Features and limitations of mobile tablet devices for viewing radiological images.
OBJECTIVE
Mobile radiological image display systems are becoming increasingly common, necessitating a comparison of the features of these systems, specifically the operating system employed, connection to stationary PACS, data security and rang of image display and image analysis functions.


METHODS
In the fall of 2013, a total of 17 PACS suppliers were surveyed regarding the technical features of 18 mobile radiological image display systems using a standardized questionnaire. The study also examined to what extent the technical specifications of the mobile image display systems satisfy the provisions of the Germany Medical Devices Act as well as the provisions of the German X-ray ordinance (RöV).


RESULTS
There are clear differences in terms of how the mobile systems connected to the stationary PACS. Web-based solutions allow the mobile image display systems to function independently of their operating systems. The examined systems differed very little in terms of image display and image analysis functions.


CONCLUSIONS
Mobile image display systems complement stationary PACS and can be used to view images. The impacts of the new quality assurance guidelines (QS-RL) as well as the upcoming new standard DIN 6868 - 157 on the acceptance testing of mobile image display units for the purpose of image evaluation are discussed.
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Grunert
D016494:Computer Security / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D034201:Computers, Handheld / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003626:Data Display; D004867:Equipment Design; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012985:Software Design; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence