Robert Gould DSC, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Albert W.K. Wong BS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Katherine Patricia Andriole PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The Internet is widely used for transmission of medical images but the large data size of some studies and concerns about security can limit use of this technology. This project established a high-speed communication network between 3 remote sites that emulated the NGI to investigate the utility of high bandwidth for transmission of digital breast images.

A network was established between 3 locations with a limiting bandwidth of 155Mbps but most links with contending traffic had either OC-12 or Gigabit bandwidth. The network was protected but not private, requiring secure transmission for identifiable patient data. Three test data sets, each with nearly the same total bit volume, were used: digital mammograms (DMG) at 9 MB/image, DMG at 46 MB/image, and breast MR at 0.5 MB/image. For each data set, measurements were made of the disk-to-disk transfer time between locations for varying conditions that included the transfer protocol, the number of concurrent processes, encryption, and compression. Comparisons were made to benchmark tests done in a laboratory setting.

Transfer rates across the testbed were comparable to the benchmark tests. The effective transfer rate for the large image data set was more than 3 fold faster than for the MR images when a DICOM protocol was used to transfer images. Concurrent processes reduced the transfer time for all datasets, but not linearly with the number of opened processes since negotiations between devices and other forms of overhead are not strict functions of bandwidth: ~ a twofold time reduction with 3 active processes. As anticipated, encryption increased transfer times. If the time to compress and de-compress images was included, no benefit was demonstrated from compression.

Higher bandwidth provided by the NGI provides greater opportunity for clinical applications that require transmitting of medical images. However, the nature of the images and the transfer conditions can adversely affect bandwidth utilization.

R.G.,A.W.W.,K.A.: Supported by National Library of Medicine contract number NO1-LM-9-3538.

Gould, R, Wong, A, Andriole, K, Performance of a Next Generation Internet (NGI) Testbed for Medical Imaging Applications.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4412344.html