Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)

TLDR: The SR SOP Classes allow users to link text and other data to particular images and/or waveforms and to store the coordinates of findings so that users can see exactly what is being described in a report.

Abstract: Foreword This Supplement to the DICOM Standard introduces the SR SOP Classes for transmission and storage of documents that describe or refer to any number of images or waveforms or to the specific features that they contain. The SR SOP Classes fully support conventional free text reports and provide the capability 4 to record structured information that enhances the precision, clarity and value of clinical documents. The SR SOP Classes allow users to link text and other data to particular images and/or waveforms and to store the coordinates of findings so that users can see exactly what is being described in a report. In addition, users can label, index and retrieve clinically-relevant information using codes. SR SOP Classes 8 can be used in a variety of clinical contexts. For example:-in CT or MRI to convey the interpretation text, to record the DICOM identifiers of selected images and to denote the spatial coordinates of significant findings;-in ultrasound to transmit measurements; and 12-in cardiac catheterization laboratories to record a procedure log that time-stamps and describes significant measurements and interventions and link together all of the related images, waveforms, interpretation reports and related information into a convenient unit-record.