OBJECTIVEAccording to the characteristics of digital medicine and the demands of digitalized management in hospitals, we established a storage system that is affordable, highly expandable, and reliable.

METHODSThe multi personal computer storage system (MPCSS) was constructed using hardware and software. The image data were archived from major servers to storage personal computers (PCs) by using Neusoft-picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and backed up on storage PCs. We simulated data loss on storage PCs and then restored the data. We also expanded the storage system to enlarge its capacity.

RESULTSThe average transfer rate from MPCSS was 27.7 MB/s, and the average cost for this system was yen 74/GB. In the testing stage, only 6 of 187 instances of data retrieval (from 100 patients) failed.

CONCLUSIONThe MPCSS is much less expensive than other high capacity systems or devices. It is feasible and suitable for digital image storage.

Computer Storage Devices ; utilization ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Microcomputers ; economics ; Radiology Information Systems ; economics

Objective According to the characteristics of digital medicine and demand of digitized management in hospital, we establish a storage system which is cheap, highly expansible, and reliable. Methods The multi personal computer storage system (MPCSS) was constructed by assembling the hardwares and softwares. The image data were archived from major server to storage PC by using NEUSOFT PACS archiving manage system and backuped on storage PC. We simulated the situation that the data on storage PC was lost and restored the data. We also expanded the storage system to enlarge its capacity. Results Average transfer rate from MPCSS was 27 7 Mbit/s (1 byte=8 bit); average cost for this system was 74 RMB/G; six cases in the 187 repeated reading of 100 patients failed. MPCSS can store backup and restore the image data, and can expand the storage size. Conclusion MPCSS is very cheap compared with other high capacity systems or devices. It is feasible and suitable for digital image storage.