What is the standard for communication between medical imaging computers?

• A. ALARA
• B. PACS
• C. DICOM
• D. A-to-D conversion

Answer: (B)

DICOM provides the standard for communication between medical imaging computers. It defines how image data and related patient information are formatted and transmitted, ensuring interoperability across devices and vendors. DICOM covers both the file format (the .dcm data structure) and the network services used to move and query images, such as storage, retrieval, and worklist coordination. PACS is the operational system that uses DICOM to archive, display, and distribute images, but the standard itself is DICOM. ALARA relates to radiation dose management, not data exchange, and A-to-D conversion pertains to converting analog signals to digital data, not to communication standards.