What is the function of a PACS in radiology?

The function of a PACS, or Picture Archiving and Communication System, in radiology is primarily to store and retrieve digital images. PACS is a medical imaging technology used to securely store, transmit, and display images from various imaging modalities such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. By digitizing images, PACS allows for easy access and sharing among healthcare professionals, improving workflow and efficiency in medical settings.

This capability enables radiologists and other clinicians to quickly retrieve and review patient images from a central database, facilitating timely diagnoses and treatment planning. In addition to storage and retrieval, PACS provides tools for image manipulation and analysis, contributing significantly to the radiological practices by streamlining processes and enhancing collaboration.

The other options do not align with the core functions of PACS. Creating new X-ray images is a function of radiographic equipment, enhancing patient comfort is typically related to patient care practices during imaging procedures, and calibrating imaging devices pertains to ensuring that the imaging equipment operates correctly and produces accurate results, which is a task separate from the management of image data.