the center and the services you want to provide through it, and not the other way around, unlike other technologies that are in disrepair due to obsolescence.

Among some of the advantages of the PACS systems we find:

• Time savings. The radiologist can interpret more studies in less time.
• Saving money. There are significant savings in X-ray plate printing, physical storage space, stationery expenses for printing results and much more.
• Modernizing a clinical system. Medical centers that use PACS systems see immediate improvements when implementing them. For example, patient information can be accessed on the same platform.
• Better patient care. Today, patients expect to have digitized services. They will appreciate receiving their diagnoses quickly digitally.
• Possibility of teleradiology. Collaboration between specialists is made possible, as well as for doctors to interpret studies remotely. This ultimately leads to savings in resources and time, and further improvements in productivity.

What factors should I consider before choosing a PACS system?

We interviewed the Dr. Benjamin Conde Castro, Doctor specializing in Radiology and subspecialist in Oncological Imaging and Breast Imaging. According to him, to choose a PACS system:

“You should definitely consider the Price. It's good practice to compare prices from one system to another.

Other differentiated values are that some platforms don't offer the Attendance of an engineer. It's better to be sure that the technical service will be there to solve any problem.”

Regarding your opinion of Eva PACS, the Dr. Conde He opined:

“Eva PACS is a very intuitive and easy to use platform. It's just as fast a system as the more expensive ones, and in other ways, Eva is way ahead of many other tools I've tried. What I highlight most is the MPR function, which is very, very fast.

I like that the tools are customizable, and they are the most commonly used.”

(BANNER)

In conclusion

In conclusion, image archiving and communication systems (PACS) are an innovative tool that has been gradually incorporated into the radiology departments of health centers and institutions.

Above all, this is because constitute a step towards the digitalization of radiology and imaging services.

References

• National Center for Technological Excellence in Health Guide. 2009. “Technology Guide No. 41: Systems for Image Archiving and Communication (PACS),” no. 41:38.

Heinze-Martin, Gerhard, Victor Hugo Olmedo-Canchola, Germán Bazan-Miranda, Napoleon Andrés Bernard-Fuentes, and Diana Patricia Guízar-Sanchez. 2018. “Medical Specialists in Mexico.” Gaceta de México 154 (3): 342—51. https://doi.org/10.24875/gmm.18003770.