What is Teleradiology?

What is Teleradiology?

Broadly, Teleradiology can be defined as a branch of telemedicine where radiological images from Xray, CT Scan or MRI are transmitted through internet to a Radiologist at a remote location seeking his expertise unto image reading and report generaton. Transmit and Interpretation of these images by a Radiologist sitting remotely at a far away  place from the Xray facility is Teleradiology.

Teleradiology is the process of transmitting CTs, MRIs, and other radiological images electronically from one location to another location for the purpose of consultation and interpretation. Digital Images are electronicallty transmitted to an off shorelocation by employing a satellite connection, WAN or a telephone line.

With the advent of PACS (picture archiving and communication system), RIS (radiology information system) is now integrated into the Teleradiology system, resulting in efficient and instant communication of findings to the clinician or surgeon.

The Process of Teleradiology involves the following steps;

1. Acquisition of Images: Raw data acquired after the exposure or scan of the anatomy on DAS, is converted into a digital image through software. These images are Dicom compliant and are easily transferable from one device to another.
2. Transfer of Images: These images are then transferred through an internet connection to a radiologist in remote place. Since these radiological images are heavy files, one needs very high speed internet and cloud based automation services for a faster transfer of data.
3. Image Viewing/Reading: Image viewing requires a workstation that can display high-resolution images. Many types of software are currently available, e.g., E-Film, which allows viewing, manipulation, measurements, 3D reconstructions, etc.
4. Interpretation: After reading of images, Radiologist interprets it and sends the report to the X-ray facility where the report is conveyed to the patient.