Data interface between a radiology information system and a computed radiography system using a personal computer and standard software.

We describe the implementation of a simple data interface between a radiology information system and a computed radiography system that uses personal computers and standard software. The radiology information system was developed in house and runs in a local area network of personal computers. The computed radiography system is connected to a picture archiving and communication system. We have implemented a software data interface on a microcomputer, allowing automated transfer of patient data from the radiology information system program to the computed radiography scheduling program. The interface adds essential information used by the picture archiving and communication system to handle work lists, routing, and archiving algorithms. We have improved the user interface, shortened the scheduling time, enabled coherence of data bases, and eased the use of computed radiography and examination routing in the picture archiving and communication system. We have been using this interface for more than 1 year without difficulties. This custom solution addresses the problem of interconnecting existing equipment, avoiding proprietary restrictions or the lack of effective standards. This approach can be applied to any radiology environment that uses personal computers.