Week 1 -digital Radiography

The heart of a PACS system, which stands for Picture Archiving and Communication System, is indeed a high-end computer or server. This computer or server is responsible for storing, retrieving, and distributing medical images and patient information within a healthcare facility. It acts as a central hub for managing and organizing the digital imaging data, allowing healthcare professionals to access and analyze the images efficiently. Without a high-end computer or server, a PACS system would not be able to function effectively.

A byte is a unit of digital information that typically consists of 8 bits. Each bit can represent a 0 or a 1, and when combined, they form a byte. Therefore, the correct answer is 8, indicating that there are 8 bits in a byte.

Film has better spatial resolution compared to CR.

To convert an image into digital data, the use of an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) is required. ADC is a device that converts the continuous analog signal from the image into a discrete digital representation. It samples the analog signal at regular intervals and assigns digital values to each sample, allowing the image to be stored and processed in a digital format. DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) is used for the opposite process, converting digital data back into an analog signal. PACS_RIS_HIS and HL-7 are not directly related to the conversion of an image into digital data.

Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is a medical imaging technique used to visualize blood vessels in the body. It involves taking a series of X-ray images before and after the injection of a contrast dye. The pre-contrast images are then subtracted from the post-contrast images, resulting in a clearer visualization of the blood vessels. DSA is commonly used to diagnose and treat conditions such as arterial blockages, aneurysms, and vascular malformations. It provides detailed and real-time images, allowing doctors to accurately assess the condition of the blood vessels and plan appropriate treatment strategies.

The statement is false because CR and DR systems do not have better spatial resolution than conventional film systems. Conventional film systems provide higher spatial resolution compared to CR and DR systems.

HL-7 is the correct answer because it is a widely used standard for exchanging information between healthcare systems, including the RIS (Radiology Information System) and HIS (Hospital Information System). While DICOM is used for sending images, HL-7 is specifically designed for transmitting text-based data, such as patient demographics, lab results, and clinical notes, between different healthcare applications and systems. Therefore, HL-7 is the software used to send text between the RIS and HIS.

In a hospital, the transmission of images typically occurs within the hospital's internal network, which is known as an intranet. An intranet is a private network that allows communication and data sharing within an organization. It provides a secure and controlled environment for transmitting sensitive information, such as medical images, within the hospital's premises. The internet, on the other hand, is a public network that connects multiple networks globally and is not typically used for internal image transmission within a hospital. Ethernet is a technology used for local area networks (LANs) and is a common method of connecting devices within a network, but it does not specifically refer to image transmission within a hospital.

The correct answer is HIS, which stands for Hospital Information System. The HIS is a comprehensive system that stores and manages all patient-related information, including medical history, physical examination reports, laboratory results, and more. Therefore, if you needed to view a patient's History and Physical report, you would find it in the HIS.

When digital data needs to be converted back into analog information for viewing on a monitor, a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) is required. A DAC takes the digital data and converts it into an analog signal that can be displayed on a monitor. This is necessary because monitors typically work with analog signals, so without a DAC, the digital data would not be compatible with the monitor and cannot be viewed. Therefore, the correct answer is DAC.

To 'complete' an exam, one would typically access the RIS (Radiology Information System). RIS is a software program used in radiology departments to manage patient information, scheduling, and workflow related to radiological exams. It allows healthcare professionals to track and complete exams, generate reports, and store and retrieve images. Therefore, accessing the RIS program would be the appropriate choice for completing an exam.

Lossy and Lossless are two popular types of compression used to send images quickly. Lossy compression reduces the file size by removing unnecessary or less important data from the image, resulting in some loss of quality. Lossless compression, on the other hand, reduces the file size without any loss of quality by compressing the data in a way that it can be fully reconstructed when decompressed. These two types of compression offer different trade-offs between file size and image quality, allowing users to choose the most suitable option based on their specific needs.

Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) is an advantage that digital mammography has over conventional film mammography. CAD systems use computer algorithms to analyze mammograms and assist radiologists in detecting and diagnosing breast abnormalities. This technology can help improve the accuracy and efficiency of mammogram interpretation, leading to earlier detection of breast cancer and potentially reducing the number of false-positive or false-negative results. It provides an additional level of support and can be particularly beneficial in detecting subtle or difficult-to-interpret findings.

Direct conversion and indirect conversion are two different methods used in imaging technology. In direct conversion, x-ray photons are directly converted into an electronic signal. This means that when the x-ray photons hit the detector, they are immediately converted into an electrical signal, which can then be processed and used to create an image. On the other hand, in indirect conversion, the x-ray photons are first converted into light photons. These light photons are then converted into an electronic signal. So, in indirect conversion, there is an additional step of converting x-ray photons into light before they are converted into an electronic signal.