Medical Imaging, PACS and Imaging Informatics
FRCR H.K. Huang · 2018
This chapter analyses certain basic medical imaging inventions in the 1960s and 1970s, which had conceptually defined basic components of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). PACS and imaging informatics have emerged as a daily clinical necessity. PACS, based on digital communication, display, and information technology, has revolutionized the practice of radiology and, when combined with medical imaging informatics, greatly enhances clinical practice. The chapter presents a set of computer and software, data storage, and communication networks technologies which were modified for PACS applications. It summarizes five key technologies in medical imaging required for PACS operation: laser film scanner, computed radiography (CR), direct digital input from CR to PACS, digital radiography and interactive display with multiple monitors. The chapter focuses on the rapid development of key PACS technologies due to the collaboration with government agencies, industry, and medical imaging associations. Biomedical informatics is categorized into bioinformatics, imaging informatics, clinical informatics and public health informatics.