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Integration of multiple direct digital imaging sources in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS).

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this report was to describe a flexible picture archiving and communication system (PACS) able to handle and communicate digital image data from various radiography systems and other sources.


METHODS
The radiographic image is acquired using the vendor's own software. Following image capture, a "request for update" message (appending a record to an Access database) activates our PACS engine, "DigiMerge". Images from sources with no patient-related organizing software, e.g. TWAIN-compatible scanners and digital cameras, are handled by a self-developed program, "MedCom-T". DigiMerge generates and maintains one database based on all manufacturers' databases (software: VixWin 2000, Digora for Windows, Dimaxis Pro, Sidexis, CDR DICOM for Windows, Trophy for Windows). This database contains patient information, image information and image path. The program "DigiView" searches a patient and displays patient and image data from the database generated by DigiMerge. With DigiView, images can be viewed at any workstation in the dental school, but only temporary changes can be made (contrast, brightness, etc.) and no image can be deleted.


RESULTS
The PACS is currently installed on 86 workstations. Statistics collected by DigiMerge reveal that approximately 2000 new digital images are recorded each month, half of which are radiographs and the other half are clinical photographs. Statistics collected by DigiView reveal that 500-800 digital images are opened per week.


CONCLUSIONS
The self-developed PACS is able to manage images from a range of digital modalities each providing its own image data format.