Which of the following conditions results in grid cutoff and potentially less receptor exposure on a radiograph?

Improper centering of the central ray (CR) can lead to grid cutoff, a phenomenon where the grid absorbs too much of the scattered radiation, resulting in diminished receptor exposure. Grids are designed to absorb scatter while allowing primary radiation to pass through; however, if the CR is not properly aligned with the grid, the effectiveness of the grid is compromised.

When the CR is misaligned, especially in the case of focused grids, the ratio of primary X-rays to scattered radiation that can reach the receptor is altered. This results in a decreased amount of useful radiation reaching the detector, leading to areas on the radiograph that appear lighter or less exposed—often described as grid cutoff. This misalignment is particularly significant with focused grids, which have a specific angle and distance for optimal function. If the CR is centered outside the grid’s focal range, the grid will absorb more primary radiation than intended, resulting in less receptor exposure and potential image quality degradation.

Using a higher kilovoltage, excessive mAs, or increasing the source-to-image distance (SID) does not inherently cause grid cutoff. Instead, these factors influence the overall exposure and contrast of the radiograph, but they do not impact the alignment of the CR with the grid as improper cent