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Specialists reviewing your case need the right formats. Scans such as CT and MRI should be shared as a full DICOM study, the international standard for medical images, not as screen photos. Written reports can be sent as PDFs. Pathology slides or blocks are physical items released by the laboratory. Your case manager tells you which you need.
IndiaMedicaMedical image and report formats explained| Format | What it is | How to share it |
|---|---|---|
| DICOM imaging study | The international standard for medical images and related data | Full study on a disc or download link from the imaging centre |
| Written scan report | A radiologist’s summary of what the images show | PDF scan alongside the images, not instead of them |
| Heart imaging | Studies such as echocardiograms and angiograms from cardiology equipment | Ask for the full image files as well as the report |
| X-ray | An image made with a type of electromagnetic radiation | Digital image files from the centre, plus the report |
| Pathology report | A pathologist’s description of a tissue specimen and the diagnosis | PDF copy |
| Pathology slides and blocks | Thin tissue sections and the wax block they were cut from | Released by the laboratory or hospital; ask about its process early |
| Phone photo of a screen | A snapshot that loses detail | Use only for a quick look, never as the main record |
| Discharge and operation notes | Hospital records of past treatment | PDF copies with dates clearly visible |
What is DICOM?
DICOM stands for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine. The DICOM Standards Committee describes it as the international standard for medical images and related information. It is built into most radiology, cardiology imaging and radiotherapy equipment. Its use is growing in ophthalmology and dentistry.
Why is the report not enough?
A report is one doctor’s reading of the images. A specialist planning surgery often needs to look at the images directly. The full DICOM study lets them do that on their own viewing software.
How are pathology samples shared?
The National Cancer Institute explains that tissue is preserved in a paraffin wax block. Thin sections are cut onto slides for examination. For a second pathology opinion, the slides or block usually come from the original pathologist or hospital. Contact that facility in advance to ask how it releases them.
Share health files securely
Do not email medical files without encryption. IndiaMedica provides a secure link once your case manager has told you which reports are needed.
What about X-rays?
MedlinePlus describes X-rays as a type of electromagnetic radiation used to make images. Ask the centre for the digital image files as well as the written report.
Questions people ask
How do I get my scans in DICOM format?
Ask the hospital or imaging centre that did the scan for the complete study on a disc or USB drive, or through a download link. Ask for every series, not only selected images.
Can I send a PDF of my scan instead?
A PDF of the written report is useful, but it is not the images. Specialists usually want the full imaging study as well. Send both. Your case manager will tell you if the files you sent cannot be opened.
Sources
- DICOM Standards Committee — About DICOM
- National Cancer Institute — Pathology reports
- MedlinePlus — X-ray
- IndiaMedica — Plan your treatment
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.