RSNA: Dedicated 3D labs offer many benefits

The production of 3D images using an on-site 3D lab, especially in larger healthcare institutions is a must according to Bradley J. Erickson, MD, PhD, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
He states that 3D imaging is of growing importance in radiology especially in the multi-disciplinary communication and therefore a dedicated 3D lab should be established to achieve, among others:

• Higher standardization: With an on-site lab, it’s easier to get the same set of views for the studies that are performed.
• Single point of contact: A referring physician only has one place to call if there’s a question about an image. If there’s no lab, the radiologist will still get a call and that could impact workflow.
• Enhanced teamwork: 3D labs can act as a uniting force in an enterprise. Since the systems are expensive, there would likely be one central resource pushing departments to work together.
• Administrative buy-in: Since the lab would be an investment, COOs, CIOs and other decision makers who go with an on-site model will be on board from the start, and departments won’t likely have to worry about having the carpet dragged out from beneath the project later on.

Erickson also said that a 3D lab shouldn’t be considered a major money-maker, but departments should be in the black.

Read more about this topic in the Health Imaging report on RSNA: Dedicated 3D labs offer many benefits.