DICOM Intranet: PACS Server

OsiriX and Horos Course · Reports and Network

In this lesson I explain how to set up a basic network (intranet) using OsiriX as a PACS/DICOM server, with no external access and without depending on the internet. The goal is a simple clinic/office workflow: the ultrasound machines automatically send DICOM studies to a Mac running OsiriX (the server), and every computer on the internal network can access (view) and send studies to that server, centralizing storage. Network concept (intranet) OsiriX works as an image server (PACS): it stores, sends and receives studies in DICOM format. Typical workflow: Exam performed on the ultrasound machine Automatic DICOM transfer to the server (Mac + OsiriX) Other computers on the network access the studies on the server External studies (e.g., a received CT scan) can also be sent to the server and stored there Practical office example (from the video) 2 network-enabled ultrasound machines: Siemens X300 SonoSite M-Turbo Important tip: when buying an ultrasound machine, negotiate the DICOM client (software). Avoid workarounds such as video capture, which does not generate DICOM. 1) Basic network planning Understand the local network IP range: Examples mentioned: 192.168.0.x, 192.168.1.x (the case in the video) and Apple routers defaulting to 10.0.0.x. The router is usually .1 (e.g., 192.168.1.1). 2) Dedicated server (Mac) Recommendation: a dedicated Mac mini as the server (low power consumption, small footprint). Preferably keep the server free from other uses. Network connection: a cable (Ethernet) is more reliable and faster than Wi-Fi. 3) Set a fixed IP on the server (avoid DHCP) Do not use DHCP, to prevent the IP from changing after a power outage, router reset/replacement, etc. In the video example: Network: 192.168.1.x Server: 192.168.1.10 Router: 192.168.1.1 Subnet mask according to the local network 4) Configure OsiriX as a Listener (DICOM receiver) In OsiriX Preferences: Enable the Listener (receive DICOM images while OsiriX is open) Set the parameters: AETitle: the node name on the PACS network (in the video: “amato”) Port: 1112 in the video (you need to know IP + port) IP: the server's own fixed IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10) Enable: OsiriX database sharing Publish the DICOM node via Bonjour This way, other OsiriX installations on the network detect the server automatically, with no extra configuration Optional: Server Mode (when the Mac is dedicated) to save resources and keep the server “light”. 5) Configure the ultrasound machines (DICOM) Each manufacturer has its own screen, but the essential data are: Alias / device name Device AETitle OsiriX server IP Port (e.g., 1112) Communication test: ping/verify (in the Siemens example, it connected immediately) Settings shown in the video: Siemens: OsiriX server with AETitle “amato”, IP 192.168.1.10, port 1112; use of DICOM auto-store (save automatically, even while the exam is being performed). SonoSite: fixed IP on the device (e.g., 192.168.1.8, DHCP off), sending set up to the OsiriX server; option to send at the end of the exam (for the portable unit) and archiving in the “archiver”. 6) Remote access to the server (for remote administration) Since the server sits “in a corner”, the video shows enabling on the Mac: Sharing → Remote Management to access the server from another Mac. 7) Keep OsiriX running 24/7 The server only exists while OsiriX is open. Add OsiriX to Login Items Use Lingon 3 to keep OsiriX always running: Create a “job” to automatically reopen OsiriX if it closes/is quit In the video: Lingon 3 costs US$ 5 Enable automatic user login on the Mac after a restart (e.g., power outage) 8) How the server appears on the other computers In OsiriX on the client computer, the server appears automatically (via Bonjour). In the example: One node shows the server's studies (database access) Another node appears to receive transfers (drag a study from the client to send it to the server)