Acceptance testing design and execution for a large-scale PACS installation

The initial installation phase of Large Scale PACS has been completed at three miliary medical centers. As part of the MDIS Project, these PACS have common design characteristics, but differ in implementation. The acceptance test procedure and the results of the test are discussed. Acceptance testing included evaluation of system and component availability over a thirty day period, component and system-wide features and functions, as well as aspects of system integration. Tests were performed using the input and output functions of the PACS. Calibrated signals were injected at various points and system outputs were measured. Differences in component and system performance have been recorded in a database for tracking of status and corrective actions as well as comparison of one system to another. Variation in the performance of a PACS is both observable and measurable. Components such as diagnostic workstations, high performance film digitizers and modality interfaces were tested. Several minor deficiencies were found and are discussed. The variance in component and system performance is traced primarily to the quality of configuration and calibration practices.