DICOM
Pronunciation: die-com
Also written as: DICOM — Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine standard for medical image storage and transmission.
Full Definition
Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) is the international standard protocol for medical imaging data format, storage, and transmission. DICOM files contain both image data and comprehensive metadata including patient information, acquisition parameters, and technical specifications. In neuroimaging workflows, DICOM compliance ensures interoperability between different imaging systems, PACS networks, and analysis software platforms while maintaining patient privacy and data integrity.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as acronym; spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "All MRI data must be exported in DICOM format for archival in the hospital PACS system." — Data management protocol
- "DICOM headers contained acquisition parameters essential for preprocessing pipelines." — Technical documentation