CHAPTER 14
PACS Data Management and Web-Based Image Distribution
In Part II on PACS Fundamentals, we presented the principle concepts of PACS. In Part III, we start our discussion of PACS operation with a look at PACS data management and Web-based image distribution. Figure 14.1 (excerpted from Fig. 1.3) shows the how this corresponds to the contents of Part III. Figure 14.2 (excerpted from Fig. 1.2) shows these PACS components in relation to the workflow.
14.1 PACS DATA MANAGEMENT
In Section 11.2 we considered the PACS server and the archive server functions, including image receiving, stacking, routing, archiving, study grouping, RIS and HIS interfacing, PACS database updates, image retrieving, and prefetching. These software functions are needed for optimal image and information management, distribution, and retrieval at the WS. The availability of IHE has facilitated the integration of these functions into the PACS operation workflow. This section describes methods and essentials of grouping patients’ image and data effectively within the patient folder manager concept.
14.1.1 Concept of the Patient Folder Manager
Folder Manager (FM) is a software package residing in the PACS server that manages the PACS by means of event trigger mechanisms. The organizing concept is standardization, modularity, and portability.
The infrastructure of FM includes the following components:
- HIS-RIS-PACS interface (Sections 11.2.6, 13.3)
- Image routing (Section 11.2.3)
- Study grouping (Section ...
