Stefan Wirth MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Marcus Treitl MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Klaus Juergen Pfeifer MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian Ferdinand Reiser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Comparison of retrieval times and media cost of different PACS archives for digital radiological image data.

Image retrieval times for radiological standard examinations (conventional chest X-ray with 2, MRI with 250, CT with 100 and 1000 images, n=120 each) from hard disk array, magneto-optical disk, and magnetic tape archives, were examined for a large PACS installation (Agfa Impax, Release 4.1) in situations specified by high and low network traffic load, respectively.

Even large CT scans (1000 images) were available from hard disk within 4.0 +/- 0.8s, smaller studies within 1.7 +/- 0.4 s. X-ray image retrieval from MOD (31 +/- 5 s) was 50% faster than from TAPE. For typical cross-sectional studies, the velocity gain amounted to 14%. There was no significant difference for large CT scans (650 +/-107s). For high and low network traffic load scenarios, image retrieval times from hard disk, MOD, and TAPE archives increased by 0%, 7%, and 22%, respectively.

Hard disk arrays are specifically suited as departmental intermediate storage media because they allow fast access to current and previous examinations within limited time. Performance properties enable both, MOD and TAPE systems to serve as long-term archives. MOD systems provide advantages for fast retrieval of X-ray or average-sized cross-sectional studies, and prove to be less sensitive to network traffic load variation, but on the other hand MOD media is most expensive by far. For definitive recommendations on PACS archive design, however, additional issues have to be taken into account, such as individual requirements of the imaging institution, installation costs, or the workspace required by the specific archiving solution.

Wirth, S, Treitl, M, Pfeifer, K, Reiser, M, PACS Archives: Comparison of Retrieval Time and Media Cost of Different Systems.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4403600.html