PACS system

PACS system

PACS stands for Picture Archiving and Communication System. It is a system used to store medical images and transmit and receive digital images through a computer network by DICOM standards. Diagnostic Radiology Department, Vibhavadi Hospital has applied the PACS system since January 2006. The PACS system was used to replace the traditional film photography system. This greatly reduces the workflow. Therefore, it possible to provide services to patients more conveniently and quickly.

The comparison between the traditional film system and the PACS system

The traditional system will be started when the radiographers have finished X-ray imaging. Then, they must go through the process of film package and bring the film to the radiologist to report the results. After that, films need to store in the film storage room. When the doctor asks to see the film results, the film must be borrowed from the diagnostic radiology department and brough it on the ward or at the outpatient department. That requires staffs and time to process. Sometimes, there is a problem of finding difficulty. That requires time and labor in a complicated process/step. When the Diagnostic Radiology Department, Vibhavadi Hospital has used the PACS system, which can greatly reduce the process from the original system. That is, when the radiologist takes X-ray images using an imaging plate and then create digital images by a CR machine. The images are then sent to the PACS server, where radiologists and physician can view the images and report results as soon as they are sent. It is very convenient and fast.

Advantages of PACS system in hospitals

1. Good effect on the medical treatment process

• Reduce inspection and results time from the film processes.
• Receive a diagnosis and treatment faster.
• Be able to compare changes of the disease at any time, which will lead to the accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Reduce the radiation dose to the patient and medical staffs, which might obtaine from repeated radiography caused by technical setting problem.

2. Save resources and protect the environment

• Reduce film usage in repeated x-rays. The X-ray imaging system that stores digital images allows radiologists to adjust brightness of the image.
• Reduce the loss of x-ray film.
• Reduce environmental damage caused by the film developing process (film developing solution and waste water from the film developing machine).
• Reduce the storage space for x-ray film.
• No radiographic deterioration because the radiographic data is stored in digital format.