<title>On-line acquisition of CT and MRI studies from multiple scanners</title>

Abstract

Currently, three GE CT9800 and three GE Signa Advanced scanners are connected to the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center. While the MRI systems are equipped with a standard Ethernet interface, special development efforts were necessary in order to utilize the data port of the CT system for an automatic data transmission into the PACS network. For both modalities designated computer stations accommodate the acquisition of the image data through a special protocol and transmit the data in UCLA PACS standard format to the central controller for archiving and distribution to the display stations. The MRI images are acquired as they are generated through a capture process of the acquisition station that has direct access to the internal database of the MRI system. The transmission of the CT image data, however, is governed by the CT system computer and is limited to a low priority process in between clinical operations. Average MRI studies become available for review within thirty minutes, whereas CT studies are delayed up to two to three hours depending on the load of the CT system.