Why Do PACS Systems Lead to Better Diagnoses?

Below, we discuss the importance of PACS systems in relation to the effectiveness of radiology and imaging diagnoses. This will help you understand why you should stay at the forefront of technology to provide high-quality healthcare services.

Without a doubt, technology is one of the world's main pillars, which is why every economic sector has had to adapt to it in order to satisfy its audience. Healthcare facilities must therefore also embrace this reality and adopt technology that helps them deliver better service. This is precisely what PACS systems aim to achieve.

This is due to the large number of diagnoses that are based on radiology and imaging studies. It is evident that all this information must have proper backup, as well as systems that optimally enable its management, storage, exchange, and high-quality visualization. Therefore, you must stay aligned with this global trend so that your patients are satisfied with the results and so that, overall, the productivity and profitability of the healthcare facility improve.

Regarding image storage, it is important to note that this is one of the most difficult tasks for healthcare facilities, due to the sheer volume involved. Storing images manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors such as loss, misplacement, and deterioration over time. But with a high-quality PACS system, all of this is resolved and optimized.

What Are PACS Systems and Why Are They Important?

PACS systems make it possible for healthcare facilities to achieve efficient management of all imaging studies, regardless of modality. This means they are responsible for ensuring that studies are safeguarded with the security and confidentiality required by government authorities. In turn, they enable exchange between institutions and specialists, while maintaining study quality at all times.

Indeed, meeting these requirements is essential for implementing these systems correctly, and the best approach is to consult with experts in the field. Beyond an affordable price, it is important to consider other aspects, such as the system's ease of use, available tools, and the quality of technical support.

After all, the goal is to increase productivity and efficiency in the delivery of imaging studies, as well as to achieve more accurate diagnoses through high-quality, high-resolution images, and to access clinical records easily and securely. Thanks to all these benefits, PACS systems are an excellent solution.

Modalities That Benefit from This Technology

A good PACS system must be compatible with and able to process studies from any modality and equipment, regardless of the brand, software, or even the format used. This is because this technology relies on standards for images and accompanying information, such as the DICOM and HL7 formats.

The purpose of these standards is to eliminate the possibility of distortion or errors in image reproduction due merely to compatibility differences. It is a way of standardizing results globally so that interoperability can exist without limits.

It should be noted that a good PACS system must have the capacity to process images from all diagnostic modalities, including conventional radiography, computed tomography (CT scans), analog mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound techniques, nuclear medicine, and many others. Of course, all of this while the system preserves the resolution, dimensions, and pixels of each image.

For the above to be feasible, installing a suitable technological architecture is essential, which implies a communication network capable of supporting the exchange of all information. The PACS system provider can offer further information regarding technical requirements, such as internet connection type, servers, computer equipment, and more.

Acquiring a PACS system is an investment that can be recovered quickly, and its benefits are unmatched in delivering the quality service that patients seek. In fact, the healthcare facilities that have kept pace with the digital era are the most productive of today.

Advantages of a High-Quality Image

The main goal of the different imaging modalities is to observe the internal structure of the human body in order to identify possible pathologies or injuries. Therefore, it is essential for the results of these techniques to be of high resolution so that such conditions can be detected or ruled out easily and efficiently.

A blurry or pixelated image means wasted work, since it can omit details or distort reality, which can lead to incorrect diagnoses. 

According to physician Fabián Vítolo, in the outpatient setting there are error rates of up to 50% in the diagnosis of cancer, infections, and fractures, according to a study he conducted in 2011. These statistics have continued to rise since then, something that is imperative to avoid.

Without a doubt, one way to achieve this is by educating all personnel involved in radiology and imaging studies more appropriately, while also having state-of-the-art equipment and technology so that study quality is best suited for accurate diagnoses. 

This becomes even more important when dealing with body parts that are difficult to study, whether due to their location or size, such as blood vessels, tendons, and joints, applying the best techniques, while always guaranteeing optimal image quality.

For example, with Eva PACS you have access to advanced diagnostic tools, including precise measurements of length, angles, and area, as well as multiplanar reconstruction. This technology serving the real needs of radiologists brings every patient closer to the best possible diagnosis and treatment.

References

• Zúñiga, J. (2009). Image Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Mexico, Secretaría de Salud (Ministry of Health).
• Diagnostic Imaging. Medline Plus.
• Vítolo, F. (2011). Diagnostic Errors. Noble Compañía de Seguros.