Picture archiving and communication systems in the United States

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are expected to replace film in the years to come. PACS acquire, store, transmit, and display medical images. Although there are several clinical PACS in operation today, there are significant problems slowing their introduction. PACS are limited in spatial and contrast resolution and the workstation's displays present difficulties due to low light levels, slow image presentation, and poorly designed software. Standard interfaces are still lacking for most of the imaging equipment currently in use, making connections to these devices nearly impossible. Cost is a major issue as well. Yet limited implementations, often called mini-PACS, offer advantages such as faster image presentation to radiologists and referring physicians, reduced portable retake rates, the capability for viewing images at home off-hours, and transmission from remote sites. More development is needed for interfaces with the radiology information system and for sophisticated network and image management.