Nuclear Cardiology: Nuclear Cardiology:

Chapter 16 / Remote Reading and Networking 24916Remote Reading and NetworkingTele-Nuclear CardiologyRemote interpretation of nuclear cardiology images byelectronic means or tele-nuclear cardiology may be veryuseful for two reasons. It is not unusual at the present time fora nuclear cardiology laboratory to provide interpretation forone or more remote satellite imaging facilities (1). Thesefacilities operate generally under the same technical andmedical directors, but are geographically distant and mayhave their own local technical staff. Second, even if there isonly one laboratory, for reasons of competitiveness, an imagingfacility may be required to provide service outside routineoffice hours. Under these conditions, it is very desirable tocreate a technical environment that allows for remote interpretationthrough tele-nuclear cardiology. Recently, guidelineshave been published that address procedures, qualityassurance, and security for tele-nuclear medicine (2) (on line:www.snm.org/policy/new_guidelines_1.html).Tele-nuclear cardiology can be achieved in a number of ways asdescribed in brief in this chapter.MODES OF COMMUNICATIONOne has to consider various modes of electronic communication andtransfer of image data. Several media can be used to connect two remotelocations; from slower to faster connectivity speed, they are• By modem and regular phone line (56kbps).• ISDN (integrated services digital network) line (112kbps).• DSL (digital subscriber line) (1.5Mbps).From: Contemporary Cardiology: Nuclear Cardiology, The BasicsF. J. Th. Wackers, W. Bruni, and B. L. Zaret © Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ249