Just like with any software, things can go wrong from time-to-time. Here I will explain some of the most common errors, and you may be able to resolve them yourself.
Too many Logins
This occurs when you “hang licenses” on the software. Opal-RAD is a licensed software, much like Microsoft Word is. When you purchase Microsoft Word, you can install it on up to 5 machines. Opal-RAD is very similar. You can only be logged in under the same user on 3 or 5 machines depending on the version. Be careful to always log off before exiting the software.
If you receive this error message, there should be an icon located on the desktop called Session Terminator. If it is not on the desktop, click Start, and search Session Terminator in the search bar. Here you can terminate all or some of the sessions logged in under that account that is locked out. If Session Terminator is not installed on your computer, you must call the IT department at Great Lakes Imaging and they will establish it for you.
DB Failure
This occurs when the server machine (Computer located in the X-Ray room) is not turned on or has lost internet connection. To resolve this issue, either turn on the computer in the x-ray room or re-connect it to the internet.
If this does not resolve the issue, you will need to call the Great Lakes Techs.
Invalid License
Unfortunately, this issue can only be resolved by Great lakes Technicians. Fear not, this issue is resolved easily. This usually occurs when the x-ray machine was not shut down properly, or if Windows has one of their "awesome updates" that screws everything up.
Images Failing upon clicking Green Check Mark
This error occurs in the UAI portion of the software (The screen where you select body part, view, presentation and actually take your x-rays). If you notice that you hit the green check mark to accept your image and it says Failed with a red text, immediately exit the study and software.
Hit the Windows icon at the very bottom-left of the computer screen and enter services.msc in the search bar. Expand the window and look for OpalImageServer in the list. Right-click on it and select start. Once the process is started you can open up Opal-RAD again. Single left-click the patient you were shooting x-rays and select Add an Image so you can continue the study without having a double-study.
Try and retrieve that last image from the archive by selecting Archive. The last image taken will be at the very top of that list. select it and hit recover. If it is still all white once processed, that image will have to be taken again.
Those processes should always be set for Restart Service under Recovery Options by Great Lakes by default. Although they can stop occasionally from time-to-time depending on unexpected shut-downs, or system crashing of any kind. These errors occur all the time in Windows XP, although still occurring on Windows 7 as well.
Lines on Images/Blurry Images
Typically, these are errors in which one of the Great Lakes Technicians will have to come out and service. Although, there may be a couple things you can adjust yourself.
1. Blurry/Grainy Images - More often than not, this is due to low exposure. If you notice the image is mostly gray with hardly any black, you will need to adjust your technique. A good rule of thumb is to add +10kVp with the same mAs for the same shot. If that does not fix the clarity any bit, your generator may need a calibration to ensure it is producing as much radiation as it "says" it is.
2. Lines on Images - Depending on the equipment you have, this could also be a matter of low exposure. Follow the rule of thumb above (+10kVp), and see if your lines disappear. This typically resolves lines on images taken with a High Frequency generator equipped with a CR reader. If this does not fix your issue, a Great Lakes Technician may have to inspect the CR reader and any cassettes or perform a calibration.
Any other issues, you will have to call into the Great Lakes Office Line, or put in a support ticket here.