ABSTRACT
An imaging 'modality' is a term given to a particular type of image acquisition method, such as CR, DDR, US, CT, MR, NM, or radiotherapy components (RTx). The majority of the image acquisition methods communicate images electronically into the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) using the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) standards after the operator has post-processed them. From an image acquisition point of view, imaging modalities can be split into one of three broad types depending on their output: single image, multi-image, and hybrid modalities. All outputs are initially structured binary data, assembled into a form interpretable by a human. When tendering or purchasing modalities outright it is recommended that purchasers require suppliers to provide all engineering codes and items necessary to obtain full access to engineering and installation settings as a matter of course – preventing the need for costly and difficult to co-ordinate call-outs to make simple connection changes as is occasionally necessary.
