Which are conditions that may result in grid cutoff?

• A. 2 and 3
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 1 and 2
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (D)

Grid cutoff happens when the x-ray beam isn’t properly aligned with the grid. The grid is designed to transmit photons most efficiently through its central axis, so any misalignment can cause the beam to be absorbed more on the edges and produce cutoff. There are three common ways this misalignment can occur: the beam is decentered (not centered over the grid), the setup is outside the grid’s focal distance (off-focus), or the beam and grid are not perpendicular because the tube is angled or the grid is tilted (angulation). Any of these conditions can produce grid cutoff, so all three together cover the possible causes.