American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Test with engaging quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your test readiness with multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence.

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Which grid type allows for the highest level of image clarity but requires an increase in mAs?

5:1
6:1
12:1
16:1

The correct answer is: 16:1

The type of grid that allows for the highest level of image clarity while requiring an increase in mAs is the 16:1 grid. Grids are used in radiography to reduce the amount of scatter radiation that reaches the image receptor, which helps enhance contrast and image definition. A higher ratio grid like 16:1 effectively absorbs more scattered radiation compared to lower ratio grids. This results in clearer, higher-quality images as more of the direct radiation contributes to the image instead of being compromised by scatter. However, because the grid absorbs more of the primary beam, a higher amount of milliampere-seconds (mAs) is needed to compensate for this loss. This increase in mAs ensures that sufficient radiation exposure is delivered to produce an optimal image, despite the grid's attenuation. In contrast, lower ratio grids like 5:1, 6:1, and 12:1 provide less scatter reduction and thus require less mAs for adequate exposure. While they improve image quality over non-grid techniques, they do not achieve the same level of clarity as the 16:1 grid. This trade-off between grid ratio and mAs is a fundamental concept in radiographic imaging, emphasizing the balance between image quality and exposure parameters.