global
Variables
Utilities
CUSTOM STYLES
Whitepapers
Radiological Images: Size, Weight, and Quality

Radiological Images: Size, Weight, and Quality

We tell you everything you need to know about radiological images in PACS systems. What size, weight, and quality should they have? EVA PACS.

By Eden Experts

Table of contents

Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6

We will discuss the quality and size of files in PACS systems, 

There is no doubt that the digital era is present in every sector of reality, including healthcare. More solutions are increasingly sought to improve collaboration among specialist physicians and maximize productivity, as well as the care and service provided to each patient.

The PACS systems are part of this solution, both for information management and to increase the productivity of medical staff. Thanks to PACS systems, it is possible to securely store, manage, transmit, and display medical images.

Only a good PACS system can support the storage of all the information needed at the healthcare facility. PACS systems function through the proper combination and collaboration of servers, the communication network, and computer equipment.

When all these elements are correctly configured, it is possible to work with the image quality required without any setbacks. 

Essential elements for PACS files to operate correctly

It should be noted that PACS files are high-resolution images, generally stored in DICOM format, which is compatible with all diagnostic modalities.

On average, images in PACS systems have an approximate resolution of 5 megapixels, and their size varies according to the modality. 

There are essential elements that every healthcare facility must consider in order to successfully process all this information. Some of these elements are:

  • Communication network. It must have a high speed of around 10/100 Mbps. The bandwidth and speed of the internet service must match the traffic handled at your healthcare facility.
  • Type of connection. To avoid unforeseen issues and interruptions in the connection, fiber optic is ideal, since it does not become saturated like coaxial cables nor does its speed decrease with length. Providers such as Eva PACS offer advice on the best possible connections in different geographic areas.
  • Monitor. Given the high resolution of radiological studies, the monitors at your healthcare facility's workstations must be able to support them. For ideal performance, the monitor resolution should be at least 2040 x 2048 pixels. This way, when tools in the DICOM viewer such as zoom, measurements, contrast, or multiplanar reconstruction, among others, are used, image quality will not be lost.
  • Storage systems. Here, the ability to process up to 50 images per minute and achieve backup within the stipulated time online comes into play. In other words, this cloud storage and the PACS system's servers must be powerful, depending on the traffic at your radiology and medical imaging center.

Study sizes according to modality

To implement PACS systems, it is also essential to know the size of radiological studies according to modality, since this will also determine the choice of storage service and communication network. This is how you will ensure that quality images are interpreted for optimal service to patients.

Some of the standard sizes according to modality are as follows:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The minimum size for these studies is 8 MB to hold 200 images. On the other hand, a screen dimension of 256 x 256 pixels is required.
  • Computed axial tomography (CAT or CT). In this case, the size is larger, with an approximate value of 20 MB per 125 scans.
  • X-rays. The average space required for this study is 16 MB. To process 5 images, a minimum monitor resolution of 1760 x 2180 pixels is required.
  • Nuclear medicine. 5 images can be processed in a range of 1 to 2 MB.
  • Mammography. Sizes average 2048 x 2536 pixels, and extensive storage is required. The reason is that 4 studies of around 160 to 280 MB can be processed.
  • Ultrasound. This is variable, and depending on the area under study, 40 images ranging from 5 to 60 MB can be processed. Projection sizes are 480 x 640 pixels.

An Eva agent has more information on solutions for all types of image storage and processing needs in PACS systems.

References

Zúñiga, J. (2009). Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Mexico, Secretaría de Salud (Ministry of Health).

We analyze what PACS systems consist of, increasingly used across all types of hospital settings. We will look at their benefits and how they are used in healthcare services.

Neither science nor technology ever stands still, least of all in the healthcare sector. The digital world continues to advance, not only with the aim of offering conveniences to professionals and the general public, but also to provide faster, more effective, and of course more sustainable pathways. For this very reason, it has become increasingly common to hear about PACS systems.