XA Protocol

This Supplement defines a pair of storage SOP Classes to distribute defined XA protocols and to record performed XA protocols.

• XA Defined Procedure Protocol Storage SOP Class, which includes acquisition, reconstruction and storage tasks.
• XA Performed Procedure Protocol Storage SOP Class that describes the values actually used in a performed procedure.

The SOP Classes address details including:

• patient preparation & positioning
• equipment characteristics
• acquisition technique
• reconstruction technique
• preliminary image handling such as filtering, enhancement
• results data storage (auto-sending)

The primary goal is to set up the acquisition (and reconstruction) equipment, not to script the entire behavior of the department, or the angiographic suite.

Methods of specification of tube current modulation (and other technical features) vary between vendors and models and are not addressed in standard DICOM data elements.

It is expected that the vast majority of protocol objects will be specific to a certain model and version of acquisition equipment.

Supplement 212 will be further presented and discussed with the Base Working Group in a coming meeting before Public Comment voting.