PADANG — The quality of radiographic images is an important factor in supporting accurate disease diagnosis. Images with good contrast and sharpness can help medical professionals observe body structures more clearly. In contrast, images affected by scattered radiation may appear less sharp, potentially making examinations more difficult and increasing the possibility of repeated exposures.
This issue became the focus of a community service activity conducted by a team from Universitas Baiturrahmah. The activity introduced a research results pocket book to radiographers, focusing on the use of grid ratios 8:1 and 6:1 on a cranium phantom to obtain good radiographic image quality. The activity was held on September 17, 2024, at the Radiology Installation of Ibnu Sina Islamic Hospital in Padang.
The activity was carried out by Nerifa Dewilza, Cicillia Artitin, Oktavia Puspita Sari, Sagita Yudha, Santa Mareta, Livia Ade Nansih, M. Redho Agustri, and Berlian Eka Putri. Through the socialization program, radiographers received explanations about the function of grids, the differences between grid ratios 8:1 and 6:1, and the factors that should be considered before using a grid during radiographic examinations.
Radiology is an important part of healthcare services because it produces images through X-ray procedures that support the diagnosis of various medical conditions. However, radiographic image quality is not determined solely by the X-ray equipment. It is also influenced by exposure factors, object positioning, examination type, body-part thickness, and the use of supporting equipment such as grids.
A grid is placed in front of the radiographic film or detector. Its main function is to reduce scattered radiation that may reach the film or detector. Scattered radiation spreads in different directions and does not provide the primary information needed to display the structure being examined. When excessive scattered radiation reaches the detector, image contrast may decrease and object details may become less visible.
By reducing scattered radiation, a grid helps transmit the primary radiation required to form an image. As a result, the radiographic image is expected to have better contrast, clearer structures, and improved quality to support the diagnostic process.
One of the main characteristics of a grid is its grid ratio. Grid ratio refers to the comparison between the height of the grid strips and the distance between the strips or the interspace material. The higher the grid ratio, the greater the grid’s ability to absorb scattered radiation. Several grid ratios commonly used in radiography include 5:1, 6:1, 8:1, 10:1, and 12:1.
The socialization activity specifically discussed grid ratios 8:1 and 6:1 because both types are commonly found and used in hospitals. Based on preliminary studies and observations, grids with ratios of 8:1 and 6:1 are among the types frequently available in radiology facilities.
A grid ratio of 8:1 has a stronger ability to absorb scattered radiation than a grid ratio of 6:1. This ability can produce images with better contrast, particularly when examining thicker body parts or patients whose conditions generate a greater amount of scattered radiation.
However, the use of an 8:1 grid ratio also involves several considerations. A higher grid ratio requires more accurate technical settings and may increase the required radiation dose. In addition, the 8:1 grid is more sensitive to positioning errors. If the grid is not properly positioned or aligned with the X-ray beam, image quality may decrease and the examination may need to be repeated.
Meanwhile, a 6:1 grid ratio has a lower ability to absorb scattered radiation than an 8:1 grid. Nevertheless, it can still produce sufficiently good image quality under certain examination conditions. The 6:1 grid may also be considered when reducing radiation dose is an important concern.
Therefore, grid selection should not be based solely on the assumption that a higher ratio is always better. Radiographers need to adjust the grid to the examination requirements, the thickness of the object, the amount of scattered radiation, the patient’s condition, and the need to maintain an appropriate radiation dose.
During the activity, the presenters delivered educational material using the research results pocket book. Radiographers were shown examples of images produced using grid ratios 8:1 and 6:1 on a cranium phantom. These examples were used to explain differences in image quality, particularly in terms of radiographic density, contrast, and the ability to display anatomical details.
The socialization program was not limited to a presentation. It was followed by a question-and-answer session and a discussion with radiographers at the Radiology Installation of Ibnu Sina Islamic Hospital. Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions about grid use in routine radiographic examinations.
One important topic discussed during the activity was the indicator that a grid had been selected according to the examination requirements. Based on the explanation provided, a grid can be considered appropriate when the resulting image has good contrast, does not require an excessive increase in radiation dose, and does not lead to repeated exposures.
Radiographers also learned that an 8:1 grid ratio is more recommended for adult patients or thicker body parts. These conditions tend to produce more scattered radiation and therefore require a grid with a stronger absorption capacity. In contrast, a 6:1 grid ratio may still be considered for examinations that generate a lower amount of scattered radiation.
The research results pocket book also explained that the use of an 8:1 grid ratio on a cranium phantom produced an increase in radiographic density. This result was associated with the grid’s stronger ability to absorb scattered radiation. Meanwhile, the radiographic density produced using a 6:1 grid ratio decreased because its ability to absorb scattered radiation was lower.
The activity showed that radiographers gained a better understanding of the differences between grid ratios 8:1 and 6:1. Participants also received additional practical references regarding the selection of an appropriate grid to obtain optimal radiographic image quality.
The improvement in knowledge is expected to contribute positively to radiology services. Radiographers who understand the characteristics of each grid can select the appropriate equipment more accurately, reduce the risk of poor-quality images, and minimize the possibility of repeated examinations. Proper grid use can also help maintain a balance between image quality and patient safety.
Although an 8:1 grid ratio can produce better contrast, it must still be used carefully. Radiation dose, positioning accuracy, and clinical requirements should remain the main considerations. The inappropriate use of a grid may create additional problems, such as increased radiation exposure, image errors, or repeated examinations.
This community service activity represents one form of contribution by higher education institutions to improving the competence of healthcare professionals. Through the distribution of research findings in the form of a pocket book, technical information that was previously available mainly in research reports can be more easily understood and applied by radiographers in their daily services.
Overall, the socialization of the research results pocket book on the use of grid ratios 8:1 and 6:1 provided benefits for radiographers at the Radiology Installation of Ibnu Sina Islamic Hospital in Padang. The activity strengthened their understanding of grid functions, differences in scattered-radiation absorption capacity, and the importance of selecting a grid based on examination needs.
Appropriate grid selection is expected to help produce better radiographic images, support accurate diagnosis, reduce repeated exposures, and ensure that radiation doses remain within the requirements of the examination. In this way, the research findings serve not only as an academic reference but also as a practical resource for improving the quality of radiology services.
Author Profile
Nerifa Dewilza, Cicillia Artitin, Oktavia Puspita Sari, Sagita Yudha, Santa Mareta, Livia Ade Nansih, M. Redho Agustri, and Berlian Eka Putri are researchers from Universitas Baiturrahmah. Their community service activity focused on improving radiographers’ understanding of grid ratio selection in cranial radiographic examinations.
Article Source
Article title: Socialization of the Research Results Pocket Book to Radiographers on the Use of Grid Ratio 8:1 and 6:1 on Cranium Phantoms to Obtain Good Image Quality in the Radiology Installation of Ibnu Sina Hospital Padang
Authors: Nerifa Dewilza, Cicillia Artitin, Oktavia Puspita Sari, Sagita Yudha, Santa Mareta, Livia Ade Nansih, M. Redho Agustri, and Berlian Eka Putri
Journal: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Formosa (JPMF), Volume 5, Number 4, August 2026, pages 401–408
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jpmf.v5i4.12
Journal link: https://journaljpmf.my.id/index.php/jpmf
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