Biometrics comes of age as security takes center stage
September 19, 2000 -- Medical data security covers everthing from the transmission, archiving, and distribution of information all the way to authentication -- making sure users are who they say they are. Biometric authentication isn't science fiction anymore. It's here, and it's starting to get noticed as security needs converge with rapid advances in technology.
Ultrasound improves diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm
September 19, 2000 -- WESTPORT, Sep 18 (Reuters Health) - In the September issue of the Annals of Emergency Medicine, researchers in South Australia report that ultrasound scanning can increase the diagnostic accuracy of patients seen in the emergency department for suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Disaster recovery plans crucial for PACS
September 19, 2000 -- With final security provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act expected to be enacted by November, hospitals need to evaluate their disaster recovery and data backup plans for their PACS networks.
RIS and PACS users must prepare for future data migration
September 19, 2000 -- When moving to a digital environment for radiology images and reports, healthcare institutions have to address how or whether to bring paper records and hard-copy films into the digital realm. But planning for the future integrity and smooth migration of digitally stored images and reports to subsequent data management systems may be just as important.
DLT, MOD have different strengths in PACS storage; more choices on the way
September 19, 2000 -- PACS networks offer important advantages over film-based systems, but implementing them presents a number of tough questions. For example, which storage medium should be used to archive the boatloads of image data -- perhaps 20 GB a day, or 4 terabytes a year -- that come with running a large-scale PACS network?
PACS growth hinges on better financing
September 19, 2000 -- Despite documented efficiency and productivity gains, PACS implementation has occurred much more slowly than anticipated. The answer, say researchers, lies in creating more and better financing options.
In digital radiology, QA means never having to say you're sorry
September 19, 2000 -- While digital radiology can greatly improve an imaging department's capabilities, it also brings a wealth of opportunities for failure -- as measured in downtime, lost or misidentified images, poor image quality, and other problems. Clinicians at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston show how a strong quality assurance program can go a long way toward preventing disasters.
Routine maintenance essential for high-res PACS monitors
September 19, 2000 -- Although much improved in recent years, high-resolution monitors used for primary diagnosis still have relatively short life spans and need frequent service. As a result, routine maintenance and quality control are critical for these workhorses of the filmless radiology department.
Does post-op radiotherapy in bowel cancer prevent recurrence, or mainly diminish function?
September 18, 2000 -- It’s a question the cancer treatment community is still grappling with, said Dr. James Martenson, Jr. at the recent "Perspectives in Colorectal Cancer" meeting. He outlined some landmark studies of adjuvant radiation therapy in colorectal cancer that have been conducted over the years, and offered advice on discussing radiotherapy with patients.
FDA issues guidance on final mammography regulations
September 18, 2000 -- WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (Reuters Health) - Healthcare facilities that interpret mammography results but do not perform the procedures are exempt from the requirement for individual certification under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), according to a new US Food and Drug Association (FDA) draft guidance.
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