An x-ray grid, in use since it was invented in 1913, serves to filter out any radiation that might blur an image produced by an x-ray machine. This allows for a much clearer imagine on the final pictures that medical staff can take a look at to diagnose a problem. During an x-ray, the body absorbs or deflects the majority of the rays, but approximately 1% of the rays pass via a straight line through the body. The rays that do burn onto a film (to create the picture) sometimes obscure the final image if they land on the film in particular angles, so a grid helps to filter out the random rays.
The x-ray grid itself looks kind of like a set of window blinds that are partly opened. Since straight rays allow for a good image, they pass straight through the horizontal strips of the grid onto the film, while the more random angled rays will ideally hit the grid and be deflected elsewhere. These grids are made of extremely thin metal, most often aluminum, nickel or lead. The grid must be made with perfect precision in order to achieve the best possible picture, and the factor by which this is measured is referred to as the “Bucky Factor”. The ratio involves the measure of rays passing through the grid (the straight lines) and those that bounce off (the angled lines which would blur the final image). Grid cut-off is another important detail when choosing x-ray grids. This is when the straight rays bounce off the grid metal along with the undesirable rays, meaning that not enough rays actually reach the film to create a detailed image. This can mean either the grid lines are too thick or they aren’t accurately spaced.
Grids will differ depending on the type of x-ray and where on the body the problem is arising from, but x-rays can be used for a variety of problem identification, including (but not limited to) issues in the abdomen, spine, skull, breast and extremities.
Because x-ray grids are fragile and expensive, a grid protector or encasement is always a good idea to keep damage at bay and extend the life of your equipment. These are typically either made of aluminum or plastic and will help to control the effects of the environment on the grid. With reinforced corners and a sleek, lightweight design, easy to slide channels and with patient comfort in mind, x-ray grid protectors are used widely by medical staff that has an eye towards equipment sustainability and extended life. The protectors won’t interfere with image resolution or quality, and they can be easily slid under the patient or even stood up for discussion with patients, their families, or other medical professionals. This is a very versatile and practical item that will reduce waste or image quality disruption by damage through even regular handling of the x-ray grids.
In particular when it comes to keeping overhead costs low and your equipment in good condition, an encasement can be the best investment you can make for your x-ray machine.
This post was written by Jon Reyes from Daily Health Click. Jon is an expert writer in the health and fitness niche and has been writing and studying topics like this one for over 10 years.