DICOM Standards Overview

What is DICOM?

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is the international standard for medical images and related information. It defines the formats for medical images that can be exchanged with the data and quality necessary for clinical use.

Key Components

  • Image Format: Standardized file format for medical images
  • Network Protocol: TCP/IP based communication protocol
  • Data Dictionary: Standardized data elements and attributes
  • Service Classes: Defined services for storage, query, and retrieval

DICOM Service Classes

Storage Service

Stores DICOM images and related data

Query/Retrieve

Finds and retrieves DICOM studies

Print Management

Manages printing of medical images

Worklist Management

Manages patient worklist information

Compliance Requirements

  • Proper implementation of DICOM SOP Classes
  • Support for required DICOM Information Object Definitions
  • Compliance with DICOM network communication standards
  • Proper handling of DICOM data elements and attributes
  • Support for DICOM file format specifications

DICOM File Structure

A DICOM file consists of:

  • Header: Contains patient and study information
  • Data Set: Contains the actual image pixel data
  • Meta Information: File format and transfer syntax

DICOM Evolution

DICOM has evolved through multiple versions since its inception in 1985. The standard is maintained by the DICOM Standards Committee and continues to be updated to support new imaging modalities and healthcare requirements.