How does use of a high ratio grid instead of a low ratio grid affect patient exposure?

Using a high ratio grid as opposed to a low ratio grid typically results in increased patient exposure. This is due to the fact that high ratio grids are designed to be more efficient in reducing scatter radiation, which enhances image contrast and clarity. However, this increased efficiency requires a higher dose of radiation to achieve the same level of image quality.

When using a high ratio grid, more of the primary beam is absorbed before it can reach the image receptor, necessitating an increase in the amount of radiation delivered to the patient to compensate for this loss. Therefore, while the high ratio grid improves the quality of the radiographic image by reducing scatter, it simultaneously leads to an increase in the radiation dose that the patient receives during the imaging procedure.

In contrast, low ratio grids allow more scatter radiation to reach the receptor, which can result in lower patient exposure, although potentially at the cost of image quality. Therefore, understanding the relationship between grid ratios, image quality, and patient exposure is crucial for optimizing radiographic techniques while minimizing patient risk.