In a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a method is provided for partial preprocessing of raw image data at an image acquisition workstation connected to the PACS system. The method includes the steps of receiving raw image data from an imaging modality, storing predetermined preprocessing functions applicable to the raw image data, applying at least one and fewer than all of the preprocessing functions to the raw image data to form partially preprocessed raw image data, and transmitting the partially preprocessed raw image data to a PACS network for storage in a preprocessing database. An image acquisition workstation for a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and for partial preprocessing of raw image data is also provided. The image acquisition workstation includes a processing circuit, an imaging modality interface for receiving raw image data, and a software memory coupled to the processing circuit. The software memory stores instructions for receiving the raw image data from an imaging modality, applying at least one and fewer than all of predetermined preprocessing functions to the raw image data to form partially preprocessed raw image data, and transmitting the partially preprocessed raw image data to a PACS network for storage in a preprocessing database.