[Use of a PACS for ultrasound connection]

This report describes the impact of a new digital picture archiving and communication system-PACS-in a diagnostic ultrasound department. The system consists of ultrasound workstations, a patient management workstation, a combined diagnostic workstation/archive server and a WWW client for standard PCs. Data exchange with other PAC-systems is possible via Ethernet. Staff required approximately 5 weeks to fully adjust to the new system. Following the adjustment period, documenting cases digitally reduced our exam times and improved our availability of images and reports for subsequent examinations, demonstrations, research and teaching. In the first year after installation, the new ultrasound PACS has proven its value in daily use.