[Effects of high-strip density anti-scatter grid on image quality and radiation dose].

PURPOSE: Using a new type of a stationary high strip density grid (13/75) for plain films of the abdomen, the effect was evaluated with regard to quality and patient dose in comparison with an established moving radiographic grid (12/40).

METHODS

The high strip density grid (13/75) was compared with a 12/40 grid using test objects and 100 patients per each grid type for plain films of the abdomen. The examinations were carried out via the screen-film system, speed class (SC) 400. Patients' weight, age and dose measurements were recorded. The image quality was evaluated via a multi-reader study using delineation of anatomical structures and a rating scale (score 1-5 or 1-3).

RESULTS

Both measurements with test objects and patients abdominal plain films showed a decrease in radiation dose of 17% using the 13/75 grid, and 24%, respectively. The delineation of 4 out of 7 anatomical structures was slightly reduced with the new high strip density grid (maximum score reduction: 0.4), the image contrast, as well as the radiologists' subjective rating.

CONCLUSION

Apart from an acceptable loss in image quality compared with the 12/40 grid, the new high strip density grid (13/ 75) enables a clear reduction in radiation dose.