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16 Best Free and Open Source Linux Medical Imaging Software

Medical imaging is an essential, non-invasive, routine activity performed by radiographers and radiologic technologists. It’s a discipline of the health profession which involves using technology to capture images of the human body.

There are a number of reasons why capturing these images are important to our well-being. First, the images help in the identification and examination of diseases, and physical injuries such as broken bones and ruptured blood vessels, as well as assisting in diagnosing suitable treatments. Medical imaging is also crucial in an educational role.

Imaging capturing devices for medical purposes use the DICOM image format. DICOM is an acronym for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine. It’s the standard open image format used to handle, store, print and transmit information in medical imaging. This article focuses on software that lets you view images generated from DICOM devices.

DICOM enables the connectivity and exchange of data between:

  • Image Acquisition Devices / Modalities: X-Ray, CT, MR, NM, US.
  • Image Management Systems (PACS).
  • Diagnostic Workstations.
  • Storage and Archive Products.
  • Radiology Information Systems (RIS).
  • Cardiology Information Systems (CIS).
  • Radiation Therapy Planning Systems.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 16 Linux medical imaging software. Here’s our verdict captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion.

Ratings chart for the best free and open source medical imaging tools

Click the links in the table below to learn more about each tool.

Medical Imaging Software
3D SlicerGeneral purpose biomedical software with visualization and analysis
XMedconMedical Image Conversion Utility
WeasisMultipurpose standalone and web-based DICOM viewer
MRIcroGL Provides tools for 2D and 3D display of medical images
GATENumerical simulations in medical imaging and radiotherapy
dcm4cheDICOM implementation in Java
AMIDEA Medical Imaging Data Examiner
InVesaliusGenerate 3D medical imaging reconstructions
SMILIThe Simple Medical Imaging Library Interface
Ginkgo CADxAdvanced DICOM viewer and dicomizer with conversion functionality
ImageJ General image processing program with DICOM support
StarviewerMedical imaging software fully compliant with the DICOM standard
Aeskulap Medical image viewer
kradviewDICOM viewer
DicomBrowserInspect and edit DICOM header fields, and DICOM viewer
openDICOM.NETDICOM library project

This article has been revamped in line with our recent announcement.

Best Free and Open Source SoftwareRead our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software.

The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk.

There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more.
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