[Use of an image serve for external communication in a radiologic department]

In radiology picture information is increasingly acquired digitally. Image postprocessing is sometimes carried out via the picture archiving and communication system (PACS). In this paper we present a strategy for the simple implementation of an external picture communication system.

Image transfer for the entire radiology department is carried out through a single image server, which physically and logically separates the PACS from the external network. The server is organized as an image mailbox system. For each user the images can be transferred to their respective mailbox from the radiology department. However, direct access to the image archive is prevented by the system.

Because the networks are separate, a high degree of access security is guaranteed. New users can easily be added to the server without additional configuration of the PACS. System usage has received wide acceptance within the department and with external users.

The integration of an image server into a PACS has proved to be non-problematic. The concept allows for more effective information sharing in the field of teleradiology.