Online Quality Assurance Service for PACS Display Systems

The new service, called MediCal QAWeb, was developed by Barco (Kortrijk, Belgium). The service incorporates a wide array of functions for automated digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) calibration and QA, display asset management, remote problem-solving, and easy reporting.

MediCal QAWeb has been developed to optimize the availability and DICOM-precision of picture archiving and communications system (PACS) display systems in every hospital reading room. Hospitals can easily set up the system by adding a MediCal QAWeb Relay to their PACS. Once installed, the system will permanently monitor all display systems throughout the facility to ensure maximum availability and compliance with DIN-6868-57, AAPM TG18, or other regional quality guidelines.

DICOM calibration and QA tasks are performed automatically in the background without interrupting the daily radiology reading practice. If an issue should occur, the system will instantly notify the correct person. The system's architecture further incorporates a central MediCal QAWeb server that provides a wide range of remote capabilities. The server-based system allows users to easily log in from anywhere inside or outside the hospital to check the status of every display, or to add one or more additional displays. In case of an issue, users can immediately access the MediCal QAWeb server to undertake all necessary corrective actions or download the required data. This server resides in a secured environment hosted by Barco.

Even though MediCal QAWeb is an online service, it adheres to very strict and rigorous security standards and complies with U.S. HIPAA- (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) regulations. To achieve this level of security, the system uses the MediCal QAWeb relay as a central point for all data that is sent from the medical facility towards the server. The relay communicates with the server over a secure HTTPS connection. It does not transmit any personal health information.

This server provides a cost-efficient system that is suitable for any healthcare facility, regardless of size. A simple pay-as-you-go fee ensures continuous quality and performance of all PACS display systems without requiring any upfront investment.



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Barco