[Digital picture archiving, processing and communication in diagnostic imaging with a Siemens Network (SIENET): initial results].

The concept of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in digital imaging offers substantial advantages: better data security, faster access to archived images, simultaneous availability of images at different sites, minimal space demand for archive medium, retrospective image post-processing opportunities and lower costs resulting from reduced film consumption and length of stay. However, practical experiences concerning reliability and efficiency of real PAC networks in radiological departments have to be made yet in order to improve network structure, software design and hardware performance. The ongoing stepwise installation and test of a Siemens PACS (SIENET) at the Department of Radiology at the Medical University of Lübeck will support the introduction of PACS concept into radiological practice.