When radiographic grids are used to reduce scatter, which adjustment is typically preferred?

When radiographic grids are used to reduce scatter, which adjustment is typically preferred?

• A. increase mAs
• B. increase kVp
• C. decrease mAs
• D. decrease kVp

Answer: (A)

When a grid is used, scatter is reduced but the primary beam is attenuated, so fewer photons reach the image receptor. To keep receptor exposure and image density consistent, the usual approach is to increase the mAs. This boosts the number of photons in the beam, offsetting the grid’s absorption without degrading image contrast as increasing kVp might. Decreasing mAs would underexpose the image, and increasing kVp would raise penetration and scatter in a way that can lessen image quality and counter the grid’s benefits.

When a grid is used, scatter is reduced but the primary beam is attenuated, so fewer photons reach the image receptor. To keep receptor exposure and image density consistent, the usual approach is to increase the mAs. This boosts the number of photons in the beam, offsetting the grid’s absorption without degrading image contrast as increasing kVp might. Decreasing mAs would underexpose the image, and increasing kVp would raise penetration and scatter in a way that can lessen image quality and counter the grid’s benefits.