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

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

• A. Higher patient dose
• B. Longer exposure time
• C. More machine maintenance
• D. Lower image resolution

Answer: (A)

High-ratio grids are great for improving image contrast by reducing scatter, but they also absorb a larger portion of the primary beam. To maintain the same exposure on the image receptor, you must increase the exposure factors, which means delivering more radiation to the patient. That added dose is the main drawback of using a high-ratio grid. The need for longer times isn’t automatic, since exposure can be raised by increasing mA or adjusting kVp, and grid use doesn’t inherently lower spatial resolution. Alignment issues can occur if the grid isn’t positioned correctly, but the central trade-off remains the higher patient dose.

High-ratio grids are great for improving image contrast by reducing scatter, but they also absorb a larger portion of the primary beam. To maintain the same exposure on the image receptor, you must increase the exposure factors, which means delivering more radiation to the patient. That added dose is the main drawback of using a high-ratio grid. The need for longer times isn’t automatic, since exposure can be raised by increasing mA or adjusting kVp, and grid use doesn’t inherently lower spatial resolution. Alignment issues can occur if the grid isn’t positioned correctly, but the central trade-off remains the higher patient dose.