DICOM Introduction, Data Formats, and Protocol On-Demand

The DICOM Introduction, Data Formats, and Protocol self-paced course offer a comprehensive exploration of the foundational aspects of the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard. This course is meticulously designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of DICOM, including its data formats, protocols, and essential principles. Participants will delve into the intricacies of DICOM to establish a solid foundation in medical imaging informatics. 

Learning Objectives 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

• Identify and categorize DICOM services based on image communication, image and information management, and image quality. 
• Classify DICOM header attributes according to their type definitions (Value Representations). 
• Break down a DICOM header into its modules and attributes for troubleshooting and corrections. 
• Configure a device by applying knowledge of packet sizes, addressing, and transfer and abstract syntaxes used for communication. 
• Analyze and resolve issues with the DICOM protocol. 

Format/Class Structure 

This course is self-paced, accessible completely online. You can expect to spend about 4 hours completing this course.  

Who Should Take This Course

This self-paced course is suitable for: 

• Healthcare IT professionals seeking to establish a strong foundation in DICOM standards and data formats. 
• Radiologic technologists and professionals involved in medical imaging aiming to enhance their knowledge of DICOM basics. 

Content Outline

Module 1: Introduction to DICOM 

• Overview of DICOM 
• DICOM components and their roles 
• Levels and parts of the DICOM information model 
• Conformance requirements 

 Module 2: Data Formats and Encoding 

• Data formats and encoding of DICOM header and pixel data 
• Breakdown of a DICOM header into attributes 
• Common Value Representations (VRs) 
• Tags and special attributes (sequences, codes, etc.) 
• Enumerated values and defined terms 
• Implicit and explicit VRs 

 Module 3: Protocols and Unique Identifiers 

• DICOM protocols and their roles 
• Addressing in DICOM 
• SCU/SCP roles and associations negotiation 
• Abstract Syntax and Transfer Syntax 
• Presentation context and ACSE/DIMSE 
• SOP Class concept and UIDs

Module 4: Image Objects 

• Single-frame, multi-frame, and enhanced image objects 
• Secondary Capture and PDF objects 
• Enhanced SOP Classes 
• Specimen encoding 
• Special image objects (CIIP, VET, DICONDE) 

Module 5: Troubleshooting and Tips 

• Common issues with DICOM communication 
• Troubleshooting techniques and tools 
• Tips and tricks for efficient DICOM usage 
• Resources for further learning and support 

CE Credit

The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine has approved this activity for 4.0 hours of SIIM IIP Credits towards certification and re-certification by the American Board of Imaging Informatics (ABII).

To receive credit for the activity, registrants must complete the course modules and survey.

Note: In order to receive credits for any events/learning you attend you must select your eligible credit types found in the CE & Certification section of your MySIIM Account profile.

After registering for the course, navigate to My Learning in your MySIIM Account profile to access the content.

Not a member? Join SIIM today!