What is the main purpose of using a grid in radiography?

The primary purpose of using a grid in radiography is to enhance image contrast. Grids are employed to reduce the amount of scatter radiation that reaches the image receptor during an x-ray examination. Scatter radiation can significantly degrade the quality of an image by adding unwanted gray shades, thus obscuring the details of the structures being imaged. By limiting this scatter, a grid helps to produce a clearer and more defined image with better contrast between different anatomical structures.

Enhancing image contrast is critical for accurate diagnosis and interpretation, as it allows radiologists and technologists to better differentiate between tissues and detect abnormalities. This makes the use of grids particularly valuable in examinations where detail is essential, such as in imaging of the abdomen or thorax.