Radiology department design to accommodate the future introduction of global PACS

In the light of the continuing development of pictorial archiving and communication systems (PACS) and image management and communications (IMAC) systems it is appropriate to consider the provision that should be made in the design of a new or renovated department of radiology to accommodate these new technologies at either an earlier or later date. This paper considers three particular aspects of the influence of PACS on future department design: (1) the requirement for either more or less total department gross square feet, (2) the provision for the specific allocation of spaces at certain locations for PACS equipment and functions, and (3) the provision for dedicated pathways for fiber optic communications among the many locations in the department where PACS components would be located.