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Capturing PACS Images

Adelaide and Meath Hospital Dublin 24, Ireland

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We read with interest the excellent article by Halsted et al. [1] on capturing picture archiving and communication system (PACS) images for the purpose of digital teaching files and other uses outside the PACS dimensions. The authors present an efficient method of image capture and storage. The method they describe is particularly useful for an active academic department in which a large number of cases are acquired.

Although the method described by the authors [1] will suit many departments, we have used a simple and inexpensive method to acquire images from a PACS system that may have use for smaller departments and those who are interested in acquiring only the occasional image or case for personal or academic use.

We have taken images directly off a PACS monitor screen (Siemens MV1000; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) using a digital camera (PowerShot S10; Canon USA, Lake Success, NY) capable of capturing 2.1 megapixels of information. The process is performed in a darkened room. We use a handheld technique to photograph the region of interest of the screen. Others may prefer using a tripod, but doing so takes away the simplicity of the procedure; with a steady hand, images of excellent quality can be obtained.

The identity of the patient can be hidden either by photographing the area without patient data or by setting the PACS to hide this information. Our method also offers the advantage of being able to magnify and focus on an area of particular interest in an image. We routinely use a camera resolution of 1600 x 1200. The images are automatically stored in JPEG format and can be downloaded directly to a personal computer and incorporated into any type of digital presentation software. We have found that this method provides images of a standard acceptable not only for PowerPoint (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) presentation at international meetings but also for incorporation into scientific poster presentations.

Acquiring digital images from a conventional monitor results in poor resolution and images prone to line artifacts. However, we have found images obtained from a high-resolution PACS screen to be of surprisingly good quality. We believe this method offers a quick, efficient way of capturing isolated digital images without the need to transfer images to an isolated server or install third-party software on PACS workstations.

References

1. Halsted MJ, Moskovitz J, Johnson N, Perry L. A simple method of capturing PACS and other radiographic images for digital teaching files or other image repositories. AJR 2002;178:817 -819[Abstract/Free Full Text]

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This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Browne, R. F. J. Articles by Torreggiani, W. C. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Browne, R. F. J. Articles by Torreggiani, W. C. Social Bookmarking                      What's this?