MERLIN Modality Gateway connects DICOM compatible image generating modalities to the PACS server. Based on the IHE standard, image data are transferred from the modality to the PACS server via DICOM 3.0 communication. After reception of the DICOM objects, the relevant parts of the header are added to the data base. In order to secure the data from retroactive manipulation, SHA-1 and MD5 check sums are generated. Each DICOM object is now saved to the data storage of the online system. If supported by the respective modality, a feedback signal, acknowledging the successful storage of the data, can be sent to the modality.

For modalities that do not support DICOM-conform communication, we provide the MERLIN Non-DICOM Multimedia Gateway. The module acts as a transmitter between the modality and the PACS, converting data from the modality into DICOM format and adding further patient data off the DICOM worklist. MERLIN Non-DICOM Multimedia Gateway includes interfaces for image data of many different types including video formats. Images from any source – digital or analog – can be captured into the PACS. For example, this module can digitize video sequences retrieved from video grabber hardware, storing it as individual DICOM format pictures (JPEG, Bitmap etc.). Instead of the modality, the MERLIN Non-DICOM Multimedia Gateway provides the DICOM service classes Store and WML (worklist management).

The constant comparison of mutation and master data prevents multiple inputs of patient data. For all authorized personnel, the patient data is up-to-date and available immediately. The synchronization of PACS data and patient data from the administrating information systems is realized by interfaces consequently using internationally approved standard formats, such as HL7 ADT and ORM.

Maintaining data consistency

Changes of administrative patient data such as examination data, status information, etc., are submitted from the administrating information system to the PACS via the HL7 interface. This constant connection between the systems continuously harmonizes the data in both systems.

Data Validation Manager provides tools to compare and automatically correct incoming image or patient data with defined request from an administrating patient information system if no ORM messages are available.

The unambiguous mapping of a diagnostic report to corresponding image data is an important criterion of quality management in radiology departments. The smooth and uncomplicated assignment of image data must be guaranteed even for images generated in emergency situations. Therefore, MERLIN supports fast report transmission by a clear communication with the RIS. Diagnostic reports which have been released in the RIS can be transmitted to the PACS using HL7 or DICOM format (for example encapsulated PDF).

Through RIS-PACS Desktop Integration, a user-friendly and easy access to data of both systems can be provided. Bidirectional RIS PACS interfaces enable the reciprocal invocation of RIS and PACS desktop applications. Under the premise of an accordant configuration of the RIS, the following alternatives can be customized:

RIS as the leading system for image requests:

Diagnostic reports and studies are requested directly from the RIS. In this scenario, the RIS administrates the examination list from which information can be transmitted to the PACS containing the necessary details for loading the requested objects. These image objects are displayed automatically.

PACS as the leading system for entering the RIS:

It is possible to call up the corresponding examination from every digital image. Depending on the configuration of the RIS, the respective patient or reporting data can be accessed directly.

Access to the MERLIN Web Viewer or the PACS Application can be customized via invocation from the leading administration system (HIS/EHR).

With our MERLIN PACS Gateway it is possible to connect MERLIN PACS to third-party systems of other manufacturers. The DICOM compatible connection may be used to take over data from an external PACS or to connect departments working with another PACS.

The planning software mediCAD® of the company mediCAD Hectec GmbH can be opened directly from MERLIN Diagnostic Workcenter via a predefined call. The original image data set previously selected in MERLIN is loaded by mediCAD®. After completion of the planning in mediCAD®, the resulting planning images are stored in a defined transfer directory, read in by MERLIN and saved in the PACS.

As an alternative, the mediCAD® central server can connect to the PACS via an Hectec PACS interface and collect the original image data sets via DICOM Query/Retrieve. After carrying out planning, mediCAD® sends the resulting planning images to the MERLIN PACS.

In both variants the image exchange is carried out under consequent compliance with the DICOM standard.