Hanging protocols: Key concepts

What is a hanging protocol?

The order that a modality generates series within an exam may not match the order a radiologist prefers to view them. To override the modality's series ordering, you can configure hanging protocols.

A series that satisfies a hanging protocol rule is moved ahead of a series that does not satisfy that rule. (When multiple series satisfy a given rule, modality ordering is used for them.) While the hanging protocol determines the order of the series in a study, the number of series placed on a screen at any given time is determined by the current screen format and series view mode.

There are two types of hanging protocols:

• User—a hanging protocol defined by the user

• System—a hanging protocol inherited from a role

In the Hanging Protocol tab of the Customize dialog, the Owner column indicates if the hanging protocol is user defined (user) or inherited (system).

Inheriting hanging protocol preferences

Once configured, hanging protocols can be made available to all users or be assigned to specific users or roles. Hanging protocols may be applied by default or be selected with the Set Series Hanging Protocol tool.

Hanging protocols are merged preferences, meaning that preferences set at a higher-level role are added to any changes made at a lower-level role or user. An individual user therefore inherits hanging protocol preferences defined in all of the roles he or she belongs to, along with any personal ones. For details about merged preferences, refer to Preferences: Key concepts.

Determining how hanging protocols are applied

Hanging protocols are applied according to the following rules:

• User or most directly inherited role hanging protocols are applied first. Hanging protocols at the role level are ignored if an applicable hanging protocol at the user level exists.

• DEFAULT modality and body part hanging protocols are not applied if an applicable hanging protocol with more specific triggers exists.

• If duplicate hanging protocols exist, IMPAX applies the first applicable hanging protocol, subject to the conditions above.

Defining hanging protocols by DICOM attributes: modality differences

• With CR studies and MR studies, some attributes are automatically prioritized for rule matching.

• For US multistage stress exams, a preset hanging protocol is available.

• With MG studies, comparative review modes can be applied. Comparative review modes combine hanging protocols with screen formats and study view modes to arrange studies in a particular way.