Image Pixel
(0028,0100)
Bits Allocated
Keyword: BitsAllocated
Number of bits allocated for each pixel sample. Each sample shall have the same number of bits allocated.
Tag Attributes
- Tag ID
- (0028,0100)
- Compact
- 00280100
- Keyword
- BitsAllocated
- VR
- US — Unsigned Short
- VM
- 1
- Retired
- No
Module(s)
Image Pixel Module
Engineering Notes
Must be 8 or 16 for most modalities. Determines memory allocation for pixel buffer. 16-bit is standard for CT, MR, and DR.
Troubleshooting
Bits Allocated ≠ 8 or 16 causes rejection by most DICOM toolkits. Verify against conformance statement.
Common Values
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 8 | 8-bit (256 levels) — secondary capture, colour |
| 16 | 16-bit (65536 levels) — standard CT/MR/DR |