The primary use of this guide is to provide a standardized approach for the data file to be used for the transfer of digital radiological data from one user to another where the two users are working with dissimilar systems. This guide describes the contents, both required and optional for an intermediate data file that can be created from the native format of the radiological system on which the data was collected and that can be converted into the native format of the receiving radiological data analysis system. The development of translator software to accomplish these data format conversions is being addressed under a separate effort; this will include specific items needed for the data transfer, for example, language used, memory requirements, and intermediate specification. This guide will also be useful in the archival storage and retrieval of radiological data as either a data format specifier or as a guide to the data elements which should be included in the archival file.

TABLE 1 Field Listing

^A Field numbers are for reference only. They do not imply a necessity to include all these fields in any specific database nor imply a requirement that fields used be in this particular order.

^B Units listed first are SI; those in parentheses are inch-pound (English).

^C Denotes essential field for computerization of examination results, regardless of examination method.

^D Denotes essential field for radiographic examination.

^E Denotes essential field for radiographic examination.

^F Denotes essential field for radioscopic examination.

Although the recommended field listing includes more than 90 field numbers, only about half of those are regarded as essential and are marked Footnote C in Table 1. Fields so marked must be included in the data base. The other fields recommended provide additional information that a user will find helpful in understanding the radiological image and examination result. These header field items will, in most cases, make up only a very small part of a radiological examination file. The actual stream of radiological data that make up the image will take up the largest part of the data base. Since a radiological image file will normally be large, the concept of data compression will be considered in many cases. Compressed data should be noted, along with a description of the compression method, as indicated in Field No. 92 (see Table 1).

This guide provides a data file for a single image. It is recognized that a complete examination record may contain several files for the same examination method in different areas, with or without image processing, for different examination methods, and for variations within a single method (for example, different x-ray energies). This file will permit the examination of a single image and will include information about the existence of other images and records for the examined object. This single image may be one created by overlaying or processing results from multiple examination approaches, for example, data fusion. For such images, the notes sections must clearly state how the image for this file was created.