Which statement accurately reflects a typical PACS setup?

• A. The archive stores historic data and is central to the system
• B. Modality editors are used to modify patient demographics
• C. The display workstation is not used for interpretation
• D. The network card absorbs power surges

Answer: (A)

A typical PACS setup centers on the archive as the system’s central repository that stores historic studies. Images from modalities are sent to this archive, and clinicians retrieve current and prior studies from it through display workstations. This archiving role provides long-term storage, data integrity, and reliable backup and recovery, tying all parts of the system together so that any image or report can be found and accessed consistently across the network.

The statement that the display workstation is not used for interpretation isn’t accurate because radiologists and clinicians rely on those workstations to view and interpret images with appropriate tools and image quality controls. Demographic data are generally managed in the hospital information system or radiology information system, not edited at the modality level, so modality editors for changing patient demographics aren’t a typical feature. And a network card itself isn’t meant to absorb power surges; protection comes from proper electrical safeguards like surge protectors and uninterruptible power supplies.