What is a major disadvantage of lossless compression in imaging?

Lossless compression is a technique used in imaging that reduces the file size without sacrificing image quality. This is crucial in fields like mammography, where maintaining the integrity of the images is essential for accurate diagnosis. However, a significant disadvantage of lossless compression is that it can result in longer transmission times.

When images are compressed losslessly, while the file size is reduced compared to the original uncompressed size, it is typically still larger than what lossy compression would yield. Consequently, transmitting these files over networks can take more time, especially in situations where bandwidth is limited. In clinical settings, where efficiency and speed are paramount, the extended transmission times can hinder workflow, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, while lossless compression maintains quality, it may not always be as efficient in terms of the degree of space saved compared to lossy methods. Therefore, delays caused by longer transmission times can impact the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.