List of medical abbreviations

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 84.137.14.25 (talk) at 06:58, 17 March 2008 (→‎M). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

This is a list of medical acronyms and abbreviations. Note that some items in the following list are informal or slang usage among medical or paramedical professionals (e.g., "GOMER").

The US-based Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires its members to follow a "do not use list":[1]

"Do Not Use" List Official in the United States
Do Not Use Potential Problem Use Instead
U (unit) Mistaken for “0” (zero), the number “4” (four) or “cc” "unit"
IU (International Unit) Mistaken for IV (intravenous) or the number 10 (ten) "International Unit"
Q.D., QD, q.d., qd (daily)
Q.O.D., QOD, q.o.d, qod (every other day)		 Mistaken for each other. Period after the Q mistaken for "I" and
the "O" mistaken for "I" (q.i.d. is four times a day dosing)		 "daily"
"every other day"
Trailing zero (X.0 mg)
Lack of leading zero (.X mg)		 Decimal point is missed X mg
0.X mg
MS Can mean morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate "morphine sulfate"
MSO4 and MgSO4 Confused for one another "morphine sulphate" and "magnesium sulfate"
For possible future inclusion in the Official List:
> (greater than)
< (less than)		 Misinterpreted as the number "7" (seven) or the letter "L".
Confused for one another		 "greater than"
"less than"
Abbreviations for drug names Misinterpreted due to similar abbreviations for multiple drugs Write drug names in full
Apothecary units Unfamiliar to many practitioners. Confused with metric units metric units
@ Mistaken for the number "2" (two) "at"
cc Mistaken for U (units) when poorly written "mL" or "milliliters"
µg Mistaken for mg (milligrams) resulting in one thousandfold overdose "mcg" or "micrograms"

0–9

Abbrv. Meaning
Δ Diagnosis; Also can mean "change"
ΔΔ Differential diagnosis, i.e. the list of possible diagnoses
# Fracture
#NOF Fracture to the neck of the femur
℞ (R with crossed tail) Prescription
Ψ Psychiatry
Σ Sigmoidoscopy
x/12 x number of months
x/40 x number of weeks of pregnancy
x/52 x number of weeks
x/7 x number of days
5-HIAA 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
5-HT Serotonin, 5-Hydroxytryptamine

A

a (a with a bar over it) before, from Latin, ante
A Adenosine
A apical
a.a. of each, from Latin, ana ana
a.a. amino acids:
AAA Abdominal aortic aneurysm, Pronounced "Triple A"
AAT activity as tolerated
AAL Anterior axillary line
AAOx3 Awake, Alert and Oriented to person, place, and time
ab abdominal
Ab Antibody
AB Abortion
ABC aspiration biopsy cytology
ABC(resuscitation) Airway,Breathing,Circulation
ABCD "Asymmetry, borders, color, diameter" features on considering "is it a Malignant Melanoma"?
ABCs
(ABCDEs)		 airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure. Refers to priority of needs in emergency situations. Exact spell-out and details after "C" vary by institution, but the "ABCs" theme is recurrent.
Abd abdomen
ABE Acute bacterial endocarditis
ABG Arterial Blood Gas
ABI Acquired brain injury
ABMT Autologous bone marrow transplantation
Abn abnormal
ABO Landsteiner's blood grouping system
ABPA Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis
ABPI Ankle brachial pressure index
ABVD doxorubicin bleomycin vinblastine dacarbazine First-line treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
ABX antibiotics
a.c.; AC before meal, from Latin, ante cibum
ACB Aaortocoronary bypass
AC&BC air conduction and bone conduction, as in Weber test
Acc Accomodation
ACCU Acute coronary care unit
ACD Anemia of chronic disease
Ace Acetone
ACE Angiotensin converting enzyme
ACEI Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
ACh Acetylcholine
AChE Acetylcholine esterase
ACL Anterior cruciate ligament
ACLS Advanced cardiac life support
ACS Acute Coronary Syndrome
ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone
ACU Ambulatory care unit
ad. right ear
AD Alzheimer's Disease
AD acute distress
AD right ear (auris dextr.)
ADA Adenosine deaminase
ADC AIDS dementia complex
ADCC Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity
ADD Attention Deficit Disorder
ADH Antidiuretic hormone
ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHR Autosomal-dominant hypophosphatemic rickets
ADL activities of daily living
ad lib as desired from Latin, ad libitum
adm admission
Adn Adnexae (Adnexa of uterus)
ADP Adenosine Diphosphate
ad part. dolent to the painful parts, from Latin, partes dolentes
ADR Adverse drug reaction
AED Automated external defibrillator
AED Anti-epileptic drugs
AEM Ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring
AF Atrial fibrillation
AF Atrial flutter
AF Amniotic fluid
AFB acid fast bacilli
AFib atrial fibrillation
AFO ankle-foot orthosis
AFP Alpha-fetoprotein
Ag Antigen
AGA Anti-gliadin Antibodies
AGA appropriate gestational age - Birth weight
AGES criteria Age, Grade, Extent, Size...for tumors
AGN Acute glomerulonephritis
a.h. every other hour, from Latin, alternis horis
AHF Antihemophilic factor
AHG Antihemophilic globulin
AHH aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase
AHR Airway hyper-reactivity
AI Artificial insemination
AI Aortic insufficiency
AICD Automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
AID Artificial insemination by donor
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AIH artificial insemination by husband
AIHD artificial insemination by pooled husband and donor semen
AIPD Acute infectious and parasitical diseases, Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis, Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
AIIRB Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
AIN Acute interstitial nephritis
AIS Adenocarcinoma-in-situ
aka also known as
AKA Above knee amputation
ALA Aminolevulinic acid
Alc Alcohol
ALG Antilymphocytic globulin
ALI Acute lung injury
Alk phos alkaline phosphatase (sometimes abbreviated as ALP)
ALL Acute lymphocytic leukemia
ALP Alkaline phosphatase (sometimes abbreviated as Alk phos)
ALPS Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ALS Advanced Life Support
ALT Alanine transferase
altern. d. every other day, from Latin, alterno die
AMA Advanced Maternal Age (35 years or greater)
AMA Against Medical Advice
AMA Anti-mitochondrial Antibodies
Amb ambulate
AMC Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
AMI Acute myocardial infarction
AML Acute myelocytic leukemia
AMP Adenosine monophosphate
Amp ampule, ampere
AMPA receptor Alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor of the brain
AMS Acute mountain sickness
AMS atypical measles syndrome
Amt aAmount
ANA Anti-nuclear antibody
ANCA Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
ANDI Aberrations of normal development and involution [of breast]
ANF Atrial natriuretic factor
ANP Atrial natriuretic peptide
ANS Autonomic nervous system
Ant anterior
Anti- refers to an antibody to the antigen
ANUG Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
A&O aware and oriented
A&Ox3 Alert and Oriented to person, place, and time
A&Ox4 Alert and Oriented to person, place, time, and circumstances (often used interchangeably with A&Ox3)
AODM adult onset diabetes mellitus - Diabetes mellitus type 2
AOM Acute otitis media
a.p. before dinner, from Latin, ante prandium
AP Alkaline phosphatase
AP anteroposterior (Anatomy, Obstetrics, Radiology)
A&P Auscultation and Percussion
APC Antigen-presenting cell, Activated protein C
APACHE II Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II
APAP acetaminophen, paracetamol; from the chemical name N-acetyl-para-aminophenol
APC atrial premature contractions - Premature atrial contraction
APD adult polycystic disease
APD Automated peritoneal dialysis
APKD adult polycystic kidney disease
APECED Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy
APH Antepartum haemorrhage
APLS antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
applic. Applicandus, from Latin, to be applied
APMPPE Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy
APSAC Anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex
APS Autoimmune polyendocrine/polyglandular syndrome
aPTT Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
aq. Water, from Latin, aqua
aq. bull. Boiling water, from Latin, aqua bulliens
aq. calid. Warm or hot water, from Latin, aqua calida
aq. dist. Distilled water, from Latin, aqua distillata
aq. gel. Cold water, from Latin, aqua gelida
AR Aortic regurgitation
ARB Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
ARC AIDS related complex
ARDS Acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARF Acute renal failure
Arg Arginine
ARM Artificial rupture of membranes (also abbreviated as AROM)
AROM active range of motion
AROM Artificial rupture of membranes
ART antiretroviral therapy
ART assuming room temperature, i.e. the patient has died.
ART Anti Retroviral Therapy
ARVC Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
ARVD Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
AS Aortic stenosis, Aortic valvular stenosis
ASA Acetylsalicylic acid - commonly known as aspirin
ASAP as soon as possible
ASC Ambulatory surgery center
ASCAD Arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease
ASCUS Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
ASCVD arteriosclerotic vascular disease - Arteriosclerosis
ASD Atrial septal defect
ASGUS Atypical squamous glandular cells of undetermined significance
ASHD; ASH arteriosclerotic heart disease - Coronary heart disease
ASO Antistreptolysin-O
ASOT Antistreptolysin-O titre
Ass assessment
AST Aspartate transaminase
ASX Asymptomatic
AT Antithrombin, Angiotensin
ATA Anti-transglutaminase antibodies
ATCC American Type Culture Collection
ATG Antithymic globulin
AT-III Antithrombin III
ATN Acute tubular necrosis
ATP Acute Thrombocytopenic Purpura
ATP Adenosine Triphosphate
ATP Anti-tachycardia pacing
Atp Atapical
ATRA All-trans retinoic acid
ATS Anti-tetanus serum i.e. anti-tetanus immunoglobulins
AUC Area under the curve w.r.t. Pharmacology
aur. Ear, from Latin, auris
aur. dextro. To right ear, from Latin, auris dextrae
aur. laev To left ear, from Latin, auris laevae
aurist. Ear drops, from Latin, auristillae
AV Atrio-ventricular
AVM Arteriovenous malformation
AVR Aortic valve replacement
A&W; A/W Alive and well
Ax Axillary
AZT Azidothymidine also know as Zidovudine

B

Bx Biopsy
Ba Barium
BAL Bronchoalveolar lavage
BAL British anti-Lewisite
BAL Blood Alcohol Level
BAO Basic acid output
BAT Brown adipose tissue
BBB L left bundle branch block - Electrocardiogram
BBB R right bundle branch block - Electrocardiogram
BC bone conduction
BC Blood culture
BCG Bacille Calmette-Guerin (a tuberculosis vaccination)
BCP birth control pills
BCX Blood culture
BBMF "Bone break, me fix" Orthopedic consent form
b.d. Twice daily, from Latin, bis die
BD Bipolar Disorder
b.i.d. Twice daily, from Latin, bis in die
BE Barium enema
BE Base excess
BGAT Blood Glucose Awareness Training - Diabetic hypoglycemia
BGL Blood Glucose Level
BIB Brought in by
BIBA brought in by ambulance
BID two times per day (lat.: bis in die)
Bilat eq bilaterally equal
BK Bacterium Koch
BKA Below the knee amputation
bl.cult Blood culture
bld Blood
BLS Basic Life Support
BM Bowel movement
BMC Bone mass content
BMD Bone mineral density (also termed bone mass measurement)
BMI Body mass index
BMP Blood Metabolic Profile
BMR Basal metabolic rate
BMT Bone marrow transplantation
BNO Bowel Not Open
BNP Brain natriuretic peptide
BO Bowel Open
B/O because of
BOA Born out of Asepsis
BOI Born on island, ie. a local patient.
BOM bilateral otitis media
BOOP Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia
BP Blood pressure
BP Bipolar disorder
BPAD Bipolar Affective Disorder
BPD Bi-Parietal Diameter
BPD Borderline personality disorder
BPH Benign prostatic hyperplasia
BPH Benign prostatic hypertrophy
BPM Beats per minute
BPPV Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
BR bedrest or bathroom, depending on context
BRCA1 breast cancer 1, early onset - a human gene
BRCA2 Breast Cancer Type 2 susceptibility protein - a human gene
BRAT Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, (dry) Toast: acronym for bland diet
BRATY Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, (dry) Toast, Yogurt: acronym for bland diet for children
BRP Bathroom Privileges
BRBPR Bright red blood per rectum
BS Breath; Breath sound
BS Bowel sounds on auscultation with stethoscope
BS Blood sugar
BSA Body surface area
BSC bedside commode
BSE Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
BSE Breast self-examination
BSL Blood Sugar Level
BSP Bromsulphthalein
BT Bleeding time
BTL Bilateral tubal ligation
BUN Blood urea nitrogen
BV Bacterial vaginosis
BVP Biventricular Pacing - Artificial_pacemake
Bx Biopsy

C

c (c with a bar over it) with (from Latin, cum)
C Cytosine
C Cervical vertebrae
c-section Cesarean section
CA Carcinoma, Cancer
Ca Carcinoma, Cancer
Ca Calcium
CABG Coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Pronounced "Cabbage".
CABP Coronary artery bypass procedure
CAD Coronary artery disease
CADASIL Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy
CAG Coronary Artery Graft (or: CAGS)
CAG Coronary Angiography
cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CAH Chronic Active Hepatitis
CAH Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
CAPD Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Caps Capsule
CAT Computed axial tomography
Cath Catheter
CBC Complete blood count
CBC/DIFF Complete blood count/differential
CBS Chronic brain syndrome - Post-concussion syndrome
CC Cubic centimeter (see the Do Not Use List)
CC Chief Complaint
CCCU Critical coronary care unit
CCF Congestive cardiac failure
CCK Cholecystokinin same as CCK-PZ (v.i.)
CCK-PZ Cholecystokinin-Pancreozymin
CCR Cardiocerebral resuscitation
CCU Coronary care unit
CCU Critical care unit
CDH Congenital dislocated hip
CDP Cytosine diphosphate
CEA Carcinoembryonic antigen
CF Cystic fibrosis
CFS Chronic fatigue syndrome
cGMP Cyclic guanosine monophosphate
CGN Chronic glomerulonephritis
CHD Chronic heart disease
ChE Cholinesterase
CHEM-7 Blood test
CHD Coronary heart disease
CHE Cholinesterase
CHF Congestive heart failure
CHO carbohydrate
Chol Cholesterol
CI Confidence interval
CI Cardiac index
CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
CK Creatine kinase
CK creatinine phosphokinase (formerly CPK)
CKD Chronic kidney disease
CKMB MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase
CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
CME Continuing Medical Education
CML Chronic myelogenous leukemia also called Chronic myeloid leukaemia
CMML Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
CMP Complete metabolic panel
CMP Cytosine monophosphate
CMS Chronic mountain sickness
CMV Cytomegalovirus
CN Cranial nerves
CNS Central nervous system
CO, C/O Complains Of...
CO Cardiac output
CO Carbon monoxide
COAD Chronic obstructive airways disease
COCP Combined oral contraceptive pill
COLD Chronic obstructive lung disease
COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CO2 Carbon dioxide
COX-1 Cyclooxygenase 1
COX-2 Cyclooxygenase 2
COX-3 Cyclooxygenase 3
CP Cerebral Palsy
CP Chest Pain
CPAP Continuous positive airway pressure
CPK Creatine phosphokinase
CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPP Cerebral perfusion pressure
CR Complete remission
CrCl creatinine clearance
Creat creatinine
CREST Calcinosis Raynaud Esophagus Sclerosis Teleangiectasiae
CRF Chronic renal failure
CRF Corticotropin-releasing factor
CRH Corticotropin-releasing hormone
CRI Chronic renal insufficiency
CRP C-reactive protein
CRT Cardiac resynchronization therapy - Artificial pacemaker
CS Caesarean section
C/S Caesarean section
C&S Culture and Sensitivity (Antibiogram)
C-spine cervical spine
CsA Ciclosporin A
CSF Cerebrospinal Fluid, Colony Stimulating Factor
CT Computed Axial Tomography
CTA Clear to auscultation
CTP Cytosine triphosphate
CTS(CT scan) computerized Tomography scan
CTU Cancer Treatment Unit
CTX Ceftriaxone (a third-generation Cephalosporin antibiotic), Contractions
CV Cardiovascular
CVA Cerebrovascular accident
cva Costovertebral Angle
CVC Central Venous Catheter
CVC Chronic Veinous Congestion
CVD Cardiovascular Disease
CVI Cerebrovascular Incident
CVP Central Venous Pressure
CVS Chorionic Villus Sampling
CVS Cardiovascular System
CVID Common variable immunodeficiency
Cx Microbiological culture
CXR Chest X-ray

D

DA Dopamine
DBP Diastolic blood pressure
DBS Deep brain stimulation
D&C Dilatation and curettage
DCBE Double Contrast Barium Enema
DCM Dilated cardiomyopathy
d.d. Differential diagnosis
DDD Daily Defined Doses
DDx Differential diagnosis
D&E Dilatation and evacuation
DEXA Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
DH developmental history
DHE Dihydroergotamine
DHEA-S Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate
DHF decompensated heart failure
DI Diabetes insipidus
DIB Dead in Bed
DIC Disseminated intravascular coagulation
DIP Distal interphalangeal joint
DiPerTe Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus
DiTe Diphtheria Tetanus
DJD Degenerative Joint Disease
DKA Diabetic Keto-Acidosis
dl deciliter
dL deciliter
DM Diabetes Mellitus
DMD Duchenne muscular dystrophy
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNI Do Not Intubate
DNR Do Not Resuscitate
DNAR Do Not Attempt Resuscitation
DOA Dead on arrival or Drugs of abuse
DOB Date of birth
DOE Dyspnea on exertion
DOSS Docusate sodium; from the chemical name dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
DP Dorsalis pedis
DPT Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus
DRT Dead right there
DSA Digital subtraction angiography
DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
DT Diphtheria Tetanus
DTA descending Thoracic aorta
DTaP Diphtheria Tetanus acellular Pertussis
DTP Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis
DTR deep tendon reflex
DT's Delirium tremens
DUB Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
DVT Deep vein thrombosis
Dx Diagnosis

E

E Ecstasy
E Electrolytes
E Epinephrine
EACA Epsilon-aminocaproic acid
EBM Evidence-based medicine
EBM Expressed Breast Milk
EBV Epstein-Barr virus
EC Enterically Coated
ECG Electrocardiogram
ECLS Extracorporeal Life Support
ECMO Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
ECP Emergency Care Practitioner
ECT electro-convulsive therapy
ED Emergency department
ED Erectile Dysfunction
ED Ectodermal dysplasia
EDC Estimated Date of Confinement (at 40/40 weeks of pregnancy)
EDD Estimated Date of Delivery (at 40/40 weeks of pregnancy)
EDD Estimated date of discharge
EDH Epidural hematoma
EDM esophageal Doppler monitor
EDRF Endothelium-derived relaxing factor aka Nitric oxide
EDTA ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid
EDV End-diastolic volume
EEG Electroencephalogram
EENT ears, eyes, nose, throat
EEX Electrodiagnosis
EF Ejection Fraction
EGD Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EGF Epidermal Growth Factor
EKG Electrocardiogram
ELLSCS Elective Lower Segment Caesarian Section
ELISA Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
EmBx Endometrial Biopsy
EMC Encephalomyocarditis
EMD Early Morning Discovery
EMD ElectroMechanical Dissociation
EMF Endomyocardial fibrosis
EMG Electromyography
EMLSCS Emergency Lower Segment Caesarian Section
EMU Early Morning Urine sample (being the most concentrated generally used for pregnancy testing)
ENT Ear Nose and Throat. (Otolaryngology)
EOM Extra ocular muscles
EOMI Extra ocular movements intact
EPH Edema Proteinuria Hypertension
EPO Erythropoietin
EPS Electrophysiology
ER Emergency room, Emergency department
ERCP Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
ESL Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (also ESWL) - see lithotriptor
ESBL Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase gram negative bacteria
ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD End-stage renal disease
ESV End-systolic volume
ESWL Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (also ESL) - see lithotriptor
ET Endothelin
ET endotrachael
ETS Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
ETT Endotracheal tube
ETOH ethanol or ethyl alcohol
EUS Endoscopic Ultrasonography

F

FBC Full blood count
FBE Full blood exam
FBG Fasting blood glucose
FBS Fasting blood sugar
F/C Fevers or Chills
FDIU Foetal Demise In Utero
FDP Fibrinogen Degradation Products
FEV1 Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second
Fe Iron
FF Free Fluids (non-thickened fluids)
FFA Free fatty acids
FFP Fresh frozen plasma
FHR Fetal heart rate
FHS Fetal heart sound
FHT Fetal heart tones
FHx Family History
FIBD Found in Bed Dead
FLK Funny Looking Kid (suggesting an unspecified syndrome, should now be termed "dysmorphic features")
fMRI Functional magnetic resonance imaging
FNAC Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
FNC Full nursing care
FOF Found on Floor (Patient fell out of bed)
FOS Full of Stool
FPG Fasting plasma glucose
FSE Fetal Scalp Electrode
FSH Follicle stimulating hormone
FTA-ABS Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption
FTA Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
FUBAR F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition, originally used to refer to corpses after horrendous (typically battlefield) trauma, but "FUBAR" is now sometimes used to describe very ill patients with little hope of recovery, including those that have not necessarily suffered trauma. Not very politically correct![citation needed]
FVC Forced Vital Capacity (Spirometry test value used in assessment of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
FWB Full weight bearing
FWD Full ward diet
Fx Fracture of a bone

G

G Gravidity (total number of pregnancies, successful or not)
G Guanosine
G6PD Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase
GA General anaesthesia
GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid
GC General Condition
GCA Giant cell arteritis
GCS Glasgow Coma Scale
G-CSF Granulocyte - Colony Stimulating Factor
GDLH Glutamate dehydrogenase
GDP Guanosine Diphosphate
GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GFR Glomerular filtration rate
GGT Gamma glutamyl transferase
GGTP Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase
GH Growth hormone
GHRF Growth hormone releasing factor
GI Gastrointestinal
GIFT Gamete intrafallopian transfer
GIT Gastrointestinal Tract
GITS Gastrointestinal therapeutic system
GMC General Medical Condition (i.e., 0 GMC)
GM-CSF Granulocyte-Monocyte - Colony Stimulating Factor
GMP Guanosine Monophosphate
GN Glomerulonephritis
GNRH Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
GOAT Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test
GOD Glucose Oxidase
GOK God only knows
GOMER Get Outta My E.R. i.e. patient who frequently presents at the ER near death but manages to pull through each and every time.
GORD Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
GOT glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase
GPT glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
GSW gunshot wound see HVLT
GTN Glyceryl trinitrate
GU Genitourinary
GUM Genitourinary medicine (often used more restrictively as alternative to sexually transmitted disease clinic)
GvH Graft-versus-host
GvHD Graft-versus-host disease

H

H Histamine or its receptors (if with subscripts), Hemagglutinin
HA Hypertonia arterialis
HAART Highly active anti-aetroviral therapy
HACE High altitude cerebral oedema
HACEK Acronym for group of bacteria frequent cause of endocarditis in children.
HAE Heriditary angioedema
HAD HIV-associated dementia
H/A headache
HALE Health-adjusted life expectancy
HAPE High altitude pulmonary oedema
HAV Hepatitis A virus
Hb Hemoglobin
HB Heart block
Hb% Hemoglobin concentration in gram per deciliter
HbA Hemoglobin A (commonest type of hemoglobin
HbA1C Hemoglobin type that is of value in diabetes
HbsAg Hepatitis B surface antigen
HBV Hepatitis B virus
HCC Hepatocellular carcinoma
Hct Hematocrit
hCG Human chorionic gonadotropin
HCL Hairy cell leukemia
HCM Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
HCT Hematocrit
HCT Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
HCRP Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme
HCTZ Hydrochlorothiazide
HD Hodgkin's disease
HCV Hepatitis C virus
HDL High density lipoprotein
HDL-C High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol
HDU High Dependency Unit
HDV Hepatitis D virus
H&E Hematoxlyn and Eosin standard tissue stain.
HEENT Head Eyes Ears Nose Throat
HELP or HELLP H=hypertension E=elevated liver enzynes LP=low platelets syndrome (in Pregnancy) - HELLP syndrome
HEMA Hydroxy ethyl methacrylate w.r.t soft contact lenses
HES Hydroxyethyl Starch
HETE Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
HEV Hepatitis E virus
HGB Hemoglobin
HGV Hepatitis G virus
HGPRTase Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase
HH Hiatus hernia
H&H Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
HHV Human Herpes Virus
HHT Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectisia
Hib Haemophilus influenzae B
HIDS Hyper-IgD(and periodic fever) syndrome
HIT Heparin induced thrombocytopenia
HIV Human immunodeficiency virus
HL Hepatic lipase
HL Hodgkin's lymphoma
HL Hearing Level w.r.t. ENT
HLA Human leukocyte antigens
HLHS Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
H&M Hematemesis and Melena
HMD Hyaline membrane disease
HMG-CoA 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA
HMGR 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase
HMS Hyper-reactive Malarial Splenomegaly
HMSN Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy
HN Hemagglutinin-neuraminidase
HND Hemolytic disease of the newborn
HNPCC Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
H/O;h/o History of....(Past medical history of)
HOCM Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
HONK Hyperosmolar Non Ketotic Coma
H&P History & Physical
HPA Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
HPETE Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
HPI or H/oPI History of Present Illness
HPOA Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy
HPL Human Placental Lactogen (same as Human chorionic somatomammotropin)
HPV Human papillomavirus
HR Heart rate
HRT Hormone replacement therapy
h.s. At bedtime, from Latin, hora somni
HSC Human chorionic somatomammotropin (same as Human placental lactogen)
HSG Hysterosalpingogram
HSP Henoch-Schönlein purpura
HSV Herpes simplex virus
HT Hypertension
HTLV Human T-lymphotropic virus
HTN Hypertension
HTPA Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
HUS Hemolytic uremic syndrome
HVLT High-velocity Lead Therapy, also see GSW (gunshot wound)
Hx history (of)

I

I131 radioactive iodine
IA Intra-arterial
IABP Intra-aortic balloon pump
IAI Intra-amniotic infection
IBC Inflammatory breast cancer
IBD Inflammatory bowel disease
IBS Irritable bowel syndrome
IC Intracardiac
ICD Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
ICDS Integrated Child Development Services Program
ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision
ICG Impedance cardiography
ICH Intracerebral hemorrhage
ICP Intracranial pressure
ICU Intensive care unit
ICCU Intensive cardiac care unit
I&D Incision and drainage (how to treat an abscess}
IDA Iron deficiency anemia
IDC Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
IDC Indwelling catheter
IDDM Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
IDL Intermediate density lipoprotein
IDP Infectious Disease Precautions/ Process
IFG Impaired fasting glycaemia
Ig Immunoglobulin:
* IgA Immunoglobulin A
* IgD Immunoglobulin D
* IgE Immunoglobulin E
* IgG Immunoglobulin G
* IgM Immunoglobulin M
IGT Impaired glucose tolerance
IHD Ischaemic heart disease
i.m. Intramuscular
IMB InterMenstrual Bleed (bleeding between periods)
IMI Intramuscular injection
IMN Infectious Mononucleosis
INF(-α/-β/-γ) Interferons -α/-β/-γ
INR International normalized ratio
IO Intraosseous infusion
I&O Inputs and Outputs
IOL Induction of labor
IOL Intraocular lens
IOP Intraocular pressure
IP Interphalangeal joint
IPS Intra-Peritoneal Sounds
IPPV Intermittent positive pressure ventilation
IQ Intelligence Quotient
ISA Intrinsic Sympathomimetic Activity
ISDN Isosorbide dinitrate
ISH Isolated systolic hypertension
ISMN Isosorbide mononitrate
i.s.q. no change (from Latin, in status quo)
IT Intrathecal
ITP Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
ITU Intensive Treatment Unit (or Intensive Therapy Unit)
IUCD intrauterine contraceptive device
IU International units
IUD Intrauterine Death - sometimes confused with intrauterine contraceptive device. Use FDIU or IUFD
IUD intrauterine device - sometimes confused with intrauterine death. We now use IUCD
IUFD IntraUterine Foetal Demise
IUI Intrauterine insemination
IUS IntraUterine System
i.v. Intravenous
IV-DSA Intravenous digital subtraction angiography
IVDU Intravenous drug user
IVF In vitro fertilization
IVP Intravenous pyelogram
IVU Intravenous urogram
IVUS Intravascular ultrasound

J

JMS "Junior Medical Student" AKA "MS-3"
JVD Jugular vein distension
JVP Jugular venous pressure

K

K Potassium (from the word Kalium, in turn from "alkali" from Arabic al qalīy = "the calcined ashes")
KA Ketoacidosis
Kcal Kilocalorie, Calorie
KCCT Kaolin cephalin clotting time
kg Kilogram
KIV Keep in view
KLS Kidney liver spleen
KS Kaposi's sarcoma
KUB Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (x-ray)

L

L Leukocytes
L Lumbar vertebrae
LABBB Left anterior bundle branch block
lb Pound (mass)
LAD Left Anterior Descending coronary artery
LAP Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
LAR Low Anterior Resection
LAS Lymphadenopathy syndrome
LBBB Left bundle branch block
LCM Lymphocytic meningitis
LCX Left circumflex artery
LDH Lactate dehydrogenase
LDL Low density lipoprotein
LDL-C Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
L-DOPA Levo-DihydrOxyPhenylAlanine
LES Lower esophageal sphincter
LES Lupus erythematosus systemicus
LE Lupus erythematosus (in German Lupus erythematodes)
leu Leukocytes
LFT Liver function test
LGL Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
LGM Lymphogranulomatosis maligna
LGV Lymphogranuloma venereum
LH Luteinizing hormone
LIH left inguinal hernia
LLL left lower lobe
LLQ left lower quadrant
LM Left Main
LMP Last Menstrual Period - first day of the menstrual period prior to conceiving, used to calculated Expected Date of Delivery.
LOC Loss of consciousness - Unconsciousness
LOC Level Of Consciousness
LOL Little old lady ... often LOL in NAD (see House of God)
LORTA Loss Of Resistance To Air (in anesthesiology; when placing epidural, LORTA indicates entrance of needle to epidural space)
LOS Length of stay
Lp Lipoprotein
LP Lumbar puncture
LPL Lipoprotein lipase
LR Lactated Ringer's solution
LRTI Lower respiratory tract infection
LTAC Long-term acute care
LUL Left upper lobe
LUQ Left upper quadrant
LV Left ventricle
LVEDP Left ventricular end diastolic pressure
LVEF Left ventricular ejection fraction
LVF Left ventricular failure
LVH Left ventricular hypertrophy
LVOT Left Ventricular Outflow Track
Ly Lymphocytes
lytes electrolytes

M

MAO-I Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Mφ Macrophage
MAP Mean arterial pressure
MARSA Methicillin and aminoglycoside resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MAS Morgani-Adams-Stokes
MC Metacarpal bone
MCP Metacarpophalangeal joint
MCHC Mean cell hemoglobin concentration
MCH Mean cell hemoglobin
MC&S Microscopy, Culture & Sensitivity, the investigation steps in processing microbiology samples
MCV Mean cell volume
MDS Myelodysplastic syndrome
MEDLINE Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online
MeSH Medical Subject Headings
Mg Magnesium
MgSO4 Magnesium or Magnesium Sulfate
MGUS Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (unknown or uncertain may be substituted for undetermined)
MI Myocardial infarction
MIC Morbus Ischaemicus Cordis
MIC Minimal inhibitory concentration
MICA mental illness and chemical abuse;
mentally ill chemical abuser
MLA Myelosis Leucemica Acuta
MM Myeloma multiplex
mod Moderate
MODY Maturity onset diabetes of the young
Mo Monocytes
MOM Milk of magnesia
MOPP Mechlorethamine, Vincristine, Procarbazine, and Prednisone in combination, older treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma.
MPV Mean platelet volume
MR Mitral regurgitation
MR Modified release, Medical Representative
MRA Magnetic resonance angiogram or angiogrphy
MRI Magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MS Mitral stenosis
MS Multiple sclerosis
MS Medical student MS-1, MS-2, MS-3, MS-4 respectively
MSH Melanocyte stimulating hormone
MSO4 Morphine or Morphine Sulfate
MSU Mid Stream Urine sample (used in testing for presence of urine infections)
MT Metatarsal bone
MTBI mild Traumatic brain injury
MTP Metatarsalphalangeal joint
MTX Methotrexate
MVP Mitral valve prolapse
MVPS Mitral valve prolapse syndrome

N

Na Sodium (Latin: natrium)
NAD No Abnormality Detected, i.e. the absence of abnormal signs on examination
NAD No apparent distress.
NC Nasal cannula
NE Norepinephrine
Ne Neutrophil granulocytes
Neo Neoplasm
NFR Not For Resuscitation
NGU Non-gonococcal urethritis
NHL Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
NICU Neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
NK Natural killer cells
NKA no known allergies
NKDA no known drug allergies. This abbreviation is also used in the military of the United States and may be printed on dog tags or a uniform.
NMR Nuclear magnetic resonance
NNH Number needed to harm
NNT Number needed to treat
NO Nitric oxide
NOF Neck of Femur Fracture (refers to Hip fracture)
NOS Nitric oxide synthase
Npl Neoplasm
NPO nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NRB Non-rebreather mask
NREM non-Rapid Eye Movement
n.s. not significant
NS Normal Saline
NSAID Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
NSCC Non Squamous Cell Carcinoma
NSE Neurospecific enolase
NSR normal sinus rhythm
NSRI Noradrenaline-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
NSTEMI non-ST elevation MI (Myocardial infarction)
NSU Non-specific urethritis
NTG Nitroglycerin
N&V nausea & vomiting
NVD nausea, vomiting & diarrhea
NVD Normal Vaginal Delivery

O

O2 Oxygen
OA osteoarthritis
OB-GYN Obstetrics and gynecology
OCD Obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCP Oral contraceptive pill
OD right eye from Latin, oculus dexter
OD overdose
od every day, usually regarded as once daily, from the Latin, omni die. Generally written in lower case.
O/E on examination
OGTT Oral glucose tolerance test
om every morning, from the Latin, omni mane. Generally written in lower case.
OME Otitis Media with Effusion - fluid in the inner ear without other symptoms.
on every night, from the Latin, omni nocte. Generally written in lower case.
OP outpatient department
OPPT Oriented to Person Place and Time
OR Operating room, Operating theatre
ORSA Oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
OS left eye from Latin, oculus sinister
OS Orthopedic surgery
OSA Obstructive sleep apnea
OSH outside hospital
OTC Over-the-counter drug
OTD Out the Door (discharged)
OTPP Oriented to Time Place and Person
OU Both eyes, from Latin, oculi uterque

P

p (p with a bar over it) after, from Latin, post
P Parturition (total number of live births)
P Phosphorus
P Pulse
PA posterior-anterior
PA Pulmonary artery
PA Physician Assistant
PAC Premature atrial contraction
PAC Pulmonary artery catheter
PAD peripheral artery disease - Peripheral artery occlusive disease
PAF Platelet activating factor
PAF Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (meaning intermittent AF)
PAH Pulmonary arterial hypertension
PAI-1 Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support
PAO Peak Acid Output
PAOD Peripheral artery occlusive disease
PAP Papanicolaou stain
PAP Positive airway pressure
Pap Papanicolaou Test (pap smear)
PAT Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
p.c. After food, from Latin, post cibum
PCA Patient-controlled analgesia
PCa Prostate cancer
PCD postconcussional disorder
PCI Percutaneous coronary intervention
PCL Posterior cruciate ligament
PCOS Polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCP Pneumocystis pneumonia (formerly Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia)
PCP Primary Care Physician/Primary Care Provider
PCR Patient Care Report
PCR Polymerase chain reaction
PCS Post-concussion syndrome
PCWP Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PD Parkinson's disease
PDA Patent ductus arteriosus
PDE Phosphodiesterase
PDT Photodynamic Therapy
PE Pulmonary Embolism
PE Pre-eclampsia
PEA Pulseless electrical activity
PEEP Positive end expiratory pressure
PEF Peak expiratory flow
PEFR Peak expiratory flow rate
PEG Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
PERLA Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light and Accommodation
PERRLA Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation
PET Positron-emission tomography
PFO Patent foramen ovale
PGCS Paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale
PHTLS Prehospital Trauma Life Support
PICC Peripherally inserted central catheter
PID Pelvic inflammatory disease, Prolapsed intervertibral disc
PIH Pregnancy induced hypertension
PIP Proximal interphalangeal joint
PKA Protein kinase A
PKD Polycystic kidney disease
PKU Phenylketonuria
PLT platelets
PMB Post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after menopause)
PMH Past medical history or Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage
PMI Point of maximal impulse or apical beat
PMN Polymorphonuclear cells, ie Neutrophils
PMR Percutaneous Myocardial Revascularisation
PMR Polymyalgia Rheumatica
PND Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
p.o. By mouth (orally), from Latin, per os
POD postoperative days
poly Polymorphonuclear cells, ie Neutrophils
POX Peroxidase
PP Pulse Pressure
PPCS Prolonged post-concussion syndrome
PPH Post partum haemorrhage
PPH Primary Pulmonary hypertension
PPI Proton pump inhibitor
PPROM Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
PPTCT Prevention of parent-to-child transmission (of HIV: Govt of India)
PPTL Post-Partum Tubal Ligation
PR Prothrombin ratio
p.r. per rectum (as noun: rectal examination)
PRA Plasma renin activity
PRBCS Packed Red Blood Cells (or: pRBC)
PRIND Prolonged Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Deficit
prn as necessary, from Latin, pro re nata (if used in chronic pain control disparagingly termed "pain relief nil")
PROM Premature Rupture of Membranes
PRP PanRetinal Photocoagulation
PSA Prostatic specific antigen
PSP Phenylsulphtalein
PT Prothrombin time
Pt. Patient, from Latin patiens, meaning "one who endures" or "one who suffers"
PTA Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty
PTA Post-traumatic amnesia
PTB Pulmonary Tuberculosis
PTCA Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTH Parathyroid hormone
PTSD Posttraumatic stress disorder
PTSS Posttraumatic stress syndrome - Posttraumatic stress disorder
PTT Partial thromboplastin time
PTx Pneumothorax
PUD peptic ulcer disease
PUVA Psoralen UV A
p.v. per vagina (as noun: vaginal examination with manual examination and speculum inspection)
PVC (VPC) Premature ventricular contraction
PVD Peripheral vascular disease
PVFS Post-viral fatigue syndrome
PVR Pulmonary vascular resistance
PVS Persistent vegetative state
PVS Pulmonary valve stenosis
PWP Pulmonary Wedge Pressure
Px, px physical examination
Px Prognosis

Q

q each, every, {from Latin, quaque}
q.a.d. every other day, (from Latin, quaque altera die)
QALY Quality-adjusted life years
q.AM every AM, (from Latin, quaque ante meridiem)
q.d. each day, {from Latin, quaque die}
q.d.s. four times each day, {from Latin, quater die sumendus}
q.h. each hour, {from Latin, quaque hora}
q.h.s. every bedtime, {from Latin, quaque hora somni}
q.i.d. four times each day, {from Latin, quater in die}
q.m.t. every month
q.o.d every other day
QOF Quality and Outcomes Framework system for payment of GPs in the UK National Health Service
q.w.k. weekly

R

RA Refractory anaemia
RA Rheumatoid arthritis
RAI Radioactive Iodine
RAPD Relative afferent pupillary defect
RBBB Right bundle branch block
RBC Red blood cells
RCA Right coronary artery
RCM Restrictive cardiomyopathy
RCT Randomized controlled trial
RDS Respiratory distress syndrome - Infant respiratory distress syndrome
REM Rapid eye movement
RF Rheumatoid factor
RFLP Restriction fragment length polymorphism
RFT Renal function test
Rh Rhesus factor
RhF Rheumatoid factor
RIA Radioimmunoassay
RIBA Radioimmunoblotting assay
RICE Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (treatment for a soft tissue injury)
RIMA Reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A
RIND Reversible ischemic neurologic deficit
RL Lactated Ringer's solution
RLQ Right lower quadrant
RNA Ribonucleic acid
RNV Radionuclear Ventriculography
ROM Range of motion
R/O Rule Out
RR Respiratory rate
RRR Regular Rate and Rhythm
ROS Review of systems
ROSC Return of spontaneous circulation
RUQ Right upper quadrant
RPR Rapid Plasma Reagin test
RSI Rapid sequence induction
RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus
RTS Revised Trauma Score
RV Residual volume
RV Right ventricle
RVF Right ventricular failure
RVSP Right ventricular systolic pressure
RVT Renal vein thrombosis
℞ or Rx (R with crossed tail) medical prescription or Prescription drug

S

s (s with a bar over it) without from Middle English sans, borrowed from Old French sans, Latin sine
S Sacrum
SAB staphylococcal bacteremia
SAH Subarachnoid hemorrhage
SAPS II Simplified Acute Physiology Score
SAPS III Simplified Acute Physiology Score
SARS Severe acute respiratory syndrome
SBE Subacute bacterial endocarditis
SBP Systolic blood pressure
SBP spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
s.c. subcutaneous from Latin, subcutis
SCC Squamous cell carcinoma
SCID Severe combined immunodeficiency
Scope Microscope or Endoscope
SD("σ") Standard deviation
SDH Subdural hematoma
Segs Segmented cells
SGA Small for gestational age
SGOT Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase
SGPT Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SH Social history (personal habits, living situation, job)
SHBG Sex Hormone Binding Globuline
SHx Surgical History
SI International System of Units, Suicidal ideation
SIADH Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
SIMV Synchronized Intermittent Mechanical Ventilation
SIT Stress inoculation training - Posttraumatic stress disorder
SK Streptokinase
SLE Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
SM Multiple sclerosis from Latin, Sclerosis multiplex
SMA Sequential Multiple Analysis
SMA-7 Serum Metabolic Assay
SMS Senior medical student
SMT Spinal Manipulative Therapy
SNP Sodium Nitroprusside
SNRI Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
SOAP Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (How Doctors notes are organized)
SOB Shortness of breath
SOBOE Short Of Breath On Exercise
SOL Space Occupying Lesion
SOOB Send Out Of Bed
SOS Save Our Souls, meaning "in case of emergency" [from Latin "si opus sit" having the same meaning]
SP Status post
SPECT Single photon emission computed tomography
SPET Single photon emission tomography
SQ Subcutaneous
SR Slow Release
SROM Spontaneous rupture of membranes
SSRI Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSSS Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
SSS Sick Sinus Syndrome
Staph. Staphylococcus
STD Sexually transmitted disease
STEMI ST elevation MI (Myocardial infarction)
STH Somatotropic hormone
STI Sexually transmitted infection
STI Soft tissue injury
STOP Surgical Termination Of Pregnancy (sometimes Suction Termination of Pregnancy)
Strep./Strepto. Streptococcus
Subq Subcutaneous
SV Seminal Vesicle
SV Stroke volume
SVD Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery
SVI Systemic Viral Infection
SVN Small Volume Nebulizer
SVR Systemic vascular resistance
SVT Supraventricular tachycardia
Sx Surgery or Symptoms
SXA Single energy X-ray absorptiometer
SXR skull x-ray

T

T Thoracic vertebrae
T&A tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy
TAH Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
TAH-BSO Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy
TB tuberculosis
TBC tuberculosis
TBC Total body crunch
TBI Total body irradiation
TBI Traumatic brain injury
TCC Transitional cell carcinoma
TCT Thrombin Clotting Time
Td Tetanus and Diphtheria
TdP Torsades de pointes
t.d.s. Three times a day, from Latin, ter die sumendus
TEB Thoracic electrical bioimpedance - Impedance cardiography
TEE or TOE Transesophageal echocardiogram
TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
TERN "Intern"
TF Transfer
T/F Transfer
TFTs Thyroid function tests
TGA Transposition of the great arteries
TG Triglycerides
Tg Thyroglobulin
THR Total hip replacement
TIA Transient ischemic attack
TIBC Total iron binding capacity
t.i.d. Three times a day, from Latin, ter in die
TIPS transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
TKO to keep (vein) open for IV therapy
TKR Total knee replacement
TKVO to keep vein open
TLC Total lung capacity
TMB "Too Many Birthdays" Very frail elderly patient
TNF Tumor necrosis factors
TNM Tumor-Nodes-Metastases
TOD Transoesophageal Doppler
TOE Transoesophageal echocardiogram
TOF Tetralogy of Fallot
TOP Termination of Pregnancy
TPa Tissue plasminogen activator
TPN Total parenteral nutrition
TR Tricuspid regurgitation
TRAM Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap (TRAM flap)
TRF Transfer (pronounced "turf")
TRF'd Transferred (Pronounced "turfed", as in "We just turfed Mrs Johnson OTD")
TRH Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone
TS Tricuspid stenosis
TSH Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
TT thrombin time
TTE Transthoracic echocardiogram
TTO To Take Out (medicines given to patient on discharge from hospital stay)
TTP Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
TTR Transthyretin
TTS Transdermal therapeutic system
TTTS Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Tu Tumor
TUR Transurethral resection
TURBT Transurethral resection of bladder tumour
TURP Transurethral resection of the prostate
Tx Transplant
Tx treatment

U

UA Urinalysis
UBT Urea Breath Test
UC Ulcerative colitis
UD As Directed, from Latin, Ut Dictum
UDS Urine Drug Screening
U&E urea and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) blood test, often including creatinine
URI Upper Respiratory Infection
URTI Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
US Ultrasound
USG Ultrasonography
USR Unheated Serum Reagin
USS Ultrasound scan
UTI Urinary Tract Infection
UVAL Ultraviolet Argon Laser

V

VA visual acuity
VAD vincristine adriblastine dexamethasone
VAMP vincristine adriblastine methylprednisone
VBAC Vaginal birth after caesarean
VC Vital capacity
VCTC Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centers (for HIV: Govt Centres in India)
vCJD Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
VD Venereal disease
VD Vaginal Delivery
VD Volume of distribution, vernal disease
VDRF Ventilator dependent respiratory failure
VDRL Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory (old test for syphilis}
VE vaginal examination (manual examination)
VEB Ventricular ectopic beat
VF or V-fib Ventricular fibrillation
VIP Vasoactive intestinal peptide
VLDL Very low density lipoprotein
VMA Vanillylmandelic acid
VMA Violent Mechanical Asphyxia
VOD Volume of distribution
VPA Valproic acid
VPC (PVC) Ventricular premature contraction
V/Q Ventilation/perfusion scan
VRE Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
VRSA Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
VSD Ventricular septal defect
VT Ventricular tachycardia
VTE Venous thromboembolism

W

WAT White adipose tissue
WBC White blood cells
WDWN Well developed, well nourished
WNL Within Normal Limits (Also: We Never Looked)
WPW Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
WWI Walking While Intoxicated

X

XR extended release;
x-ray radiography

Y

YO or  yo years old

Z

ZIFT Zygote intrafallopian transfer
ZD Zinc deficiency

Latin abbreviations

Some of the following list are considered non-standardized abbreviations because their meanings could be easily misunderstood.

Abbrev. Meaning Latin origin
a.c. Before food ante cibum
a.d. Right ear auris dexter
ad lib. Freely as wanted ad libitum
a.l. Left ear aurix laevus
alt. die Every other day alternus die
alt. h. Every other hour alternus horis
a.m. Morning ante meridiem
a.n. Before the night ante noctum
aq. Water aqua
a.s. Left ear auris sinister
a.u. Each ear auris utro
aurist. Ear drops auristillae
b.d. or bd Twice a day bis die
b.i.d. or bid Twice a day bis in die
gtt. Drop gutta
h. Hour hora
h.s. At bedtime hora somni
i.d. during the day
i.d. the same idem
i.d. intradermal, between layers of the skin
mane In the morning mane
narist. Nasal drops naristillae
nocte At night nocte
o.c. Eye ointment oculentum
o.d. or od Daily omni die
o.d. Right eye oculus dexter
o.l. Left eye oculus laevus
o.m. In the morning omni mane
o.n. At night omni nocte
o.r. Right eye oculus rectus
o.s. Left eye oculus sinister
o.u. Each eye oculus utro
p.c. After food post cibum
p.m. Afternoon post meridiem
p.o. or po Orally per os
p.r. Rectally per rectum
p.r.n. As occasion requires (as needed) pro re nata
p.v. Vaginally per vaginum
q. every quaque
q.2.h. Every two hours quaque 2 hora
q.4.h. Every four hours quaque 4 hora
q.6.h. Every six hours quaque 6 hora
q.8.h. Every eight hours quaque 8 hora
q.d. or qd Every day quaque die
q.d.s. Four times a day quater die sumendus
q.h. Every hour, hourly quaque hora
q.i.d. or qid Four times a day quater in die
q.q.h. Every four hours quarta quaque hora
q.s. A sufficient quantity quantum sufficiat
Rx or for symbol ℞ meaning prescription recipe
s.i.d. or sid Once a day semel in die
Sig. or S. Write on the label signa
SL. Sublingual, under the tongue sub linguam
S.O.S. When required Si opus sit
Stat. Immediately, with no delay statim
t.d.s. Three times a day ter die sumendus
t.i.d. or tid Three times a day ter in die
top. Topically, applied to the skin
ut dict. or u.d. As directed ut dictum
ung. Ointment unguentum

See also

External links

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