PID
Also written as: PID — Position-Indicating Device
Abbreviation for Position-Indicating Device, the tube-like attachment on a dental X-ray unit used to direct the beam and standardise the source-to-receptor distance.
Full Definition
PID stands for Position-Indicating Device and is the standard abbreviation used in dental radiology clinical documents, technique manuals, and research papers. It supersedes the older colloquial term 'cone', which is no longer considered accurate for modern rectangular devices. Editors should ensure PID is defined at first mention and note that in some older literature it may appear as 'BID' (beam-indicating device). The abbreviation is written in full capitals without periods.
Usage
Usage note: Write without periods: 'PID', not 'P.I.D.' Define at first use. Prefer over the informal 'cone' in clinical and formal documents.
In Context
- "The PID length was extended from 20 cm to 40 cm to reduce image magnification." — Radiographic technique comparison study
- "Please ensure 'PID' is expanded to 'position-indicating device' on first appearance in the manuscript." — Editorial annotation