A new imaging workstation is a workflow environment that links imaging devices, clinical applications, and information technology (IT), so the user can access imaging software tools across modalities and care areas from anywhere.

Built on the AW and Centricity platforms, GE Healthcare’s (Chalfont St. Giles, UK) Dexus takes imaging workflow to a new degree of efficiency. As integral parts of the Dexus environment, AW Workstation and AW Server provide the portal to a wide range of easy-to-use clinical applications. By streamlining postprocessing and synergizing imaging techniques, it solves productivity needs across computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and interventional applications. In the meantime, the AW Server converts almost any personal computer (PC), laptop, or picture archiving and communication system (PACS) desktop to a two-dimensional (2D), 3D, and 4D postprocessing workstation. Now, the user can remotely review and share images in real time, enabling close collaboration with internal clinicians, stronger referring physician partnerships, more confident diagnoses, and better patient care.

One desktop can be used for all reading needs, including advanced clinical applications across modalities and care areas; optimized protocols, review steps and tools to guide simple image review and analysis; radiology information system (RIS) and PACS combination offers extensive reporting capabilities; an immediate diagnosis in real-time; auto-preprocessing so that exams are instantly ready to read and PACS integration for instant access to online postprocessing and comparison of current and earlier exams; and multiple sessions to minimize workflow interruptions where the user is and access is available from anywhere.

Other features of the system include: smart compression for diagnosis even over low-bandwidth DSL connections; single sign-on verification and encryption for thin-client access over the Internet; and free image importer to load exams from the client PC for 3D post-processing; centralized information storage helps avoid work duplication; save state to readily share 3D imaging work--complete with measurements and annotations--with colleagues; and lastly, built-in security to help implement and uphold privacy policies.

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GE Healthcare