How to convert DICOM image file into TIFF?

The introduction of digital medical image sources in the 1970’s and the use of computers in processing these images after their acquisition led the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to form a joint committee in order to create a standard method for the transmission of medical images and their associated information. This committee, formed in 1983, published in 1985 the ACR-NEMA Standards Publication No. 300-1985. Prior to this, most devices stored images in a proprietary format and transferred files of these proprietary formats over a network or on removable media in order to perform image communication. While the initial versions of the ACR-NEMA effort (version 2.0 was published in 1988) created standardized terminology, an information structure, and unsanctioned file encoding, most of the promise of a standard method of communicating digital image information was not realized until the release of version 3.0 of the Standard in 1993. The release of version 3.0 saw a name change, to Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), and numerous enhancements that delivered on the promise of standardized communications.

The DICOM Standards Committee exists to create and maintain international standards for communication of biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic information in disciplines that use digital images and associated data. The goals of DICOM are to achieve compatibility and to improve workflow efficiency between imaging systems and other information systems in healthcare environments worldwide. DICOM is a cooperative standard. Therefore, connectivity works because vendors cooperate in testing via scheduled public demonstration, over the Internet, and during private test sessions. Every major diagnostic medical imaging vendor in the world has incorporated the standard into their product design and most are actively participating in the enhancement of the Standard. Most of the professional societies throughout the world have supported and are participating in the enhancement of the standard as well.

DICOM is used or will soon be used by virtually every medical profession that utilizes images within the healthcare industry. These include cardiology, dentistry, endoscopy, mammography, opthamology, orthopedics, pathology, pediatrics, radiation therapy, radiology, surgery, etc. DICOM is even used in veterinary medical imaging applications.

DICOM file format is only supported by special programs shipped together with medical diagnostic equipment. Few programs fully support DICOM specification. No one can guarantee that you'll be able to open DICOM images you've received in your colleague's e-mail message or on CD-ROM.
If you need to develop a database to store roentgenograms or backup your files, it is advisable that you convert DICOM files to TIFF.

To convert DICOM files to TIFF:

• Download and install Image Converter Command Line program
• Press 'Start" button, then select 'Run...' and press it
• Enter the following command line:
ICPCL.exe -convertto tiff -source "C:\DICOM Images\*.dcm" -dest "C:\out" -save_opt convert_subfolders:yes restore_subfolders:yes
• Press 'OK' button
• A DOS mode window will open and the conversion process will start
• Converted files will be stored in 'C:\out' folder

If you do conversions often you may found it more convenient to make a conversion script as a BATCH-file.