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PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is a digital medical imaging technology platform that provides storage, retrieval, distribution, and presentation of medical images.

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It replaces traditional film-based radiology by integrating with imaging modalities, hospital information systems (HIS), and radiology information systems (RIS).

![PACS components and key integrations

PACS and VNA Explained: How Key Technologies in Medical Imaging Management Work. AltexSoft. Published October 5, 2021. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.altexsoft.com/blog/pacs-vna/ ‌](attachment:f010feff-887f-4d0a-b88c-5c9b0fa2ed26:image.png)

PACS components and key integrations

PACS and VNA Explained: How Key Technologies in Medical Imaging Management Work. AltexSoft. Published October 5, 2021. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.altexsoft.com/blog/pacs-vna/ ‌

Components of PACS

Component Function
Imaging Modalities Acquisition of images (CT, MRI, US, X-ray, PET)
Image Archive Long-term storage (local/cloud-based DICOM servers)
Workstations/Viewers Image interpretation and manipulation
Network Infrastructure Transfers data among modalities, archive, and workstations
Integration Interfaces HL7 and DICOM protocols for interoperability with HIS, RIS, and EMR

Workflow & Integration

PACS operates within a larger radiology informatics ecosystem:

Workflow Chain:

  1. Image acquisition: Modality generates DICOM images.
  2. Image transfer: Images are sent to PACS archive via a secure network.
  3. Storage: Images are indexed and stored.
  4. Display: Radiologists access them on PACS viewers.
  5. Reporting: Integrated with RIS/voice dictation systems.
  6. Distribution: Reports and images shared with clinicians through EMR or secure portals.

Key Features