Which action is the correct first step when grid alignment is suspected as causing grid cutoff?

• A. Switch to a different imaging modality.
• B. Grid alignment correction: realign the grid/router.
• C. Increase exposure factors.
• D. Reseat the patient or adjust positioning.

Answer: (B)

Grid alignment is about making sure the X-ray beam passes through the grid exactly where it should. When the beam is not properly aligned with the grid—too far off-center or angled relative to the grid lines—the lead strips absorb more of the beam than intended, causing grid cutoff. The quickest and most direct fix is to realign the grid (or the grid assembly) so the central ray is centered and perpendicular to the grid. This reestablishes uniform transmission across the image and removes the cutoff.

Switching to a different imaging modality won’t touch the grid issue, and increasing exposure factors won’t fix misalignment and can just waste dose or overexpose areas. Reseating the patient or adjusting positioning addresses patient-related factors, not the grid alignment itself, so it would not reliably correct grid-related cutoff.