PACS AND IMAGING INFORMATICS GLOSSARY
Backup archive
The PACS archive server saves a patient’s images for seven years. Since the archive has only one copy, a backup archive with one extra copy, preferably off site, is necessary to ensure data integrity. Should a natural disaster occur, the server can retrieve images immediately from the backup archive to maintain the clinical operation.
CAD–PACS integration
The ultimate goal of developing a CAD (computer-aided diagnosis) system is to integrate CAD results into PACS to facilitate radiologists and healthcare providers for daily clinical practice. However, the value and effectiveness of CAD are still hindered by the inconvenience of the stand-alone CAD WS or server. Wider use of DICOM and IHE technologies as an integral part of PACS daily clinical operation could help overcome these obstacles. The CAD–PACS tools allow for such integration.
Communication networks
PACS is a form of system integration; all components in PACS are connected using communication networks. The communication protocol the networks use is TCP/IP (transport control protocol/Internet protocol). If the networks are within the hospital (Intranet), they are called a local area network (LAN). If the networks are outside of the hospital (Internet), they are called a wide area network (WAN).
Data Grid
Grid computing is the integrated use of geographically distributed computers, networks, and storage systems to create a virtual computing system for solving large-scale, ...
