[Digital radiology]

Abstract

Digital radiology is the integration of established and new digital imaging modalities into a system which enables the filmless communication of radiological information. It is becoming an indispensable tool in daily medical practice, and yields improved, faster medical communication, reduces the patient's dose and saves 307 307 archivation costs. Some knowledge of the inherent features of digital images and some open-mindedness for a change in viewing and workflow habits is necessary to make full profit of these possibilities. This paper describes digital radiography and the aspects of radiological networking based on 5 years experience with one of the very first filmless radiology departments worldwide.