| Attributes are the smallest components that make up a DICOM object. Attributes of a DICOM image object, for example, would include Patient Name, Patient ID, Window Width, and Center. DICOM SCPs often rely on the values of specific Attributes to perform their functions. For example, a 3D reconstruction might not work because certain positioning parameters were missing, or hanging protocols might not function correctly at a workstation because the body part Attribute is missing or encoded in a different Attribute than expected. Some devices check incoming objects (typically images) for the presence of needed Attributes, and if they are not provided the devices refuse to accept the image. While evaluating why an image is not received, the help of an expert or DICOM consultant may be needed because the potential impact of the presence or absence of certain Attributes is not always clear. |