An experimental teleradiology transmission system using a high-speed ATM backbone network

We evaluated the performance of an experimental teleradiology system based on a high-speed ATM backbone network. Image acquisition, transmission and t he disk-to-display processing times were measured. Computerized tomography (CT) scans printed on 14 inch x 17 inch (36 cm x 43 cm) films were digitize d and transferred over the network. The average time for the entire process was 1 min 30 s. Three radiologists interpreted 20 cases. For CT image inte rpretation, the reading time for one case ranged from 2 to 12 min (mean 6 m in 46 s) on a monitor, and from 1 to 3 min (mean 1 min 31 s) with the origi nal film. The ATM backbone network operating at 156 Mbit/s provided suffici ent speed for remote consultation. However, further improvements in the ope rability of the system, especially the image viewing station, are necessary before it will be satisfactory for clinical use.