How to Become a PACS Analyst
Step by Step Guide on what to learn and how to enter the field of Imaging Informatics
Adding a New DICOM Modality
Steps to Consider When Adding a New DICOM Modality
The following process can be applicable to any DICOM compatible radiology device. For example, a new CT, MR, Flouro, Ultrasound modality.
| PROCESS | PRIMARY TEAM |
| Gather Contacts | PACS |
| Gather department contact information | |
| Place ticket to RIS for MWL | |
| Provide device type to RIS | |
| Configure AE title from inventory | PACS |
| Create AE title based on existing site nomenclature | |
| Provide AE title to RIS team (case sensitive) | |
| Site Survey | PACS |
| Locate exactly where modality is planned to be set up | |
| Gather wireless AP information | |
| Ensure there is a Ethernet wall jack nearby (if not request drop) | |
| Request Network Drop | PACS |
| Put in ticket to deployment services | |
| Network Drop | PACS |
| Follow up to ensure department signs for financial approval | |
| Schedule drop with department and Install IT | |
| Provide onsite support during installation | |
| Request Static IP address | PACS |
| Deployment services will provide IP if drop was requested | |
| Put in ticket to deployment services (if no drop request) | |
| Add host name | |
| Cross Connect | PACS |
| Coordinate cross connect with deployment services and NCC | |
| Test wall jack connection to network using laptop | |
| Get modality speed information from vendor beforehand | |
| Confirm network speed on both switch and modality | |
| Add to known PACS device list | PACS |
| Configure AET, IP and Port of new modality | |
| Configure for Store and/or MWL | |
| Request build for PACS Prod and Test | |
| Build in RIS | RIS |
| Configure MWL order rules & restraints | |
| Prepare for validation | PACS |
| Ensure all preparation steps are complete | |
| Schedule testing with vendor & RIS team | |
| Create AE title and service desk label sticker | |
| Gather onsite resources for end to end test | |
| Validation testing with Vendor | PACS |
| Instruct vendor to enter station ID to AE title | |
| Instruct vendor to update AE title and static IP address | |
| Instruct vendor to input send destinations | |
| Perform DICOM echo to send destinations | |
| Follow validation script with RIS | |
| Complete MWL validation | |
| Place AE title and service desk sticker on modality | |
| Configure modality to send dosage for CT/XA (if applicable) | |
| Send test images to other 3rd party applications, PACS, VNA | |
| Build MWL in RIS Prod | RIS |
| Use the same config as Test | |
| Discussion with Department | RIS |
| Site manager to build template | |
| Ensure department is able to send first few patients | PACS |
| View sent images in PACS | |
| Follow up with technologists to verify studies | |
| Update PACS Inventory | PACS |
| Retrieve biomed number | |
| Enter AE title, IP, MAC, Switch, Port, Biomed into team inventory | |
| Configure Dose monitoring (if applicable) | PACS |
| Go to Modality page | |
| Add name, facility and Modality type | |
| Check off Include in Reports, Import Dose SR, Forward to Dose Index Registry | |
| Install AV if it is a Windows device | PACS |
| Acquire AV exceptions list from vendor | |
| Place ticket to IT Security | |
| Add device to domain (if applicable) | PACS |
| If Windows device, add to institution domain | |
| Request for device to be added to do not touch OU group on AD | PACS |
| Place ticket to desktop engineering team | |
| Check for other systems that need to be configured, dose monitoring, measurements, voice dictation system, etc | PACS |