When using a grid, how does patient exposure change?

When using a grid, patient exposure increases significantly primarily due to the grid's purpose of improving image quality by reducing scatter radiation. Grids are designed to absorb scattered photons that would otherwise reach the image receptor, thus enhancing contrast and sharpness of the radiographic image. However, by absorbing some of the useful radiation as well, higher exposure levels are required to ensure sufficient density and detail in the final image.

To achieve the necessary levels of usable radiation, the radiologic technologist must increase the exposure settings (such as milliampere-seconds or kV). As a result, the amount of radiation that the patient is exposed to tends to rise significantly during procedures involving grids, necessitating careful consideration of these exposure factors to manage dose effectively while maintaining diagnostic image quality. This understanding helps for optimization in clinical practice to balance image quality and patient safety.