IMPAX can be configured to store different versions of study images, one of which is called the original image (in the JPEG DICOM standard format). When original images are requested, the system looks for uncompressed images—those not in wavelet or lossy JPEG format.
Given that the difference in quality between original and wavelet images is often unnoticeable, many IMPAX users are given access only to wavelet images. Radiologists, however, are typically given the choice of original or wavelet versions.
 | CAUTION! Do not use lossy compressed images (wavelet or JPEG) when dictating mammography studies but only for reference purposes. Ensure that the Client is configured to retrieve original images when dictating mammography studies. |
If you have access to both types and are currently viewing the wavelet version, you can retrieve the original version as needed, if it is available in the system.
To view the original study images if wavelet images are displayed
From the Image area top toolbar, click View Original Images.
The wavelet version is replaced by the original image. If the original is available only in the archive, it must first be retrieved, which may take some time. If the View Original Images tool is disabled, you are already viewing original images or the original image is not available.
You can also set your system to load original images initially.
To open the original study images if wavelet images are displayed
From the List or Configure area bar, click the User ID menu.
Ensure the Show Web Images command is not selected.
If the command is not selected, original image display is already enabled. (If this command does not appear, your system is set to view original images only.) When original image versions are not available in the image cache, compressed versions are displayed instead, and you must use the View Original Images tool to retrieve the original from archive.
Required permissions
General: Image Area Tools > View Original Images operation
General: Set Default Image Type operation