Transmission failure rate for computed tomography examinations in a filmless imaging department

The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency and causes of unsuc cessful computed tomography (CT) transmissions in a filmless imaging depart ment and to determine the added efficiency gains provided by the sequential addition of modality worklist software and a major network upgrade. Prospe ctive data on CT transmission error rates were recorded over an 18-month pe riod. During the study interval, modality worklist functionality was added, followed by a network upgrade. Failed transmissions were categorized as to the source of the error (human v technical), and the specific problem enco untered. Prior to the introduction of modality worklist software, the initi al CT transmission failure rate was 7.6%, which was primarily the result of human error (69%), in the form of data entry error. Upon the introduction of modality worklist software, the transmission failure rate decreased to 3 .5%, with human error accounting for only 16% of all failed transmissions. The subsequent addition of a network upgrade from shared Ethernet to switch ed Ethernet further reduced the transmission failure rate to 2.0%, which wa s believed to be the result of a reduction in the number of network collisi ons. Other sources of failed transmission occur at the levels of the CT sca nner (network interface card), picture archiving and communication system ( PACS)/hospital information system (HIS) interface, and modality gateway. Wh en planning the transmission from film-based to filmless operation, one sho uld consider various hardware, software, and infrastructural requirements t o ensure successful PACS implementation. Software upgrades, in the form of modality worklist software, serve to improve technologist productivity by m inimizing data entry error. Infrastructural changes, in the form of network upgrading, ensure proper dissemination of electronic data with decreased f requency of network collisions. Collectively, these improvements lead to en hanced transmission of digital images, resulting in productivity gains with in the filmless CT department. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.