When digital imaging receptors are used, an exposure at 90 kVp would require a grid.

• A. Would require a grid
• B. Would not require a grid
• C. It depends on patient size
• D. No grid needed

Answer: (A)

High kilovoltage increases scatter inside the patient, and scatter degrades image contrast by adding unwanted exposure that doesn’t carry true anatomical detail. A grid helps by absorbing much of that scattered radiation before it reaches the digital detector, which preserves or improves contrast and makes structures easier to see. Digital receptors handle a wide range of exposures, but they still benefit from reducing scatter, especially at 90 kVp where scatter is more prominent. Because of this, using a grid at this exposure level is the standard practice to maintain diagnostic image quality, even though the grid does introduce some loss of beam intensity that may require a slight increase in exposure to compensate.