Peeter Ross, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jurate Dementaviciene, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gabriel Bartal MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

There is a substantial growth of radiology equipment producing digital images in Estonia during last 5 years. Due to rapidly growing volume of digital images a nation-wide PACS strategy is required. Our aim was to evaluate present situation in Estonian radiology and provide constructive scenario for nation-wide PACS implementation.

52 radiology departments produce 900,000 examinations annually (not including ultrasound). 7/52 (13.5%) of departments are digitalized (5 digital angiography, 3 MRT, 9 CT, 2 SPECT and 10 CR systems) and generate 300,000 examinations. Very high level telecommunication network allows 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps connections between hospitals for a reasonable price.

Despite relatively high percentage of digital images, film expenditure in Estonia is still high, and will be significantly reduced using nation-wide PACS for storage & retrieval of images. Portable digital storage based on self-playing CD/DVD recording will allow outsourcing and additional back-up. All images will be instantaneously accessible to authorized reading and post-processing stations over the hospital network. Automatic daily backup was automatically created by the system on DVD's. The combination of PACS, WEB connection to major facilities and clinics as well as portable digital storage (CD/DVD) will eliminate film.

The most appropriate solution for digital image archiving in Estomia is to establish common regional PACS for the whole country, in view of the high percentage of digital images and good network connections between hospitals of different regions. Each hospital will have a local PACS with immediate access to images. A central site will be chosen to act as the central archive for fast central access and backup in case of data loss. Out-patients will receive a self-playing CD containing their examinations for the use of the referring physicians.

Ross, P, Dementaviciene, J, Bartal, G, Estonian Radiology Going Filmless (Nation-wide PACS System).  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4419720.html