What are the benefits of using a higher ratio grid compared to a lower ratio grid?

A higher ratio grid demonstrates increased efficiency in reducing scatter radiation while allowing more primary radiation to reach the image receptor. This increased efficiency is due to the design of higher ratio grids, which have more lead strips compared to interspace material than lower ratio grids. As a result, they are more effective at absorbing scatter, leading to improved image quality with enhanced contrast.

The benefit of using a higher ratio grid is particularly evident in procedures where the patient has significant soft tissue density or when imaging thicker body parts, as it enhances the overall contrast of the resulting image. Higher ratio grids capture more of the useful primary radiation and minimize the amount of scatter that reaches the film or digital detector, thereby enhancing clarity and detail in the diagnostic image.

While it’s important to note that higher ratio grids do typically require adjustments in exposure settings, such as using lower milliampere-seconds (mAs) due to the increased efficiency, the core advantage lies in their ability to provide improved image quality through better scatter reduction.