Final answer:
The DICOM standard is a protocol used in medical imaging to enable the exchange and interoperability of digital medical images and associated information. It ensures that medical images from different devices and manufacturers can be viewed and analyzed by various software systems. DICOM standardizes the digital communication of medical images, making it easier for healthcare providers to store, retrieve, and share patient images and information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard is a protocol used in medical imaging to enable the exchange and interoperability of digital medical images and associated information. It specifies the format and communication methods for storing, transmitting, and displaying medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound.
DICOM ensures that medical images captured by different devices from different manufacturers can be viewed and analyzed by various software systems. It also includes standards for patient information, image annotations, and image metadata. DICOM images can be shared and accessed across different healthcare systems and facilities, which enables smoother collaboration among healthcare professionals.
Overall, DICOM standardizes the digital communication of medical images, making it easier for healthcare providers to store, retrieve, and share patient images and information.