What is the Full Form of PET?

The full form of PET is Polyethylene Terephthalate. However, the meaning depends on the context. PET can refer to both a type of plastic and a medical imaging technique.

PET, or Polyethylene Terephthalate, is a strong, lightweight plastic resin commonly used in food and beverage packaging. Its versatility and durability make it a popular choice for bottles, containers, and films. ScienceDirect describes PET as "a linear polyester consisting of organic compounds of repeating ester groups (–COO–)." Its properties, including clarity and barrier properties, make it ideal for packaging applications requiring protection from oxygen and moisture. Aakash Educational Services highlights these qualities. Examples of everyday items made from PET include soda bottles and many food containers.

PET as a Medical Imaging Technique

In the medical field, PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (a tracer) to detect disease in the body. MedlinePlus explains that PET scans are used to look for diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and brain conditions. Cleveland Clinic further details its use in detecting early signs of these conditions. Often, a PET scan is combined with a CT scan (PET-CT scan) to provide more detailed images. National Cancer Institute defines this combined procedure.

In summary, while the letters "PET" are the same, their meaning differs greatly based on the context. The full form is either Polyethylene Terephthalate (a plastic) or Positron Emission Tomography (a medical imaging technique).