What happens if the grid is positioned incorrectly during an x-ray?

When the grid is positioned incorrectly during an x-ray, it results in grid cut-off. Grids are used in radiography to reduce scatter radiation and improve image quality by enhancing contrast. However, if a grid is misaligned—whether it is tilted or not centered properly—this can lead to partial or complete loss of the primary beam, manifesting as a grid cut-off.

Grid cut-off occurs when the x-ray beam does not pass through the grid properly, often resulting in darker or lighter bands on the final image where the exposure is uneven. This effect diminishes the overall clarity and diagnostic quality of the x-ray image, as it may obscure important anatomical details. Understanding this phenomenon is critical for radiographers to ensure high-quality imaging and accurate diagnoses, hence the importance of proper grid positioning during x-ray procedures.