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:: SQUID FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access my account/ view my data?
What if I can't login?
What types of images can I store?
What is DICOM?
Can I view my data from any computer at any time?
Can I load images directly from imaging equipment at Duke?
Where will my data be stored?
What is an AE title?
How do I access my account/ view my data?
There are two basic approaches to access your account.

The first is to use a web browser (e.g. IE, Firefox) and logon to SQUID. Select your account from the pulldown list, input your user name, then input your password, type in the antispam number and log on. You will be able to browse, search and view your data using the online viewer (which has limited function). From here you can download zipped image files to your computer or forward to an Application Entity title.

The second approach is to use a DICOM client on your computer to browse your account. Examples are:
  • E-film (http://www.merge.com/)
  • MIPAV (http://mipav.cit.nih.gov/)
  • OSIRIX (http://www.osirix-viewer.com/)
    •       DIAL provides and unnoficial user-guide to OSIRX. Obtain it here.

    After proper configuration you can access your account using such browsers.

    Also you may wish to check the following website for other alternatives and imaging tools: http://www.idoimaging.com/index.shtml
    What if I can't login?
    Check to see if you can access other websites (there could be a problem with the local network). If you cannot get to other websites (e.g. Duke Phone directory) call your local system administrator. If you can get to other websites check the following.

    If you can't login there are several possible reasons:

  • Check your username and password to ensure they are correct for the account you selected (some SQUID users have more than one SQUID account).

  • Make sure to type the antispam code correctly.

  • Has your password expired (90 day rule)?

    • If all of these fail, contact DIAL.
    What types of images can I store?
    In general, all images are stored in native DICOM format or converted to DICOM format. Alternate formats can be converted to DICOM for storage.
    What is DICOM?
    DICOM (Digitial Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is a standard for handling, storing, printing, and transmitting information in medical imaging. It includes a file format definition and a network communications protocol. The communication protocol is an application protocol that uses TCP/IP to communicate between systems
    Can I view my data from any computer at any time?
    No. The SQUID system is inside the PHI network so you must be inside the Protected Health Information network to access the system. The web based viewing is available from any computer (see "How do I access my account?")
    Can I load images directly from imaging equipment at Duke?
    If the equipment is DICOM compliant and has been set up to push to your SQUID account, the answer is yes. For example, the Center for Advanced MR Development can arrange to push the data to SQUID. When you come to the SQUID training session we can confirm what systems need to be configured.
    Where will my data be stored?
    The data is stored on a storage area network (RAID 5) with replicate storage split between Hock Plaza and Duke Hospital for security. The data is backed up with a disk to disk to tape strategy for redundancy. Periodically, the LTO tapes are removed from Hock Plaza to off site media safes for security. If you need additional details for contract negotiation please contact DIAL.
    What is an AE title?
    AE Title. Application Entity Title - The representation used to identify the DICOM nodes communicating between each other. You will be assigned an Application Entity title for each project once you have an account on SQUID

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