What is the result of using a higher grid ratio during an x-ray procedure?

Using a higher grid ratio during an x-ray procedure primarily leads to decreased receptor exposure. A grid is used to improve the quality of the radiographic image by reducing the amount of scattered radiation that reaches the image receptor. When a higher grid ratio is employed, the grid is more effective at removing this scatter; however, it also means that a greater proportion of the primary radiation beam is absorbed by the grid itself.

This absorption of primary radiation results in less radiation reaching the receptor, consequently decreasing the level of exposure. As a result, technologists often need to adjust exposure settings (like increasing the milliampere-seconds, or mAs) to compensate for this decreased receptor exposure, aiming to maintain appropriate image quality while minimizing patient dose.

The other options might describe different outcomes under certain circumstances, but they do not accurately reflect the effect of increasing the grid ratio on receptor exposure in a straightforward manner.