Real time imaging service

Real time imaging service implies online communication of radiological results (i.e. images and reports) to places where this information leads to therapeutic action. Digital acquisition, archiving and communication has replaced the conventional film and film library. This paper presents the clinical experiences of the first filmless radiology department worldwide, based on 3 years routine operation. All imaging equipment is intrinsically digital. Primary diagnosis is performed on digital workstations and peripheral viewing stations provide information display on wards and outpatient clinics. During the first 3 years 1.363.953 images have been acquired resulting in 3,03 Terrabyte of data stored on optical disks. Benefits of real time imaging service primarily are fast and reliable access to image information and reduction of the average patient length of stay in hospital.