1.1 This guide provides a listing and description of the fields that are recommended for inclusion in a digital ultrasonic examination data base to facilitate the transfer of such data. This guide is prepared for use particularly with digital image data obtained from ultrasonic scanning systems. The field listing includes those fields regarded as necessary for inclusion in the data base (as indicated by Footnote C in Table 1); these fields, so marked, are regarded as the minimum information necessary for a transfer recipient to understand the data. In addition, other optional fields are listed as a remainder of the types of information that may be useful for additional understanding of the data, or applicable to a limited number of applications.

1.2 It is recognized that organizations may have in place an internal format for the storage and retrieval of ultrasonic examination data. This guide should not impede the use of such formats since it is probable that the necessary fields are already included in such internal data bases, or that the few additions can be made. The numerical listing indicated in this guide is only for convenience; the specific numbers carry no inherent significance and are not a part of the data file.

1.3 The types of ultrasonic examination systems that appear useful in relation to this guide include those described in Practices E 114, E 214 and E 1001. Many of the terms used are defined in Terminology E 1013 and E 1316. The search unit parameters used in this guide follow from those used in Guide E 1065.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.