A consistent and/or accurate time source is the critical for several applications, e.g. audit trails, or when acquisition data requires synchronization.  For example, when information from an ECG needs to match the actual images acquired as a CINE run, a physician might want to look at the exact image that corresponds with a specific peak in the ECG waveform.  Another reason for synchronization is the recording of audit trails.  If a Security Officer is reviewing the unauthorized access to images by a user, he or she would want to know precisely at what time it occurred to allow tracking back the potential violation of privacy.

The consistent time can be provided by a time server that uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP).

IHE has defined an IT infrastructure integration profile, also called Consistent Time, in this area.