The effect of wireless LAN-based PACS device for portable imaging modalities.
The aim of this study was to develop wireless Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) device and to analyze its effect on image transfer from portable imaging modalities to the main PACS server. Using a laptop computer equipped with wireless local area network (LAN), the authors developed a wireless PACS device with DICOM modality worklist and DICOM storage server modules. This laptop computer could be easily fixed to portable imaging modalities such as ultrasound machines. From May to August 2007, 112 portable examinations were evaluated. Of these, 62 were done with wireless LAN-based PACS device, and 50 were done without wireless PACS device. To evaluate the impact of the wireless LAN-based PACS device on productivity and workflow, we analyzed the mean time delay and standard deviations (SD) both in cases where wireless LAN-based PACS device was used and in cases where it was not used. Statistical analysis was performed using a t test. The mean time interval from image acquisition to storage in the main PACS when the wireless LAN-based PACS device was used was 342.4 s (5 min and 42.4 s, SD = 509.2 s). When the wireless PACS was not used, the mean time interval was 2,305.5 s (38 min and 25.5 s, SD = 1,371.8 s). The mean time interval was statistically different between the two groups (t test, p < 0.001). The wireless LAN-based PACS device could help in reducing the storage intervals of images obtained by portable machines and in promoting effective and rapid treatment of patients who have undergone portable imaging examinations.
Lee
Hak Jong
HJ
Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hakjlee@radiol.snu.ac.kr
Lee
Kyoung Ho
KH
Hwang
Sung Il
SI
Kim
Hyun-Chul
HC
Seo
Eun Hee
EH
Kim
Tae Gee
TG
Ha
Kyoo-Seob
KS
D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001330:Electronic Data Processing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008122:Local Area Networks; D011786:Quality Control; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000295:instrumentation; D012984:Software; D018511:Systems Integration; D057188:Workflow