Overview

This article explains how to add and configure radiology machines so users can select the correct machine when creating or completing a radiology examination. Machines are grouped by service (XRAY, CT, MRI, USG) and will only be shown on radiology examination screens.

What this feature does

• Creates a new reference type called RAD_MACHINE.
• Allows admins to add machines with associated metadata (AE_TITLE, MODALITY_CODE, SERVICE_CODE).
• Shows machine options in the Radiology Examination screen based on the selected service code.
• Saves the selected machine in the exam record using the new machine_code field.

Before you start

• Permissions: You need access to Reference Data and Service Configuration (or ask your system administrator to perform steps that require database changes).
• Information needed: Hospital machine names and the following values for each machine:
  • AE_TITLE — AE Title used by the machine or PACS. (Ask the technical team or machine vendor if unsure.)
  • MODALITY_CODE — Standard DICOM modality code (for example: CR, DX, CT, MR, US). See DICOM modality ontology for reference.
  • SERVICE_CODE — Choose from: XRAY, CT, MRI, USG.

Step-by-step: Add RAD_MACHINE entries

Only users with access to Reference Data can perform these steps.

1. Go to Reference Data → Create New Reference Type.
2. Enter the reference type name: RAD_MACHINE.
3. Save the reference type.
4. Go to Reference Data → Create New Reference Data.
   
5. Enter the Reference Type name RAD_MACHINE and enter the Reference Code for each machine. For each machine, you can also fill in these keys:
   
   
   • Reference Code: Use a short machine code based on your hospital naming (example: XRY-ROOM1, USG-500).
   • Description Name: Full machine name shown to users (example: Siemens X-Ray Room 1).
     
   • Enter the Associated Key and the Associated Value as follows:
   • AE_TITLE: Enter the AE Title used by the machine / PACS (ask your PACS admin if unknown).
   • MODALITY_CODE: Enter the DICOM modality code (e.g. CR, DX, CT, MR, US).
   • SERVICE_CODE: Select one of XRAY, CT, MRI, or USG.
6. Save each machine entry.

Tip: Keep machine codes consistent and meaningful so staff can quickly identify them when selecting.

Ensure machine selection appears only in Radiology exams

1. OpenThe Diagnostic Support Module
   
2. Open one of the registered patient to the Diagnostic Support Module (Radiology) by clicking the Edit button
3. Confirm that the Radiology Examination screen includes a field/dropdown for Machine or machine_code. (See image for reference)
   
   
4. If you can see the Machine name on the Machine dropdown list, it means that the configuration is successful.

Troubleshooting

Need assistance?

If you cannot complete any of the admin or developer tasks, please contact your system administrator or open a support ticket.