PACS
Medical abbreviation · Medical Imaging
| Stands for | Picture archiving and communication system |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PACS stands for Picture archiving and communication system, a medical imaging abbreviation.
Hospital computer system that stores, retrieves and displays medical images from X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and other modalities, replacing film. Radiologists read studies on PACS workstations, and clinicians view images and reports throughout the hospital and remotely.
Example: Outside CT pushed to PACS; comparison read requested.
Usage notes
PACS adoption in the late 1990s and 2000s made film libraries and lost films obsolete and enabled teleradiology. Images move in DICOM format, and the PACS links to the radiology information system (RIS) and the electronic health record. Pronounced "packs".
Related abbreviations
More medical imaging abbreviations
- MRA – Magnetic resonance angiography
- MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging
- MRV – Magnetic resonance venography
- NCCT – Non-contrast computed tomography
- OPG – Orthopantomogram
- PA – Posteroanterior
- PET – Positron emission tomography
- PET-CT – Positron emission tomography-computed tomography
- PI-RADS – Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System
- POCUS – Point-of-care ultrasound
- SPECT – Single-photon emission computed tomography
- STIR – Short tau inversion recovery
See all 58 medical imaging abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.