Use this guide for the stage you are at. The free needs discussion does not require medical records; use your secure workspace for formal case materials.
Imaging transfer checklist
Complete signed radiology report
Original DICOM study for each relevant date
Study date, body area, modality, and source facility
A secure transfer or physical-media method accepted by the recipient
Confirmation that files open and match the report
Request the complete study
Request the complete study
DICOM is the international standard for medical images and related information. A screenshot or selected JPEG usually does not represent the full study.
Ask the imaging centre for the original DICOM export
Also request the complete signed radiology report
Keep studies from different dates in clearly named folders
Do not edit embedded patient or study information yourself
Verify before transfer
A transfer can be technically successful while still containing the wrong date, incomplete series, or unrelated study.
Compare patient, date, modality, and body area with the report
Confirm the files open in an appropriate DICOM viewer
Check whether all expected series are present
Retain an untouched backup of the source export
A disc image is not the requested export
An ISO file copies the disc container; changing its extension does not make it a DICOM study. Ask the originating imaging department for a complete export and viewing instructions.
Keep the original disc or export unchanged
Do not upload an ISO or rename it to bypass a file restriction
Confirm the receiving team’s transfer method for raw imaging before sending it
An accepted archive or successful upload does not prove imaging review or AI interpretation
Use the recipient's secure method
Hospitals may use portals, encrypted links, image exchanges, or physical media. Their current instructions determine what is acceptable.
Confirm file-size and upload limits
Avoid ordinary email for large identifiable imaging sets
Ask whether a viewer application should be included
Confirm receipt before deleting any local copy
Illustrative coordination scenario: MRI screenshots without the study
This constructed educational example reflects a common technical gap. It does not describe a real patient or provide an imaging interpretation.
The report arrived, but the original images did not
Situation
An adult in Spain requests an orthopedic review in China for persistent knee symptoms after two prior MRI examinations.
Records received
The packet includes a clinic letter, the newer MRI report, four phone screenshots, and a translated symptom summary.
Record gaps
Neither MRI is available as a DICOM study, the older signed report is missing, and the screenshots do not show whether all sequences were included.
Coordination next step
The patient asks both imaging centres for complete DICOM exports and signed reports. The coordinator records each study date and confirms the receiving service's secure upload method; no conclusion is drawn from the screenshots.
Scope and clinical review status
This guide covers file preparation and transfer only. It does not interpret images, assess image quality for diagnosis, or replace a radiologist or treating clinician.
Primary sources
The DICOM Standard Committee explains the DICOM format and how medical images may be distributed on physical media.
Is a PDF radiology report enough for an outside review?
It may explain the prior interpretation, but the receiving specialist may also need the original image study. Confirm requirements before submission.
Can I convert screenshots into DICOM files?
A conversion would not recreate the missing full study or its original information. Request the original export from the imaging facility.
Should I remove my name from DICOM files?
Do not alter source files yourself. Ask the receiving service whether de-identification is required and use its approved process.
Need to confirm the next step?
Discuss your needs before deciding on a paid review. If you already have a case, return to your secure workspace to confirm the specific records or arrangements with your case team.