The major disadvantage of using a grid during a radiographic procedure is:

The major disadvantage of using a grid during a radiographic procedure is increased patient dose. Grids are designed to improve image quality by reducing the amount of scatter radiation that reaches the film or detector. They do this by allowing only the primary radiation, which carries useful information, to pass through while absorbing scatter radiation, which can degrade image contrast.

However, because grids require an increase in exposure to maintain adequate image quality, they often necessitate a higher dose of radiation to the patient. This is because the primary radiation must be intensified to compensate for the portion that is absorbed by the grid. Therefore, while grids enhance image clarity by improving contrast, their use directly correlates to a higher dose for the patient, making this a significant downside in radiographic practices.

Understanding this trade-off is crucial for radiologic technologists, who must balance the need for quality images with the imperative of minimizing radiation exposure to patients.