Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) – A New Paradigm in Healthcare

Digitization and transfer of images in Radiodiagnosis and Imaging dates back to to early 70s with the advent of Computerized Tomography Scanning, and, subsequently sending these images to cameras and printers hooked on to the machines through a local “network”. Rapid advancements in Information Technology (IT) as well as in the imaging technology have facilitated the healthcare organizations across the world to manage patient's images, records and other data more efficiently. Today, capturing images, archiving and retrieval have already reached great heights, and, further refinements are in progress. The infrastructural requirements for such a venture have to be very finely and judiciously planned well in advance with a view to go filmless as the ultimate objective. Involvement of all concerned and connected agencies is a must e.g. IT, Radiologists, Clinicians and the Vendors.