Final answer:
Radiology imaging and archiving systems use the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) format for exchanging and viewing medical images.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imaging and archiving systems in radiology communicate using a standard format known as digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM). DICOM facilitates the storing, exchanging, and viewing of medical images, such as those produced by X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. This digital format is critical for contemporary medical imaging as it ensures that various systems and devices from different manufacturers can communicate and interpret the data effectively. Advances in medical imaging technology have allowed for more detailed and functional images. For instance, techniques like CT and single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) are used to create three-dimensional images that contribute to more accurate diagnoses.
In radiology, DICOM is the standard format for medical images, allowing for the transfer and sharing of images and patient information between different imaging systems and healthcare professionals.
For example, when a patient undergoes a CT scan or an MRI, the resulting images are stored in DICOM format. These images can then be accessed and interpreted by radiologists and other healthcare professionals using specialized DICOM viewers and software.