Reporting and Data Systems (RADS)

ACR Reporting and Data Systems (RADS) serve as a standardized framework for characterizing and reporting imaging findings. The primary objective of ACR RADS is twofold: to facilitate effective communication between radiologists and referring physicians and enhance consistency in terminology across reports.

The ACR originated the first RADS in 1992 with the development of BI-RADS. Since then, the RADS moniker has become linked with standardized reporting frameworks and the ACR brand. ACR discourages use of the term RADS except for RADS that have been officially adopted by ACR. However, ACR does not have rights to the term RADS; therefore, other societies and non-affiliated authors have used this term for publications. RADS programs developed by other societies in collaboration with the ACR are described below. Our commitment to quality and ACR standards apply only to RADS developed or endorsed by ACR.

Key features of most RADS include:

• Standardized Terminology: RADS employ a lexicon to consistently describe findings.
• Risk Assessment Algorithms: Committees develop structured algorithms to measure the risk of malignancy or disease. Risk assessments include terms such as “normal”, “negative”, “benign”, “definitely malignant”, and “high risk.”
• Report Organization Guidance: RADS offer guidance on structuring reports.
• Data Collection Recommendations: Some RADS systems recommend follow-up data collection for monitoring and improving performance.
• Modality Dependence: RADS are tailored to specific imaging modalities.
• Comprehensive Tools: ACR provides a suite of tools, including lexicons, risk stratification systems, atlases, report templates, and white papers.

In 2022, the ACR approved a proposal to improve the consistency, transparency, and administrative oversight of ACR RADS. This resulted in the creation of the ACR RADS Steering Committee. Learn more in the JACR article.

• Soft Tissue-RADS — Soft Tissue Lesions
• Brain Tumor-RADS — Brain Tumor
• TBI-RADS — Traumatic Brain Injury
• PE-RADS — Pulmonary Embolism
• VI-RADS — Vesical Imaging
• KI-RADS — Kidney Masses

No current topics under consideration.

Yes. Please fill out the form to submit your proposal.

The Committees in Quality and Safety want to hear about your experience with published RADS. Help us ensure the effectiveness of the guidelines. Each system listed will be available for a 90-day period.

There are no publications available for comment at this time.

This collection of expert consensus papers are collaborative efforts developed by multi-society multidisciplinary working groups with the goal of improving communication between radiologists and referring physicians.