What is the primary disadvantage of using a high-ratio grid?

What is the primary disadvantage of using a high-ratio grid?

• A. spatial resolution is decreased
• B. receptor exposure is increased
• C. patient dose must be increased
• D. signal-to-noise ratio is increased

Answer: (C)

High-ratio grids are great for boosting image contrast by absorbing more scattered photons, but that comes at a cost. They also attenuate a larger portion of the primary beam, so to achieve the same brightness on the image receptor you must increase the exposure factors. That added exposure translates to a higher radiation dose to the patient. So the main drawback is the need to raise patient dose to maintain image quality. The other statements don’t fit as the grid’s effect is not primarily about reducing spatial resolution, and receptor exposure is not increased by using the grid; any apparent gain in signal-to-noise ratio depends on the exposure level, not a inherent increase caused by the grid itself.

High-ratio grids are great for boosting image contrast by absorbing more scattered photons, but that comes at a cost. They also attenuate a larger portion of the primary beam, so to achieve the same brightness on the image receptor you must increase the exposure factors. That added exposure translates to a higher radiation dose to the patient. So the main drawback is the need to raise patient dose to maintain image quality. The other statements don’t fit as the grid’s effect is not primarily about reducing spatial resolution, and receptor exposure is not increased by using the grid; any apparent gain in signal-to-noise ratio depends on the exposure level, not a inherent increase caused by the grid itself.