Which type of grid can help maintain a lower dose while improving image quality?

The high-transmission cellular grid is designed to enhance image quality while simultaneously reducing the radiation dose to the patient. This specific type of grid features a unique construction that incorporates a series of thin, closely spaced lead strips. These lead strips are oriented in a manner that allows for a greater amount of useful radiation to pass through, which improves the image contrast and clarity.

The high-transmission cellular grid achieves this by effectively filtering out scatter radiation, which can degrade image quality. By allowing more primary radiation to reach the detector, it reduces the need for higher doses of radiation to achieve a diagnostic quality image. This is particularly important in mammography, where minimizing radiation exposure is a critical consideration due to the sensitivity of breast tissue.

In contrast, other grid types may not maintain the same balance between dose and image quality. For instance, a linear grid, while effective in controlling scatter, may not optimize the transmission of radiation as efficiently. Conventional grids and cross-hatch grids can also be less effective at maintaining low doses due to their designs, which may not prioritize high transmission rates for key diagnostic images. Therefore, the high-transmission cellular grid is specifically advantageous for both enhancing image quality and reducing patient dose in mammography.