Remote Reading and Networking

Abstract

Remote interpretation of nuclear cardiology images by electronic means or tele-nuclear cardiology may be very useful for two reasons. It is not unusual at the present time for a nuclear cardiology laboratory to provide interpretation for one or more remote satellite imaging facilities (1). These facilities operate generally under the same technical and medical directors, but are geographically distant and may have their own local technical staff. Second, even if there is only one laboratory, for reasons of competitiveness, an imaging facility may be required to provide service outside routine office hours. Under these conditions, it is very desirable to create a technical environment that allows for remote interpretation through tele-nuclear cardiology. Recently, guidelines have been published that address procedures, quality assurance, and security for tele-nuclear medicine (2) (on line: http://www.snm.org/policy/new_guidelines_l .html).