1. The need of clinicians to refer to old films in order to observe the course of disease processes.

2. Possibility of litigation and likely requirement of having to produce films as evidence in any subsequent court case.

The recommended minimum time limits for medical records, including radiographs, should be kept for;

1. Ultrasound (obstetric) – 25 years.2. Paediatric- until patient‘s 25th birthday

or 8 years after last visit if longer.3. All others – 8 years.So large storage space is required.

A large-film-format storage area divided into;

1. Current store-for films up to 3 years.2. Archive store- for films over 3 years

old, which are used less frequently.

Storage area design specification; Shelving;1. Fixed shelving racks are preferable to

mobile ones.2. Shelving should metal construction

(fire safety).

Considerations contributing to store design.

1. Adequate ventilation.2. Satisfactory illumination.3. Dust-free environment.4. Automatic smoke detectors.5. Secure locks, especially if the store is

remote from the department.

Copying a full-sized radiograph onto a small-format film such as;

1. 35x35 mm (microfilm or microfiche).2. 100x100 mm of the reversal type thus

producing a negative image just like the original.

The equipment for miniaturization may be purchased or contract for miniaturizing radiographs may be given to commercial who will do filming either on or off the premises.

There is special film reader, which will project onto screen an image similar in size to the original radiograph.

It possible to produce large copies (35x43 cm) from miniature film if required by using special film enlarger.

A series of images relating to any one patient is called microfiche.

Storage cabinets are available have capacity for storing up 3500 microfiche.

1. Huge saving in valuable space.2. Versatility. Films are small enough to be

field in cabinets or with patient’s note.3. The original large films can be released for

silver recovery.4. No expensive larger film bag.5. Miniature-format film has a guaranteed

archival permanence for 25 years.6. Film can be field easily in an automatic film-

retrieval system.

1. Large initial cost.2. Need to provide film reader.3. Reluctance on the part of some

clinicians to accept change.

Film digitization is a process by which the analogue optical densities present in a radiographic image are converted into discrete picture elements (pixels), each of which will have a digital value whose magnitude depends on the original film density at point sample.

X-ray film digitizer and workstation

The methods available for storing digital image data may be categorized into;

1. Short-term data (on line) storage, provided by hard disk drive.

2. Long-term (off-line or archival)storage), the most common method of archival storage of digital data is optical disk.

One of most significant benefits of working with digitized images is the opportunityto transmit the images over short or long distances using local area networks (LANs)or telephone lines (teleradiography), so that can be displayed on remote diagnostic workstation.

Any electronic network set up to receive , archive and transmit digital images to another area is known as PACS

• Images instantly available – real time.

• Radiologist and Physician can review same image at the same time.

• Immediate magnification.

• No film processing.

• Burn images to a CD and take to referring hospital.

• Radiologist can review from anywhere; offshore?

• ED “Digital” Sticky Note - Radiologist can type note

right on image telephone call is not required.