NEMA publishes DICOM 2007 standards
The Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA), a division of The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), has published DICOM 2007 Standards for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine. The standard is a 16-part set of rules that establishes a single language for exchanging digital images and such related information as patient name, reason for the procedure, and instrument used.
With the introduction of computed tomography (CT) and other digital diagnostic imaging modalities, the use of computers has increased in clinical applications. DICOM facilitates diagnostic information databases by using a set of protocols that allow interoperability of medical imaging equipment.
Howard Clark, the DICOM secretariat, said, “DICOM’s multi-part structure facilitates evolution of the standard in a rapidly evolving environment. The American College of Radiology and NEMA initially developed this standard to promote communication of digital image information, regardless of device manufacturer. This facilitates the development and expansion of picture archiving and communication systems that also can interface with other hospital information systems.”
With the introduction of computed tomography (CT) and other digital diagnostic imaging modalities, the use of computers has increased in clinical applications. DICOM facilitates diagnostic information databases by using a set of protocols that allow interoperability of medical imaging equipment.
Howard Clark, the DICOM secretariat, said, “DICOM’s multi-part structure facilitates evolution of the standard in a rapidly evolving environment. The American College of Radiology and NEMA initially developed this standard to promote communication of digital image information, regardless of device manufacturer. This facilitates the development and expansion of picture archiving and communication systems that also can interface with other hospital information systems.”