Current status of Image Save and Carry (IS&C) standardization

Image Save And Carry (IS&C) was planned to be an off-line information system for transmission and exchange of medical images and information between a medical facility's different divisions as well as between other hospitals. The IS&C committee defines file format for magneto-optical disk, the data format and representation, media compatibility and data security and technological assessment. A 'zone management method' which contributes to a rapid access of data in the recording media is used for IS&C file management. The IS&C standard holds as much conformation as possible in order to coordinate with ACR-NEMA (American College of Radiology-National Electrical Manufacturers' Association) and MIPS (Medical Information Processing Systems) standards. The IS&C data format is based upon the ACR-NEMA/MIPS standard. A major difference between the ACR-NEMA/MIPS standard and IS&C standard is that the IS&C standard is expected to serve for recording all kinds of medical information (e.g., diagnostic reports, endoscopic images and electrocardiograms), including X-ray images. Applications to PACS, teaching files, personal electronic health and medical records are promising. The booklet of IS&C standard will be published in the spring of 1992 by the IS&C committee.