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Sonography is a widely used diagnostic medical imaging tool which uses high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of tissues, organs or blood flow inside the body. This procedure is commonly referred to as an ultrasound scan and is used to examine many parts of the human body such as the abdomen, heart (Echocardiagraphy), female reproductive system (Obstetrics Gynecology), prostate (Urology) and blood vessels. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness. Using the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) file format, images taken with a sonogram can be easily processed and archived with patient information. This is the purpose of DICOM; to allow for the viewing, storage, editing and retrieval of digital medical images. The DICOM format is simply another kind of image file format, similar to the very common .jpg and .png images used on many Web sites. The difference is that DICOM has been developed specifically for medical imaging; medical images in any modality can be saved in this format. A DICOM archive also contains meta-information in the form of patient information. While this can increase the file size, it also insures that patients information is not separated from the relevant images. Because DICOM images are digital, such a system can eliminate the need for bulky and expensive file storage; searching for specific records is also much faster and easier. DICOM images can be shared via an intranet or across the Web as well. Such digital medical imaging storage and viewing capability has traditionally come at a high cost. However, as computing power increases and the cost of computer technology declines, DICOM archive systems are becoming more affordable than ever. The first digital medical imaging system was installed at the Ohio State University Medical Center in 1990 at a cost of approximately $2 million. Today, a small clinic or private practice can have access to these same capabilities for the price of a well-equipped, high-end PC and monitor and the DICOM software. The most expensive part of the set-up is the monitor, which must be very high-resolution; altogether, a DICOM system can be purchased at prices starting around $5000. Our representatives are available to speak with you and advise you on your clinic's options when it comes to digital imaging.
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