What is the primary reason for using grids in radiography?

The primary reason for using grids in radiography is to reduce scatter radiation. Grids are composed of alternating strips of radiopaque material and radiolucent material, which helps to absorb the scattered radiation that occurs when x-rays pass through body tissues. Scatter radiation can degrade the quality of an image by adding unwanted noise, which can obscure the details necessary for accurate diagnosis. By utilizing a grid, the radiographer can improve the contrast of the final image, as it allows the primary radiation—those x-rays that pass straight through the patient and contribute to the image—to reach the image receptor while filtering out the scattered rays.

This improved image quality is essential for an accurate interpretation of diagnostic images, as it ensures that the structures of interest are clearly defined and distinguishable from one another. The use of grids is particularly beneficial in situations where the patient has a high level of tissue density or thickness, which tends to generate a higher amount of scatter radiation.