What is the impact of using a higher ratio grid on image contrast?

Using a higher ratio grid positively impacts image contrast by increasing it. Grids are designed to absorb scatter radiation that can degrade image quality. When a grid with a higher ratio is used, it demonstrates greater efficacy in absorbing this scatter while allowing more of the primary radiation to pass through. This results in a clearer distinction between various densities in the image, thus enhancing the overall contrast.

A higher ratio indicates a greater height of the lead strips relative to the distance between them, which assists in better clean-up of scatter. This cleanup is particularly important in radiographic techniques that use higher energies, where scatter is more pronounced. Therefore, by utilizing a higher ratio grid, radiographers can produce images with better contrast, leading to improved diagnostic quality and details discernible in the radiograph.