UltraLinq – a web based PACS system
The efficient archiving of report and study images studies being performed across a wide geographical area
A decade ago this archiving would have been done with the use of removable digital media such a CDROMs or DVDs, and before this video cassette. The logistics and security around moving these data from one location to another clearly needed to be addressed - UltraLinq proved to be the solution.
Providing an efficient system to facilitate the essential quality control function that is crucial to any clinical governance arrangement
UltraLinq allows authorised users to access patient studies from any PC terminal with internet access in real-time. Studies carried out in the community are encrypted and uploaded within minutes of completion to a secure central server. From there, the images and reports can be reviewed and assessed by Echotech Clinical Senior Staff using a standard PC on a broadband link. This technology allows the ‘peer review’ of studies if the Cardiac Physiologist requires a second opinion. It also enables Echotech to operate a very thorough quality control system with great efficiency.
Currently, Echotech senior staff review approximately 40% of all studies for quality control / peer review purposes via UltraLinq.co.uk.
Local Cardiologist access to study images
A single simple web based PACS system means Cardiologists working across multiple acute trust sites can access patient studies very easily and therefore greatly reduces the need for a hospital re-scan. Accessing the studies in this way is very convenient for the Cardiologist as well as being time efficient.
Immediate Cardiological Clinical Review - Ultralinq.co.uk allows for immediate access to reports and study images. When major abnormalities are detected in the Community, Echotech Cardiac Physiologists email the UltraLInq 'refer exam' link to the Echotech Clinical Lead for immediate cardiological clinical review.
UltraLinq works by compressing and encrypting echo studies at the remote location, then transmits them to central server location. The transmission is conducted using 256bit SSL encryption, a system favoured for internet banking services.
