All termsProtocols
C-FIND
The DICOM query service — asks an archive for studies, series, or images matching given criteria.
When to use it
When a viewer or system needs to search the PACS/VNA, or a modality pulls its worklist.
In plain terms
Searching the library catalog for matching records.
Common gotchas
- C-FIND returns metadata, not images — retrieval is a separate C-MOVE / C-GET.
- Query levels (study/series/image) and matching keys must be supported by the SCP.
- Overly broad queries can hammer the archive.