@saibolla/ada 0.1.2

package/skills/pydicom/SKILL.md

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+---
+name: pydicom
+description: Python library for working with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files. Use this skill when reading, writing, or modifying medical imaging data in DICOM format, extracting pixel data from medical images (CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound), anonymizing DICOM files, working with DICOM metadata and tags, converting DICOM images to other formats, handling compressed DICOM data, or processing medical imaging datasets. Applies to tasks involving medical image analysis, PACS systems, radiology workflows, and healthcare imaging applications.
+license: https://github.com/pydicom/pydicom/blob/main/LICENSE
+metadata:
+    skill-author: K-Dense Inc.
+---
+
+# Pydicom
+
+## Overview
+
+Pydicom is a pure Python package for working with DICOM files, the standard format for medical imaging data. This skill provides guidance on reading, writing, and manipulating DICOM files, including working with pixel data, metadata, and various compression formats.
+
+## When to Use This Skill
+
+Use this skill when working with:
+- Medical imaging files (CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, PET, etc.)
+- DICOM datasets requiring metadata extraction or modification
+- Pixel data extraction and image processing from medical scans
+- DICOM anonymization for research or data sharing
+- Converting DICOM files to standard image formats
+- Compressed DICOM data requiring decompression
+- DICOM sequences and structured reports
+- Multi-slice volume reconstruction
+- PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) integration
+
+## Installation
+
+Install pydicom and common dependencies:
+
+```bash
+uv pip install pydicom
+uv pip install pillow  # For image format conversion
+uv pip install numpy   # For pixel array manipulation
+uv pip install matplotlib  # For visualization
+```
+
+For handling compressed DICOM files, additional packages may be needed:
+
+```bash
+uv pip install pylibjpeg pylibjpeg-libjpeg pylibjpeg-openjpeg  # JPEG compression
+uv pip install python-gdcm  # Alternative compression handler
+```
+
+## Core Workflows
+
+### Reading DICOM Files
+
+Read a DICOM file using `pydicom.dcmread()`:
+
+```python
+import pydicom
+
+# Read a DICOM file
+ds = pydicom.dcmread('path/to/file.dcm')
+
+# Access metadata
+print(f"Patient Name: {ds.PatientName}")
+print(f"Study Date: {ds.StudyDate}")
+print(f"Modality: {ds.Modality}")
+
+# Display all elements
+print(ds)
+```
+
+**Key points:**
+- `dcmread()` returns a `Dataset` object
+- Access data elements using attribute notation (e.g., `ds.PatientName`) or tag notation (e.g., `ds[0x0010, 0x0010]`)
+- Use `ds.file_meta` to access file metadata like Transfer Syntax UID
+- Handle missing attributes with `getattr(ds, 'AttributeName', default_value)` or `hasattr(ds, 'AttributeName')`
+
+### Working with Pixel Data
+
+Extract and manipulate image data from DICOM files:
+
+```python
+import pydicom
+import numpy as np
+import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
+
+# Read DICOM file
+ds = pydicom.dcmread('image.dcm')
+
+# Get pixel array (requires numpy)
+pixel_array = ds.pixel_array
+
+# Image information
+print(f"Shape: {pixel_array.shape}")
+print(f"Data type: {pixel_array.dtype}")
+print(f"Rows: {ds.Rows}, Columns: {ds.Columns}")
+
+# Apply windowing for display (CT/MRI)
+if hasattr(ds, 'WindowCenter') and hasattr(ds, 'WindowWidth'):
+    from pydicom.pixel_data_handlers.util import apply_voi_lut
+    windowed_image = apply_voi_lut(pixel_array, ds)
+else:
+    windowed_image = pixel_array
+
+# Display image
+plt.imshow(windowed_image, cmap='gray')
+plt.title(f"{ds.Modality} - {ds.StudyDescription}")
+plt.axis('off')
+plt.show()
+```
+
+**Working with color images:**
+
+```python
+# RGB images have shape (rows, columns, 3)
+if ds.PhotometricInterpretation == 'RGB':
+    rgb_image = ds.pixel_array
+    plt.imshow(rgb_image)
+elif ds.PhotometricInterpretation == 'YBR_FULL':
+    from pydicom.pixel_data_handlers.util import convert_color_space
+    rgb_image = convert_color_space(ds.pixel_array, 'YBR_FULL', 'RGB')
+    plt.imshow(rgb_image)
+```
+
+**Multi-frame images (videos/series):**
+
+```python
+# For multi-frame DICOM files
+if hasattr(ds, 'NumberOfFrames') and ds.NumberOfFrames > 1:
+    frames = ds.pixel_array  # Shape: (num_frames, rows, columns)
+    print(f"Number of frames: {frames.shape[0]}")
+
+    # Display specific frame
+    plt.imshow(frames[0], cmap='gray')
+```
+
+### Converting DICOM to Image Formats
+
+Use the provided `dicom_to_image.py` script or convert manually:
+
+```python
+from PIL import Image
+import pydicom
+import numpy as np
+
+ds = pydicom.dcmread('input.dcm')
+pixel_array = ds.pixel_array
+
+# Normalize to 0-255 range
+if pixel_array.dtype != np.uint8:
+    pixel_array = ((pixel_array - pixel_array.min()) /
+                   (pixel_array.max() - pixel_array.min()) * 255).astype(np.uint8)
+
+# Save as PNG
+image = Image.fromarray(pixel_array)
+image.save('output.png')
+```
+
+Use the script: `python scripts/dicom_to_image.py input.dcm output.png`
+
+### Modifying Metadata
+
+Modify DICOM data elements:
+
+```python
+import pydicom
+from datetime import datetime
+
+ds = pydicom.dcmread('input.dcm')
+
+# Modify existing elements
+ds.PatientName = "Doe^John"
+ds.StudyDate = datetime.now().strftime('%Y%m%d')
+ds.StudyDescription = "Modified Study"
+
+# Add new elements
+ds.SeriesNumber = 1
+ds.SeriesDescription = "New Series"
+
+# Remove elements
+if hasattr(ds, 'PatientComments'):
+    delattr(ds, 'PatientComments')
+# Or using del
+if 'PatientComments' in ds:
+    del ds.PatientComments
+
+# Save modified file
+ds.save_as('modified.dcm')
+```
+
+### Anonymizing DICOM Files
+
+Remove or replace patient identifiable information:
+
+```python
+import pydicom
+from datetime import datetime
+
+ds = pydicom.dcmread('input.dcm')
+
+# Tags commonly containing PHI (Protected Health Information)
+tags_to_anonymize = [
+    'PatientName', 'PatientID', 'PatientBirthDate',
+    'PatientSex', 'PatientAge', 'PatientAddress',
+    'InstitutionName', 'InstitutionAddress',
+    'ReferringPhysicianName', 'PerformingPhysicianName',
+    'OperatorsName', 'StudyDescription', 'SeriesDescription',
+]
+
+# Remove or replace sensitive data
+for tag in tags_to_anonymize:
+    if hasattr(ds, tag):
+        if tag in ['PatientName', 'PatientID']:
+            setattr(ds, tag, 'ANONYMOUS')
+        elif tag == 'PatientBirthDate':
+            setattr(ds, tag, '19000101')
+        else:
+            delattr(ds, tag)
+
+# Update dates to maintain temporal relationships
+if hasattr(ds, 'StudyDate'):
+    # Shift dates by a random offset
+    ds.StudyDate = '20000101'
+
+# Keep pixel data intact
+ds.save_as('anonymized.dcm')
+```
+
+Use the provided script: `python scripts/anonymize_dicom.py input.dcm output.dcm`
+
+### Writing DICOM Files
+
+Create DICOM files from scratch:
+
+```python
+import pydicom
+from pydicom.dataset import Dataset, FileDataset
+from datetime import datetime
+import numpy as np
+
+# Create file meta information
+file_meta = Dataset()
+file_meta.MediaStorageSOPClassUID = pydicom.uid.generate_uid()
+file_meta.MediaStorageSOPInstanceUID = pydicom.uid.generate_uid()
+file_meta.TransferSyntaxUID = pydicom.uid.ExplicitVRLittleEndian
+
+# Create the FileDataset instance
+ds = FileDataset('new_dicom.dcm', {}, file_meta=file_meta, preamble=b"\0" * 128)
+
+# Add required DICOM elements
+ds.PatientName = "Test^Patient"
+ds.PatientID = "123456"
+ds.Modality = "CT"
+ds.StudyDate = datetime.now().strftime('%Y%m%d')
+ds.StudyTime = datetime.now().strftime('%H%M%S')
+ds.ContentDate = ds.StudyDate
+ds.ContentTime = ds.StudyTime
+
+# Add image-specific elements
+ds.SamplesPerPixel = 1
+ds.PhotometricInterpretation = "MONOCHROME2"
+ds.Rows = 512
+ds.Columns = 512
+ds.BitsAllocated = 16
+ds.BitsStored = 16
+ds.HighBit = 15
+ds.PixelRepresentation = 0
+
+# Create pixel data
+pixel_array = np.random.randint(0, 4096, (512, 512), dtype=np.uint16)
+ds.PixelData = pixel_array.tobytes()
+
+# Add required UIDs
+ds.SOPClassUID = pydicom.uid.CTImageStorage
+ds.SOPInstanceUID = file_meta.MediaStorageSOPInstanceUID
+ds.SeriesInstanceUID = pydicom.uid.generate_uid()
+ds.StudyInstanceUID = pydicom.uid.generate_uid()
+
+# Save the file
+ds.save_as('new_dicom.dcm')
+```
+
+### Compression and Decompression
+
+Handle compressed DICOM files:
+
+```python
+import pydicom
+
+# Read compressed DICOM file
+ds = pydicom.dcmread('compressed.dcm')
+
+# Check transfer syntax
+print(f"Transfer Syntax: {ds.file_meta.TransferSyntaxUID}")
+print(f"Transfer Syntax Name: {ds.file_meta.TransferSyntaxUID.name}")
+
+# Decompress and save as uncompressed
+ds.decompress()
+ds.save_as('uncompressed.dcm', write_like_original=False)
+
+# Or compress when saving (requires appropriate encoder)
+ds_uncompressed = pydicom.dcmread('uncompressed.dcm')
+ds_uncompressed.compress(pydicom.uid.JPEGBaseline8Bit)
+ds_uncompressed.save_as('compressed_jpeg.dcm')
+```
+
+**Common transfer syntaxes:**
+- `ExplicitVRLittleEndian` - Uncompressed, most common
+- `JPEGBaseline8Bit` - JPEG lossy compression
+- `JPEGLossless` - JPEG lossless compression
+- `JPEG2000Lossless` - JPEG 2000 lossless
+- `RLELossless` - Run-Length Encoding lossless
+
+See `references/transfer_syntaxes.md` for complete list.
+
+### Working with DICOM Sequences
+
+Handle nested data structures:
+
+```python
+import pydicom
+
+ds = pydicom.dcmread('file.dcm')
+
+# Access sequences
+if 'ReferencedStudySequence' in ds:
+    for item in ds.ReferencedStudySequence:
+        print(f"Referenced SOP Instance UID: {item.ReferencedSOPInstanceUID}")
+
+# Create a sequence
+from pydicom.sequence import Sequence
+
+sequence_item = Dataset()
+sequence_item.ReferencedSOPClassUID = pydicom.uid.CTImageStorage
+sequence_item.ReferencedSOPInstanceUID = pydicom.uid.generate_uid()
+
+ds.ReferencedImageSequence = Sequence([sequence_item])
+```
+
+### Processing DICOM Series
+
+Work with multiple related DICOM files:
+
+```python
+import pydicom
+import numpy as np
+from pathlib import Path
+
+# Read all DICOM files in a directory
+dicom_dir = Path('dicom_series/')
+slices = []
+
+for file_path in dicom_dir.glob('*.dcm'):
+    ds = pydicom.dcmread(file_path)
+    slices.append(ds)
+
+# Sort by slice location or instance number
+slices.sort(key=lambda x: float(x.ImagePositionPatient[2]))
+# Or: slices.sort(key=lambda x: int(x.InstanceNumber))
+
+# Create 3D volume
+volume = np.stack([s.pixel_array for s in slices])
+print(f"Volume shape: {volume.shape}")  # (num_slices, rows, columns)
+
+# Get spacing information for proper scaling
+pixel_spacing = slices[0].PixelSpacing  # [row_spacing, col_spacing]
+slice_thickness = slices[0].SliceThickness
+print(f"Voxel size: {pixel_spacing[0]}x{pixel_spacing[1]}x{slice_thickness} mm")
+```
+
+## Helper Scripts
+
+This skill includes utility scripts in the `scripts/` directory:
+
+### anonymize_dicom.py
+Anonymize DICOM files by removing or replacing Protected Health Information (PHI).
+
+```bash
+python scripts/anonymize_dicom.py input.dcm output.dcm
+```
+
+### dicom_to_image.py
+Convert DICOM files to common image formats (PNG, JPEG, TIFF).
+
+```bash
+python scripts/dicom_to_image.py input.dcm output.png
+python scripts/dicom_to_image.py input.dcm output.jpg --format JPEG
+```
+
+### extract_metadata.py
+Extract and display DICOM metadata in a readable format.
+
+```bash
+python scripts/extract_metadata.py file.dcm
+python scripts/extract_metadata.py file.dcm --output metadata.txt
+```
+
+## Reference Materials
+
+Detailed reference information is available in the `references/` directory:
+
+- **common_tags.md**: Comprehensive list of commonly used DICOM tags organized by category (Patient, Study, Series, Image, etc.)
+- **transfer_syntaxes.md**: Complete reference of DICOM transfer syntaxes and compression formats
+
+## Common Issues and Solutions
+
+**Issue: "Unable to decode pixel data"**
+- Solution: Install additional compression handlers: `uv pip install pylibjpeg pylibjpeg-libjpeg python-gdcm`
+
+**Issue: "AttributeError" when accessing tags**
+- Solution: Check if attribute exists with `hasattr(ds, 'AttributeName')` or use `ds.get('AttributeName', default)`
+
+**Issue: Incorrect image display (too dark/bright)**
+- Solution: Apply VOI LUT windowing: `apply_voi_lut(pixel_array, ds)` or manually adjust with `WindowCenter` and `WindowWidth`
+
+**Issue: Memory issues with large series**
+- Solution: Process files iteratively, use memory-mapped arrays, or downsample images
+
+## Best Practices
+
+1. **Always check for required attributes** before accessing them using `hasattr()` or `get()`
+2. **Preserve file metadata** when modifying files by using `save_as()` with `write_like_original=True`
+3. **Use Transfer Syntax UIDs** to understand compression format before processing pixel data
+4. **Handle exceptions** when reading files from untrusted sources
+5. **Apply proper windowing** (VOI LUT) for medical image visualization
+6. **Maintain spatial information** (pixel spacing, slice thickness) when processing 3D volumes
+7. **Verify anonymization** thoroughly before sharing medical data
+8. **Use UIDs correctly** - generate new UIDs when creating new instances, preserve them when modifying
+
+## Documentation
+
+Official pydicom documentation: https://pydicom.github.io/pydicom/dev/
+- User Guide: https://pydicom.github.io/pydicom/dev/guides/user/index.html
+- Tutorials: https://pydicom.github.io/pydicom/dev/tutorials/index.html
+- API Reference: https://pydicom.github.io/pydicom/dev/reference/index.html
+- Examples: https://pydicom.github.io/pydicom/dev/auto_examples/index.html
+

package/skills/pydicom/references/common_tags.md

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+# Common DICOM Tags Reference
+
+This document provides a comprehensive list of commonly used DICOM tags organized by category. Tags can be accessed in pydicom using attribute notation (e.g., `ds.PatientName`) or tag tuple notation (e.g., `ds[0x0010, 0x0010]`).
+
+## Patient Information Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0010,0010) | PatientName | PN | Patient's full name |
+| (0010,0020) | PatientID | LO | Primary identifier for the patient |
+| (0010,0030) | PatientBirthDate | DA | Date of birth (YYYYMMDD) |
+| (0010,0032) | PatientBirthTime | TM | Time of birth (HHMMSS) |
+| (0010,0040) | PatientSex | CS | Patient's sex (M, F, O) |
+| (0010,1010) | PatientAge | AS | Patient's age (format: nnnD/W/M/Y) |
+| (0010,1020) | PatientSize | DS | Patient's height in meters |
+| (0010,1030) | PatientWeight | DS | Patient's weight in kilograms |
+| (0010,1040) | PatientAddress | LO | Patient's mailing address |
+| (0010,2160) | EthnicGroup | SH | Ethnic group of patient |
+| (0010,4000) | PatientComments | LT | Additional comments about patient |
+
+## Study Information Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0020,000D) | StudyInstanceUID | UI | Unique identifier for the study |
+| (0008,0020) | StudyDate | DA | Date study started (YYYYMMDD) |
+| (0008,0030) | StudyTime | TM | Time study started (HHMMSS) |
+| (0008,1030) | StudyDescription | LO | Description of the study |
+| (0020,0010) | StudyID | SH | User or site-defined study identifier |
+| (0008,0050) | AccessionNumber | SH | RIS-generated study identifier |
+| (0008,0090) | ReferringPhysicianName | PN | Name of patient's referring physician |
+| (0008,1060) | NameOfPhysiciansReadingStudy | PN | Name of physician(s) reading study |
+| (0008,1080) | AdmittingDiagnosesDescription | LO | Diagnosis description at admission |
+
+## Series Information Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0020,000E) | SeriesInstanceUID | UI | Unique identifier for the series |
+| (0020,0011) | SeriesNumber | IS | Numeric identifier for this series |
+| (0008,103E) | SeriesDescription | LO | Description of the series |
+| (0008,0060) | Modality | CS | Type of equipment (CT, MR, US, etc.) |
+| (0008,0021) | SeriesDate | DA | Date series started (YYYYMMDD) |
+| (0008,0031) | SeriesTime | TM | Time series started (HHMMSS) |
+| (0018,0015) | BodyPartExamined | CS | Body part examined |
+| (0018,5100) | PatientPosition | CS | Patient position (HFS, FFS, etc.) |
+| (0020,0060) | Laterality | CS | Laterality of paired body part (R, L) |
+
+## Image Information Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0008,0018) | SOPInstanceUID | UI | Unique identifier for this instance |
+| (0020,0013) | InstanceNumber | IS | Number that identifies this image |
+| (0008,0008) | ImageType | CS | Image identification characteristics |
+| (0008,0023) | ContentDate | DA | Date of content creation (YYYYMMDD) |
+| (0008,0033) | ContentTime | TM | Time of content creation (HHMMSS) |
+| (0020,0032) | ImagePositionPatient | DS | Position of image (x, y, z) in mm |
+| (0020,0037) | ImageOrientationPatient | DS | Direction cosines of image rows/columns |
+| (0020,1041) | SliceLocation | DS | Relative position of image plane |
+| (0018,0050) | SliceThickness | DS | Slice thickness in mm |
+| (0018,0088) | SpacingBetweenSlices | DS | Spacing between slices in mm |
+
+## Pixel Data Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (7FE0,0010) | PixelData | OB/OW | Actual pixel data of the image |
+| (0028,0010) | Rows | US | Number of rows in image |
+| (0028,0011) | Columns | US | Number of columns in image |
+| (0028,0100) | BitsAllocated | US | Bits allocated for each pixel sample |
+| (0028,0101) | BitsStored | US | Bits stored for each pixel sample |
+| (0028,0102) | HighBit | US | Most significant bit for pixel sample |
+| (0028,0103) | PixelRepresentation | US | 0=unsigned, 1=signed |
+| (0028,0002) | SamplesPerPixel | US | Number of samples per pixel (1 or 3) |
+| (0028,0004) | PhotometricInterpretation | CS | Color space (MONOCHROME2, RGB, etc.) |
+| (0028,0006) | PlanarConfiguration | US | Color pixel data arrangement |
+| (0028,0030) | PixelSpacing | DS | Physical spacing [row, column] in mm |
+| (0028,0008) | NumberOfFrames | IS | Number of frames in multi-frame image |
+| (0028,0034) | PixelAspectRatio | IS | Ratio of vertical to horizontal pixel |
+
+## Windowing and Display Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0028,1050) | WindowCenter | DS | Window center for display |
+| (0028,1051) | WindowWidth | DS | Window width for display |
+| (0028,1052) | RescaleIntercept | DS | b in output = m*SV + b |
+| (0028,1053) | RescaleSlope | DS | m in output = m*SV + b |
+| (0028,1054) | RescaleType | LO | Type of rescaling (HU, etc.) |
+| (0028,1055) | WindowCenterWidthExplanation | LO | Explanation of window values |
+| (0028,3010) | VOILUTSequence | SQ | VOI LUT description |
+
+## CT-Specific Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0018,0060) | KVP | DS | Peak kilovoltage |
+| (0018,1030) | ProtocolName | LO | Scan protocol name |
+| (0018,1100) | ReconstructionDiameter | DS | Diameter of reconstruction circle |
+| (0018,1110) | DistanceSourceToDetector | DS | Distance in mm |
+| (0018,1111) | DistanceSourceToPatient | DS | Distance in mm |
+| (0018,1120) | GantryDetectorTilt | DS | Gantry tilt in degrees |
+| (0018,1130) | TableHeight | DS | Table height in mm |
+| (0018,1150) | ExposureTime | IS | Exposure time in ms |
+| (0018,1151) | XRayTubeCurrent | IS | X-ray tube current in mA |
+| (0018,1152) | Exposure | IS | Exposure in mAs |
+| (0018,1160) | FilterType | SH | X-ray filter material |
+| (0018,1210) | ConvolutionKernel | SH | Reconstruction algorithm |
+
+## MR-Specific Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0018,0080) | RepetitionTime | DS | TR in ms |
+| (0018,0081) | EchoTime | DS | TE in ms |
+| (0018,0082) | InversionTime | DS | TI in ms |
+| (0018,0083) | NumberOfAverages | DS | Number of times data was averaged |
+| (0018,0084) | ImagingFrequency | DS | Frequency in MHz |
+| (0018,0085) | ImagedNucleus | SH | Nucleus that is imaged (1H, etc.) |
+| (0018,0086) | EchoNumbers | IS | Echo number(s) |
+| (0018,0087) | MagneticFieldStrength | DS | Field strength in Tesla |
+| (0018,0088) | SpacingBetweenSlices | DS | Spacing in mm |
+| (0018,0089) | NumberOfPhaseEncodingSteps | IS | Number of encoding steps |
+| (0018,0091) | EchoTrainLength | IS | Number of echoes in a train |
+| (0018,0093) | PercentSampling | DS | Fraction of acquisition matrix sampled |
+| (0018,0094) | PercentPhaseFieldOfView | DS | Ratio of phase to frequency FOV |
+| (0018,1030) | ProtocolName | LO | Scan protocol name |
+| (0018,1314) | FlipAngle | DS | Flip angle in degrees |
+
+## File Meta Information Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0002,0000) | FileMetaInformationGroupLength | UL | Length of file meta information |
+| (0002,0001) | FileMetaInformationVersion | OB | Version of file meta information |
+| (0002,0002) | MediaStorageSOPClassUID | UI | SOP Class UID |
+| (0002,0003) | MediaStorageSOPInstanceUID | UI | SOP Instance UID |
+| (0002,0010) | TransferSyntaxUID | UI | Transfer syntax UID |
+| (0002,0012) | ImplementationClassUID | UI | Implementation class UID |
+| (0002,0013) | ImplementationVersionName | SH | Implementation version name |
+
+## Equipment Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0008,0070) | Manufacturer | LO | Equipment manufacturer |
+| (0008,0080) | InstitutionName | LO | Institution name |
+| (0008,0081) | InstitutionAddress | ST | Institution address |
+| (0008,1010) | StationName | SH | Equipment station name |
+| (0008,1040) | InstitutionalDepartmentName | LO | Department name |
+| (0008,1050) | PerformingPhysicianName | PN | Physician performing procedure |
+| (0008,1070) | OperatorsName | PN | Operator name(s) |
+| (0008,1090) | ManufacturerModelName | LO | Model name |
+| (0018,1000) | DeviceSerialNumber | LO | Device serial number |
+| (0018,1020) | SoftwareVersions | LO | Software version(s) |
+
+## Timing Tags
+
+| Tag | Name | Type | Description |
+|-----|------|------|-------------|
+| (0008,0012) | InstanceCreationDate | DA | Date instance was created |
+| (0008,0013) | InstanceCreationTime | TM | Time instance was created |
+| (0008,0022) | AcquisitionDate | DA | Date acquisition started |
+| (0008,0032) | AcquisitionTime | TM | Time acquisition started |
+| (0008,002A) | AcquisitionDateTime | DT | Acquisition date and time |
+
+## DICOM Value Representations (VR)
+
+Common value representation types used in DICOM:
+
+- **AE**: Application Entity (max 16 chars)
+- **AS**: Age String (nnnD/W/M/Y)
+- **CS**: Code String (max 16 chars)
+- **DA**: Date (YYYYMMDD)
+- **DS**: Decimal String
+- **DT**: Date Time (YYYYMMDDHHMMSS.FFFFFF&ZZXX)
+- **IS**: Integer String
+- **LO**: Long String (max 64 chars)
+- **LT**: Long Text (max 10240 chars)
+- **PN**: Person Name
+- **SH**: Short String (max 16 chars)
+- **SQ**: Sequence of Items
+- **ST**: Short Text (max 1024 chars)
+- **TM**: Time (HHMMSS.FFFFFF)
+- **UI**: Unique Identifier (UID)
+- **UL**: Unsigned Long (4 bytes)
+- **US**: Unsigned Short (2 bytes)
+- **OB**: Other Byte String
+- **OW**: Other Word String
+
+## Usage Examples
+
+### Accessing Tags by Name
+```python
+patient_name = ds.PatientName
+study_date = ds.StudyDate
+modality = ds.Modality
+```
+
+### Accessing Tags by Number
+```python
+patient_name = ds[0x0010, 0x0010].value
+study_date = ds[0x0008, 0x0020].value
+modality = ds[0x0008, 0x0060].value
+```
+
+### Checking if Tag Exists
+```python
+if hasattr(ds, 'PatientName'):
+    print(ds.PatientName)
+
+# Or using 'in' operator
+if (0x0010, 0x0010) in ds:
+    print(ds[0x0010, 0x0010].value)
+```
+
+### Safe Access with Default Value
+```python
+patient_name = getattr(ds, 'PatientName', 'Unknown')
+study_desc = ds.get('StudyDescription', 'No description')
+```
+
+## References
+
+- DICOM Standard: https://www.dicomstandard.org/
+- DICOM Tag Browser: https://dicom.innolitics.com/ciods
+- Pydicom Documentation: https://pydicom.github.io/pydicom/