The Digital Imaging and Communications in Security (DICOS) standard, designated as NEMA IIC 1 v01, provides a data interchange protocol and interoperable, extensible file format to facilitate data information interchange (demographic information, x-ray radiographs, CT images, material specific information, trace detection signatures, threat assessment, etc.) of objects of inspection (checked luggage, carry-on luggage, parcels, and personnel, etc.) for security screening applications.

NEMA IIC 1 v01 is inspired by, and relies heavily on, elements of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM). NEMA IIC 1 v01 adapts DICOM as necessary for security screening applications. Reflecting its DICOM heritage, NEMA IIC 1 v01 includes many references to certain elements of the DICOM standard. In text, these references take the general form "see DICOM PS X.Y." Other elements of NEMA IIC 1 v01, while initially inspired by DICOM, have been adapted for airport security screening applications. NEMA IIC 1 v01 reflects these adaptations.

NOTE—From this point forward, while NEMA IIC 1 v01 is retained as the formal standard designation, NEMA IIC 1 v01 is referenced as DICOS v01, its informal designation.