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TELERADIOLOGY
Teleradiology is the means of electronically transmitting
radiological images (CT scans, MRIs and X-rays) from a remote site where the
image is captured to a central site for the purpose of interpretation or
consultation.1 Teleradiology requires rapid
interpretation and report turnaround of the images sent for consultations.2
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In the United States, the American
College of Radiology (ACR) is the principal organisation that sets the
standard for teleradiology, which serves as a model for all healthcare
professionals involved with teleradiology. The ACR also defined the goals of
teleradiology as:3
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Providing consultative and interpretative radiological services in areas of
demonstrative need.
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Making services of radiologist available in medical facilities without on site
radiological support, providing timely availability of radiological images and
radiological image interpretation in emergency and non-emergency clinical
areas.
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Facilitating radiological interpretation in on-call situations.
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Providing subspecialty radiological support as needed.
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Enhancing educational opportunities for practising radiologist.
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Promoting efficiency and quality improvement.
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Sending interpreted images to referring providers.
Radiological images can be captured digitally using image
devices, and then transferred onto a computer and transmitted to another site
for interpretations (Filmless Teleradiology) or the images can be transmitted
directly through the use of high speed communication networks, where the images
received at the remote site can be magnified, reduced, enhanced and have
black-white reversals in order to enhance the interpretation (Digital Imaging).4
All these are done with the aid of teleradiology systems. A
basic teleradiology system consists of:
- An Image Sending Station: This could consist of an
image digitizer (TV didgitizer, CCD scanner digitizers and laser digitizers)
and a network interface device for connecting onto a network to transmit the
images.
- Transmission Network: The most popular type of
networks in use is that provided by phone companies or Internet Service
Providers (ISPs), accessed through telephone lines. However Local Area Networks
(LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) are also made use of by teleradiology
systems.
- A Receiving/Image Review Station: This could consist
of a personal computer with software for manipulating the images and a network
interface for connecting onto the network. A printer for printing out the
images is an optional addition.
Teleradiology and PACS
PACS (Picture Archiving
and Communication System) allows for digital radiological image
storage, retrieval and transmission within large healthcare organisations such
as a hospital.5 Most teleradiology systems
require PACS at both the ends of the image transmission, but it is possible to
build a system that does not require one.
References
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Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospital and
Clinics. [WWW] An introduction to teleradiology.
http://www.radiology.uiowa.edu/MoreRAD/Teleradiology/Tele.html (25TH
September 2003).
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National Research Council; et al. Networking Health:
Prescriptions for the Internet. National Academic Press.
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The American College of Radiology. [WWW] ACR standard for
teleradiology. http://www.emed.com/resources/telerad.pdf
(25TH September 2003).
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Jambusaria, Anokhi. [WWW] 14TH January 1999.
Teleradiology. http://members.tripod.com/~Telemedicine/teleradiology.htm
(25TH September 2003).
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Zhang, J.; Sun, J.; Stahl, J. N. PACS and Web-based image
distribution and display. Comput Med Imaging Graph. 2003;27(2-3):197-206.
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