Abbr

eviati
on
Meaning

(a with a bar over it) before (from Latin ante)
before
AZT azidothymidine
AXR abdominal x-ray
Ax axillary
AVR aortic valve replacement
AVN
avascular necrosis
atrioventricular node
AVM arteriovenous malformation
AVF arteriovenous fistula
AV
arteriovenous
atrioventricular
aurist. ear drops (from Latin auristillae)
aur. laev to left ear (from Latin auris laevae)
aur. dextro. to right ear (from Latin auris dextrae)
aur. ear (from Latin auris)
AUC area under the curve (pharmacology)
ATS
antitetanus serum, that is,
antitetanus immunoglobulins
ATRA all-trans retinoic acid
ATP
acute thrombocytopenic purpura
adenosine triphosphate
antitachycardia pacing
Atp atapical
ATNR asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
ATN acute tubular necrosis
ATG antithymic globulin
ATCC American Type Culture Collection
ATB antibiotic
ATA antitransglutaminase antibodies
AT-III antithrombin III
AT
antithrombin
angiotensin
ASX asymptomatic
AST aspartate transaminase
Ass assessment
ASPECTS Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score
ASOT antistreptolysin-O titre
ASO antistreptolysin-O
ASIS anterior superior iliac spine
ASH
ASHD
arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary heart disease)
ASH alcoholic steatohepatitis
ASGUS
atypical squamous glandular cells of undetermined
significance
ASD atrial septal defect
ASCVD arteriosclerotic vascular disease (arteriosclerosis)
ASCUS
ASC-US
atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
ASCAD arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease
ASCA anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies
ASC-H atypical squamous cells cannot exclude HSIL
ASC
ambulatory surgery center
atypical squamous cells
ASB asymptomatic bacteriuria
ASAP as soon as possible
ASA acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
AS
aortic stenosis
atherosclerosis
ankylosing spondylitis
ARVD arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
ARVC arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
ART
antiretroviral therapy
assuming room temperature (that is, the patient has
died)
Assisted reproductive technology
AROM
active range of motion
artificial rupture of membranes
ARMD age-related macular degeneration
ARM
artificial rupture of membranes (also abbreviated as
AROM)
Arg arginine
ARF acute renal failure
ARDS
acute respiratory distress syndrome
adult respiratory distress syndrome
ARC AIDS-related complex
ARBI Alcohol Related Brain Injury
ARB angiotensin II receptor antagonist
AR
aortic regurgitation
attributable risk
aq. gel. cold water (from Latin aqua gelida)
aq. dist. distilled water (from Latin aqua distillata)
aq. calid. warm or hot water (from Latin aqua calida)
aq. bull. boiling water (from Latin aqua bulliens)
aq. water (from Latin aqua)
aPTT activated partial thromboplastin time
APSAC
anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator
complex
APS
autoimmune polyendocrine/polyglandular syndrome
antiphospholipid syndrome
APR abdominoperineal resection
appy appendectomy
applic. applicandus (Latin meaning "to be applied")
APP as per protocol
APMPPE
acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment
epitheliopathy
APLS antiphospholipid syndrome
APKD adult polycystic kidney disease
APH antepartum haemorrhage
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
APGAR
appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration
used to assess newborns
APECED
autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-
ectodermal dystrophy
APD
adult polycystic disease
automated peritoneal dialysis
APC
atrial premature contraction
antigen-presenting cell
activated protein C
APAP
paracetamol (aka acetaminophen) (from its chemical
name, N-acetyl-para-aminophenol)
automatic positive airway pressure
APACHE II Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II
AP
alkaline phosphatase
anteroposterior
angina pectoris
action potential
AOM acute otitis media
AODM
adult-onset diabetes mellitus (now called diabetes
mellitus type 2)
ANUG acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
ANTR asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
Anti- refers to an antibody to the suffixed antigen
Ant anterior
ANS autonomic nervous system
ANP atrial natriuretic peptide
ANF atrial natriuretic factor
ANDI
aberrations of normal development and involution
(of breast)
ANCA antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
ANA antinuclear antibody
Amt amount
AMS
acute mountain sickness
atypical measles syndrome
Altered Mental Status
AMPA recep
tor
alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic
acid receptor of the brain
AMP adenosine monophosphate
Amp
ampule
ampere
AMO advanced medical optics
AML acute myeloid leukemia
AMI
acute mesenteric ischemia
acute myocardial infarction
AMC arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
Amb ambulate
AMA
advanced maternal age (35 years or greater)
against medical advice
antimitochondrial antibody
American Medical Association
altern. d. every other day (from Latin alterno die)
ALT alanine transaminase
ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
advanced life support
ALPS autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
ALP
alkaline phosphatase (sometimes abbreviated as Alk
phos)
ALL
acute lymphoblastic leukemia
allergies
Alk phos alkaline phosphatase (sometimes abbreviated as ALP)
ALI acute lung injury
ALG antilymphocytic globulin
ALF assisted living facility
Alc alcohol
ALA aminolevulinic acid
aka also known as
AKA
above-knee amputation
also known as
AK acanthamoeba keratitis
AIS adenocarcinoma in situ
AIR Anterior interval release
AIPD
acute infectious and parasitical diseases
autoimmune progesterone dermatitis
acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
AIN allergic interstitial nephritis
AIIRB angiotensin II receptor antagonist
AIHD
artificial insemination by pooled husband and donor
semen
AIH artificial insemination by husband
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome
AID artificial insemination by donor
AICD automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
AI
artificial insemination
aortic insufficiency
AHT antihyaluronic acid test
AHR airway hyper-reactivity
AHH aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase
AHG antihemophilic globulin
AHF antihemophilic factor
AHD arteriosclerotic heart disease
AH auditory hallucinations
AGN acute glomerulonephritis
AGES
criteria
age, grade, extent, size (for tumors)
AGC atypical glandular cells
AGA
anti-gliadin antibodies
appropriate gestational age (see birth weight)
Ag antigen
AFP alpha-fetoprotein
AFO ankle-foot orthosis
AFNTR acute febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
AFL atrial flutter
AFib atrial fibrillation
AFI amniotic fluid index
AFB acid-fast bacilli
AF-AFP amniotic fluid alpha fetoprotein
AF
atrial fibrillation
atrial flutter
amniotic fluid
AEM ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring
AED
automated external defibrillator
antiepileptic drug(s)
AEB as evidenced by (commonly used by nurses)
ADR adverse drug reaction
ADP adenosine diphosphate
Adn adnexae (for example, adnexae of the uterus)
adm admission
ADLs activities of daily living
ADHR autosomal-dominant hypophosphatemic rickets
ADHD attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
ADH antidiuretic hormone
ADD attention deficit disorder
ADCC antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
ADC AIDS dementia complex
ADA adenosine deaminase
ad. right ear (from Latin auris dexter)
ad part.
dolent
to the painful parts (from Latin ad partes dolentes)
ad lib as desired (from Latin ad libitum)
AD
Alzheimer's disease
acute distress
right ear (from Latin auris dexter)
ACU ambulatory care unit
ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone
ACS
altered conscious state
acute coronary syndrome
ACPO acute colonic pseudo-obstruction
ACLS advanced cardiac life support
ACL anterior cruciate ligament
AChE acetylcholine esterase
ACh acetylcholine
ACEI angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor(s)
Ace acetone
ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACDF anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
ACD anemia of chronic disease
ACCU acute coronary care unit
Acc accommodation (eye)
ACB aortocoronary bypass
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
AC&BC
air conduction and bone conduction, as in Weber
test
AC
abdominal circumference
assisted controlled ventilation
Acromioclavicular Joint
ABX antibiotics
ABVD
Doxorubicin (adriamycin), bleomycin, vinblastine, da
carbazine (first-line treatment for Hodgkin's
lymphoma)
ABPI ankle brachial pressure index
ABPA allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis
ABO Landsteiner's blood grouping system
Abn abnormal
ABMT autologous bone marrow transplantation
ABI
acquired brain injury
ankle brachial pressure index
ABG arterial blood gas
ABE acute bacterial endocarditis
Abd
abdomen
abdominal[abduction]
ABD army battle dressing
ABCs
ABCDs
ABCDEs
airway, breathing, circulation, etc. Refers to priority of
needs in emergency situations. Exact spell-out and
details after "C" vary by institution, but the "ABCs"
theme is recurrent.
ABCD
airway, breathing, circulation, disability
asymmetry, borders, color, diameter (features on
considering "Is it a malignant melanoma?")
ABCD rating (a staging system for prostate cancer)
ABC
airway, breathing, circulation
aspiration biopsy cytology
ab
abdomen, abdominal
abortion
Ab antibody
AB abortion
AAT
activity as tolerated
atypical antibody test
AAPMC antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis
AAOx3
awake, alert, and oriented, times 3 (i.e., to person,
place, and time)
AAL anterior axillary line
AAD antibiotic-associated diarrhea
AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm (pronounced "triple-A")
Aa. arteria, see Artery
A1C glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c)
A/P Assessment and Plan
A/B acid-base ratio
a.p. before a meal (from Latin ante prandium)
a.h. every other hour (from Latin alternis horis)
a.c.
AC
before a meal (from Latin ante cibum)
a.a. of each (from Latin ana ana)
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
amino acids:
A or Ala alanine
C or Cys cysteine
D or Asp aspartic acid
E or Glu glutamic acid
F or Phe phenylalanine
H or His histidine
I or Ile isoleucine
K or Lys lysine
L or Leu leucine
M or Met methionine
N or Asn asparagine
O or Pyl pyrrolysine
P or Pro proline
Q or Gln glutamine
R or Arg arginine
S or Ser serine
T or Thr threonine
U or Sec selenocysteine
V or Val valine
W or Trp tryptophan
Y or Tyr tyrosine
A-T ataxia-telangiectasia
A&W
A/W
alive and well
A&P
auscultation and percussion
anatomy and physiology
A&Ox4
alert and oriented, times 4 (to person, place, time,
and circumstances) (often used interchangeably
with A&Ox3)
A&Ox3
alert and oriented, times 3 (to person, place, and
time)
A&O or A/O aware and oriented or alert and oriented
A
adenosine
apical
BZDs benzodiazepines
Bx biopsy
Bx biopsy
BW
blood work (blood tests)
birth weight
BVP biventricular pacing (see artificial pacemaker)
BVM Bag-Valve-Mask system (AMBU bag)
BV bacterial vaginosis
BUN blood urea nitrogen
BTP breakthrough pain
BTL bilateral tubal ligation
BTB breakthrough bleeding of menstural period
BT bleeding time
BSx B-symptoms
BSU Bartholin, Skene and urethra (glands)
BSP bromsulphthalein
BSO bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
BSL blood sugar level
BSE
bovine spongiform encephalopathy
breast self-examination
BSC bedside commode
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
BSA body surface area
BS x 4 quads
bowel signs in all 4 quadrants (also sometimes BS +
all 4 quads)
BS
breath
breath sound
bowel sounds on auscultation with stethoscope
blood sugar
BRP bathroom privileges
BRCA2 (gen
e)
BRCA2
(protein)
breast cancer 2 (a human gene and its protein)
BRCA1 (gen
e)
BRCA1
(protein)
breast cancer 1 (a human gene and its protein)
BRBPR bright red blood per rectum
BRB
bright red blood (color is important as an indicator of
source, for example in gastrointestinal bleeding)
BRATY
another version of the BRAT diet: bananas, rice,
applesauce, (dry) toast, yogurt (helps digestion in
some GI disorders)
BRAT
The BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, (dry) toast
(helps digestion in some GI disorders)[citation
needed]
BRA bilateral renal agenesis
BR
bedrest
bathroom
BPPV benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
BPP biophysical profile
BPM beats per minute
BPH
benign prostatic hyperplasia aka benign prostatic
hypertrophy
BPD
biparietal diameter
borderline personality disorder
bronchopulmonary dysplasia
BPAD bipolar affective disorder
BP
blood pressure
bipolar disorder
British Pharmacopoeia
BOOP bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia
BOM bilateral otitis media
BOI born on island (i.e., a local patient)
BOA born out of asepsis
BO bowel open
BNP brain natriuretic peptide
BNO bowel not open
BMT bone marrow transplantation
BMR basal metabolic rate
BMP blood metabolic profile
BMI body mass index
BMD
bone mineral density (also termed bone mass
measurement)
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
BMC bone mineral content
BMBx Bone marrow biopsy
BM
bowel movement
bone marrow
BLS basic life support
BLE Bilateral Lower Extremity (in/on both legs).
bld blood
bl.cult blood culture
BKA below-the-knee amputation
BK bradykinin
BiVAD bilateral ventricular assist device (left and right)
BiPAP bilevel positive airway pressure
Bilat eq bilaterally equal
BID
bid
b.i.d.
twice a day (from Latin bis in die)
BIBA brought in by ambulance
BIB brought in by
BGL blood glucose level
BGAT
blood glucose awareness training (to help patients
with diabetic hypoglycemia)
BG blood glucose
BFP bundle forming pilus
BE
barium enema
base excess
BDR Background Diabetic Retinopathy
BDI Beck Depression Inventory
BDD body dysmorphic disorder
BD
bipolar disorder
twice a day (from Latin bis in die)
BCX
BCx
blood culture
BCP birth control pill
BCG bacille CalmetteGurin (a tuberculosis vaccination)
BCC
basal cell carcinoma
blind carbon copy
BC
bone conduction
blood culture
BBT basal body temperature
BBMF "bone break, me fix" (orthopedic consent form)
BBB R right bundle branch block
BBB L left bundle branch block
BBB bloodbrain barrier
BBA bilateral breast augmentation
BAT brown adipose tissue
BAO basic acid output
BAL
bronchoalveolar lavage
British anti-Lewisite
blood alcohol level
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
BAD Bipolar affective disorder
BAC blood alcohol content
Ba barium
B/O because of
b/l bilateral
c (c with a bar over it) with (from Latin cum)
C
cytosine
cervical vertebrae
C1 atlas first cervical vertebra of the spine
C2 axis second cervical vertebra of the spine
C-section cesarean section
CA
carcinoma
cancer
Ca
calcium
carcinoma
cancer
c/b complicated by
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
coronary angiography
CAGS coronary artery graft surgery
cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CAH
chronic active hepatitis
congenital adrenal hyperplasia
CALLA common acute lymphocytic leukemia antigen
CAP community acquired pneumonia
CAPD continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
CAO conscious alert and oriented
CaOx calcium oxalate
Caps capsule
CAT / CT computed axial tomography / computed tomography
Cath catheter
CBC complete blood count
CBC/DIFF complete blood count/differential
CBD common bile duct
CBE clinical breast exam
CBS chronic brain syndrome
CC
cc
cubic centimeter (use mL insteadsee the do-not-use
list)
chief complaint
cardiac catheter
carbon copy
CCCU critical coronary care unit
CCE
C/C/E
clubbing, cyanosis, and edema (general signs
of cardiovascular disease)
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
CCF congestive cardiac failure
CCK cholecystokinin
CCK-PZ cholecystokinin-pancreozymin
CCNS
Cell Cycle Non-Specific Drug. A type of medication
used in chemotherapy.
CCP cyclic citrullinated peptide
CCR cardiocerebral resuscitation
CCU
coronary care unit
critical care unit
CD
Crohn's disease
Chemical Dependency
CDH congenital dislocated hip
CDI central diabetes insipidus
CDI Clostridium difficile infection
CDMR cesarean delivery on maternal request
CDP cytosine diphosphate
CEA
carcinoembryonic antigen
carotid endarterectomy
cost-effectiveness analysis
CEIOL Cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement
CF cystic fibrosis
CFA colonization factor antigen
CFIDS chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome
CFR case fatality rate
CFS chronic fatigue syndrome
CFTR cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
CFU colony forming unit
CGD chronic granulomatous disease
CGI Clinical Global Impression
cGMP cyclic guanosine monophosphate
CGN chronic glomerulonephritis
CH congenital hypothyroidism
CHD
chronic heart disease
congenital heart disease
coronary heart disease
ChE cholinesterase
CHEM-7
a group of blood tests, commonly called a basic
metabolic panel (blood urea nitrogen, carbon
dioxide, creatinine, glucose, serum chloride, serum
potassium, serum sodium)
CHEM-20
a group of blood tests (albumin, alkaline
phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate
aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, calcium
serum, serum chloride, carbon dioxide, creatinine,
direct bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,
glucose test, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphorus
serum, potassium test, serum sodium, total bilirubin,
total cholesterol, total protein, uric acid)
CHE cholinesterase
CHF congestive heart failure
CHO carbohydrate
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
CHOP
cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (a.k.a. hydroxydauno
rubicin), vincristine(a.k.a. Oncovin), prednisone (che
motherapy regimen)
Chol cholesterol
CHS cannulated hip screw
CHT congenital hypothyroidism
CI
confidence interval
cardiac index
CIB cibus (food)
CICU cardiac intensive care unit
CIDP chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
CIN cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Circ
circumcision
circulation
CIS carcinoma in situ
CIWA Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol
CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
CK
creatine kinase
creatinine phosphokinase (formerly CPK)
CKD chronic kidney disease
CKMB MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase
CLARE contact lens acute red eye
CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia
CM
Chirurgiae Magister, Master of Surgery (British and
Commonwealth countries medical degree)
CM Caucasian male
CMD cystic medial degeneration
CME continuing medical education
CML
chronic myelogenous leukemia, also called chronic
myeloid leukaemia
CMML chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
CMO comfort measures only (similar to hospice)
CMP
complete metabolic profile
cytosine monophosphate
CMS chronic mountain sickness
CMT cervical motion tenderness
CMV cytomegalovirus
CN cranial nerves
CNS
central nervous system
Crigler-Najjar syndrome
C/O complains of...
CO
cardiac output
carbon monoxide
complains of...
COAD chronic obstructive airways disease
COCP combined oral contraceptive pill
COH controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
COLD chronic obstructive lung disease
Comp compound
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
Conj conjunctiva
COP cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis
COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CO2 carbon dioxide
COX-1 cyclooxygenase 1
COX-2 cyclooxygenase 2
COX-3 cyclooxygenase 3
CP
cerebral palsy
chest pain
CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
CPC clinical pathological conference
CPD cephalopelvic disproportion
CPE Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin
CPK creatine phosphokinase
CPKMB creatine phosphokinase heart
CPP cerebral perfusion pressure
CPPD
calcium pyrophosphate, cyclic perimenstrual pain and
discomfort[1]
CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPT Current Procedural Terminology
CR complete remission
Cr creatinine
CrCl
creatinine clearance
(Note: Looks similar to, but does not mean,
the chromium chloridesCrCl2, CrCl3, CrCl4)
Creat creatinine
CREST
calcinosis, Raynaud esophagus, sclerosis,
teleangiectasiae
CRF
chronic renal failure
corticotropin-releasing factor
CrGN crescentic glomerulonephritis
CRH corticotropin-releasing hormone
CRI chronic renal insufficiency
Crit hematocrit
CRL crown to rump length
CRP C-reactive protein
CRS congenital rubella syndrome
CRT
cardiac resynchronization therapy (artificial
pacemaker)
CS
Caesarean section
culture sensitivity
Churg-Strauss syndrome
C/S Caesarean section
C&S culture and sensitivity (antibiogram)
C-spine cervical spine
CsA cyclosporin A
CSF
cerebrospinal fluid
colony stimulating factor
C-SSRS Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
CST contraction stress test
CT
computed tomography
cervico thoracic
CTA
clear to auscultation
computed tomography angiography
CTAP CT during arterial portography
CTO chronic total occlusion
CTP
cytosine triphosphate
cytidine triphosphate
Child-Turcotte-Pugh score
CTPE CT scan for pulmonary embolii
CTS
computed tomography scan
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTU cancer treatment unit
CTX
ceftriaxone (a third-
generation cephalosporin antibiotic)
contractions
CUC chronic ulcerative colitis
CV cardiovascular
CVA
cerebrovascular accident
costovertebral angle
CVAT costovertebral angle tenderness
CVC
central venous catheter
chronic venous congestion
CVD cardiovascular disease
CVI cerebrovascular incident
CVP central venous pressure
CVS
chorionic villus sampling
cardiovascular system
CVID common variable immunodeficiency
c/w consistent with
CWP coal worker's pneumoconiosis
Cx microbiological culture
Cx cervix
CXR chest x-ray
DS diagnosis
D5 5% dextrose
D25 25% dextrose injections
D4T stavudine
D5W
5% dextrose in water - IV fluids for intravenous
therapy
d day(s)
DA dopamine
DAEC diffusely adherent Escherichia coli
DAF decay accelerating factor
DAI diffuse axonal injury
DALY disability-adjusted life year
DBP diastolic blood pressure
DBS deep brain stimulation
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
D&C dilatation and curettage
D/C
discharge
discontinue
D&E dilation and evacuation
DCBE double contrast barium enema
DCD donation after cardiac death
DCCV direct current cardioversion
DCIS ductal carcinoma in situ
DCM dilated cardiomyopathy
DD differential diagnosis
DDAVP desmopressin acetate
DDC zalcitabine
DDD daily defined doses Degenerative disk disease
DDH developmental hip dysplasia
DDI didanosine
DDx differential diagnosis
D&E dilatation and evacuation
DES
diethylstilbestrol
Drug-Eluting stent
DEXA Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
DH developmental history
DHE dihydroergotamine
DHEA-S dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate
DHF decompensated heart failure
DHR dihydrorhodamine
DHT dihydrotestosterone
DI diabetes insipidus
DIB
dead in bed
difficulty in breathing
DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation
DICVP
Diplomat, International College of Veterinary
Pharmacy
Di-Di dichromatic diamnionic twins
DIL drug-induced lupus
DILI drug-induced liver injury
DIP
distal interphalangeal joint or Diffuse Interstitial
Pneumonitis
DiPerTe diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (combined vaccination)
Dis dislocation
Disch discharge
DiTe diphtheria-tetanus (combined vaccination)
DIU death in utero (stillbirth)
DJD degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis
dl deciliter
dL deciliter
DLB dementia with Lewy bodies
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
DLCO diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide
DLE
disseminated lupus erythematosus (systemic lupus
erythematosus)
DLI donor lymphocyte infusion
DLP dyslipoproteinemia [1]
DM diabetes mellitus
DM2
Type two diabetes mellitus, formerly known as Non-
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM).
DMARD disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
DMD
Duchenne muscular dystrophy;
Dentariae Medicinae Doctor, that is, Doctor of
Dental Medicine
DMPA depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
DMSA dimercaptosuccinic acid
DMT dimethyltryptamine
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
DNI do not intubate
DNR do not resuscitate
DNAR do not attempt resuscitation
DO Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
D/O died of, disorder
DOA
dead on arrival
drugs of abuse
DOB
difficulty of breathing
Date of birth
DOE dyspnea on exertion
DOL day of life
DOSS
docusate sodium; from the chemical name dioctyl
sodium sulfosuccinate
DP dorsalis pedis
DPH diphenylhydantoin
DPL diagnostic peritoneal lavage
DPM Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
DPT diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT vaccine)
DRE Digital Rectal Examination
DRPLA Dentatorubral-Pallidoluysian Atrophy
DRT dead right there
DS disease
DS Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
DSA digital subtraction angiography
DSD dry sterile dressing
Dsg dressing
DSM
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders
dsRNA double-stranded RNA
DT
diphtheria-tetanus (combined vaccination)
delirium tremens
DTA descending thoracic aorta
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
DTaP
diphtheriatetanusacellular pertussis (combined
vaccination)
DTP diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (combined vaccination)
DTR deep tendon reflex
DTs delirium tremens
DU duodenal ulcer (see peptic ulcer)
DUB dysfunctional uterine bleeding
DVT deep vein thrombosis
DW dextrose in water
D5W 5% dextrose in water
DX
Dx
dx
diagnosis
DZ disease
E
ecstasy
electrolytes
Enterococcus
epinephrine
EAC external acoustic meatus
EACA epsilon-aminocaproic acid
EAEC enteroadhesive Escherichia coli
EAF enteric adherence factor
EAM external auditory meatus
EBL estimated blood loss (see bleeding)
EBM
evidence-based medicine
expressed breast milk
EBT electron beam tomography
EBV EpsteinBarr virus
EC enteric coating
ECC endocervical curettage
ECD endocardial cushion defect
ECF
extracellular fluid
enteric cytopathic human orphan
ECG electrocardiogram
ECM extracellular matrix
ECHO enteric cytopathic human orphan virus
ECI
febris e causa ignota (normally written as febris
E.C.I.)
fever of unknown origin
ECLS extracorporeal life support
ECMO extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
ECP emergency care practitioner
ECT electroconvulsive therapy
ED
emergency department
erectile dysfunction
ectodermal dysplasia
EDC
estimated date of confinement (at 40/40 weeks of
pregnancy)
EDD
estimated date of delivery (at 40/40 weeks of
pregnancy); expected date of delivery
estimated date of discharge
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
EDF
end diastolic flow (describing the flow of blood
through the umbilical artery)
EDH epidural hematoma
EDM esophageal Doppler monitor
EDRF
endothelium-derived relaxing factor aka nitric oxide
I-
EDTA ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid
EDV end-diastolic volume
EEE eastern equine encephalitis
EEG electroencephalogram
EENT ears, eyes, nose, throat (see otolaryngology)
EEX electrodiagnosis
EF ejection fraction
EFM
electronic fetal monitoring, aka external fetal
monitoring (cardiotocograph)
EFW estimated fetal weight
EGBUS
external genitalia, Bartholin's
glands, urethra & Skene's glands
EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EGF epidermal growth factor
EHEC enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
EIEC enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
EIA external iliac artery External iliac artery
EJ elbow jerk (triceps reflex)
EKG electrocardiogram
ELLSCS elective lower segment caesarean section
ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
EM erythema multiforme
EMB
ethambutol
endometrial biopsy or endomyocardial biopsy
EmBx endometrial biopsy
EMC encephalomyocarditis
EMD
early morning discovery
electromechanical dissociation
EMF endomyocardial fibrosis
EMG electromyography
EMLSCS emergency lower segment Caesarean section
EMU
early morning urine sample (being the most
concentrated, generally used for pregnancy testing)
Emul emulsion
ENT ear, nose, and throat (see otolaryngology)
EOB edge of bed
EOM extraocular muscles
EOMI extraocular movements intact (see eye movement)
EPCT estrogen-progesterone challenge test
EPEC enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
EPH edema, proteinuria, hypertension
EPO erythropoietin
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
EPS
electrophysiology
extrapyramidal syndromes
ER emergency room
ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ERM epiretinal membrane
ESHAP
etoposide, cisplatin, cytarabine, methylprednisolone (
chemotherapy regimen for relapsed Non-Hodgkin
lymphoma)
ESL
extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (also ESWL)
(see lithotriptor);
English as a second language (affects providerpatient
communication)
ESBL
extended spectrum beta-lactamase (see also gram-
negative bacteria)
ESM ejection systolic murmur
ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRF end-stage renal failure
ESRD end-stage renal disease
ESS empty sella syndrome
ESV end-systolic volume
ESWL
extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (also ESL)
(see lithotriptor)
ET
endothelin
endotracheal
embryo transfer
ETEC enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Etiol etiology
ETOH ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
ETS endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
ETT endotracheal tube
EUA examination under anesthesia
EUP extrauterine pregnancy
EUS endoscopic ultrasonography
EVAR endovascular aneurysm repair
EVF erythrocyte volume fraction (see hematocrit)
Exam examination (for example, physical examination)
Exp Lap exploratory laparotomy
Ext extremities
Fx fracture
FAMMM
syndrome
familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome
FANA fluorescent antinuclear antibody test
FAP familial adenomatous polyposis
FAST focused assessment with sonography for trauma
FB foreign body
FBC full blood count
FBE full blood exam
FBG fasting blood glucose
FBS fasting blood sugar
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
F/C fevers and/or chills
FDC follicular dendritic cells
FDIU fetal demise in utero
FDP fibrin degradation product
Fe iron
FEF2575
forced expiratory flow at 2575% of forced vital
capacity
fem
female
femoral
FEN Fluids, Electrolytes, Nutrition
FEP free erythrocyte protoporphyrin
FESS functional endoscopic sinus surgery
FET frozen embryo transfer
FEV1 forced expiratory volume in 1 second
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 (in medicine, meaning specifically
the medical histories of family members and
ancestors)
FIBD found in bed dead
FISH fluorescence in situ hybridization
FL femur length
FLAIR fluid attenuated inversion recovery
FLK
funny-looking kid (slang reference to dysmorphic
features)
fl.oz.
fluid ounce (1 Imperial fluid ounce 28.4 mL; 1 U.S.
fluid ounce 29.6 mL) (use of these units is generally
deprecated in modern medicine in favor of mL)
FM fetal movement
FMF fetal movements felt
FMP first menstrual period (that is, menarche)
FMPP Familial male precocious puberty
fMRI functional magnetic resonance imaging
FMS Fibromyalgia Syndrome
FN
finger-to-nose test (one simple clinical test of motor
coordination)
FNA fine-needle aspiration
FNAB fine-needle aspiration biopsy
FNAC fine-needle aspiration cytology
FNC full nursing care
FNH focal nodular hyperplasia
FOB Foot of Bed, father of baby
FOBT fecal occult blood test
FOF found on floor (patient fell out of bed)
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
FOS full of stool
FOOSH fall on outstretched hand
FP Family Planning
FPG fasting plasma glucose
FRDA Friedreich's ataxia
FROM full range of motion
FSBS
finger-stick blood sugar (one method of blood glucose
monitoring)
FSE fetal scalp electrode
FSGS focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis
FSH follicle-stimulating hormone
FTA fluorescent treponemal antibody (see syphilis)
FTA-ABS
fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption
(see syphilis)
FTT failure to thrive
F/U follow-up
FUE Follicular Unit Extraction
FUT Follicular Unit Transplantation
FUO fever of unknown origin
FVC
forced vital capacity (spirometry test value used in
assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
FWB full weight bearing
FWD
full ward diet;
forward
Fx fracture of a bone
G
gravidity (total number of pregnancies, successful or
not)
guanosine
G6PD glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase
GA
general anaesthesia
gestational age
GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid
GABHS group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus
GB gallbladder
GBC gallbladder carcinoma
GBS
group B Strep.
GuillainBarr syndrome
GBM
glioblastoma multiforme
glomerular basement membrane
GC
general condition
gonococcus
GCA giant cell arteritis
GCS Glasgow Coma Scale
GCT glucose challenge test
G-CSF granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
GDA gastroduodenal artery
GDLH glutamate dehydrogenase
GDM Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
GDP guanosine diphosphate
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
GDS Geriatric Depression Scale
GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease
GFR glomerular filtration rate
GGT gamma glutamyl transferase
GGTP gamma glutamyl transpeptidase
GH growth hormone
GHRF growth hormone releasing factor
GHRH growth hormone releasing hormone
GI
gastrointestinal;
gastrointestinal tract
GIFT gamete intrafallopian transfer
GIST gastrointestinal stromal tumor
GIT gastrointestinal tract
GITS gastrointestinal therapeutic system
GMC general medical condition (e.g., 0 GMC)
GM-CSF granulocyte macrophage 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 ER
GORD gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
GOT glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase
GP
general practitioner
Goodpasture's syndrome
GPCL gas permeable contact lens
GPT glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
Gr grain
GRAV I
gravidity = 1 (indicating a woman during her
first pregnancy)
GSW gunshot wound
GTN
glyceryl trinitrate
gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
GTT
glucose tolerance test
gestational trophoblastic tumor
Gtts guttae (drops)
GU
genitourinary
gastric ulcer
GUM
genitourinary medicine (often used more restrictively
as alternative to sexually transmitted disease clinic)
GvH graft-versus-host
GvHD,
GVHD
graft-versus-host disease
GXT graded exercise test
GYN gynecology
h hour or hours
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
H
histamine or its receptors (if with subscripts)
hemagglutinin
Hx history
HA
hypertonia arterialis
headache
calcium hydroxyapatite
H/A headache
HAA hepatitis-associated antigen or #History As Above
HAART highly active antiretroviral therapy
HACE high-altitude cerebral edema
HACEK
acronym for a group of bacteria that are a frequent
cause of endocarditis in children
HAD HIV-associated dementia
HADS Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
HAE hereditary angioedema
H/A headache
HAI
healthcare-associated infection or hospital-acquired
infection
HALE health-adjusted life expectancy
HAPE high-altitude pulmonary edema
HAV hepatitis A virus
Hb hemoglobin
HB heart block
Hb% hemoglobin concentration in gram per deciliter
HbA hemoglobin A (commonest type of hemoglobin)
HbA1c
glycosylated hemoglobin (used as a measure
of diabetes control)
HBD has been drinking
HbF fetal hemoglobin
HBO hyperbaric oxygen
HBP high blood pressure, that is, hypertension
HbsAg hepatitis B surface antigen
HBV hepatitis B virus
HC
head circumference
hemorrhagic colitis
homocysteine
HCA Healthcare Associated, as in HCA-CDI
HCC hepatocellular carcinoma
HCF Healthcare Facility
HCFA Healthcare Facility Associated, as in HCFA-CDI
hCG human chorionic gonadotropin
HCL hairy cell leukemia
HCM
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
healthcare maintenance
Hct hematocrit
HCT
hematocrit
hematopoietic cell transplantation
HCRP Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme
HCTZ hydrochlorothiazide
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
HD
Hodgkin disease
Hemodialysis
Huntington's disease
HCV hepatitis C virus
HDL high-density lipoprotein
HDL-C high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
HDN hemolytic disease of the newborn
HDU high dependency unit
HDV hepatitis D virus
H&E hematoxylin and eosin, a standard tissue stain
HEENT head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
HELP
HELLP
Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes,
low platelets (syndrome) (in pregnancy)
HEMA
hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, a material in soft contact
lenses
Hema hematest e.g. hema (-) fecal occult blood
HES hydroxyethyl starch
HETE hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
HEV hepatitis E virus
HF heart failure
HFM hand, foot and mouth disease
HFMD hand, foot and mouth disease
HFRS hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
HGB hemoglobin
HGSIL high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
HGV hepatitis G virus
HGPRTase hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase
HH hiatus hernia
H/H or
H&H
hemoglobin and hematocrit
HHT hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectisia
HHV
human herpesvirus
(including numerous subtypes such as HHV8)
HI homicidal ideation
Hib haemophilus influenzae B
HIDA hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid
HIDS hyper-IgD (and periodic fever) syndrome
HIT heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
HIV human immunodeficiency virus
HL
hepatic lipase
Hodgkin's lymphoma
hearing level
HLA human leukocyte antigen
HLD Hyperlipidemia
HLHS hypoplastic left heart syndrome
H&M hematemesis and melena
HMD hyaline membrane disease
HMG human menopausal gonadotropin
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
HMG-CoA 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA
HMGR 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase
H-mole hydatidiform mole
HMS hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly
HMSN hereditary motor sensory neuropathy
HN hemagglutinin-neuraminidase
HND hemolytic disease of the newborn
HNPCC hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
H/O history of ...
HOB
head of bed (usually followed by number of degrees
of elevation, e.g., HOB 10)
HOCM hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
HONK hyperosmolar nonketotic coma
HOPI History of present illness
HoTN Hypotension
H&P
history and physical examination (which very often
are considered as a pair)
HPA hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
HPETE hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
HPF high-power field (microscopy)
HPI
H/oPI
history of the present illness
HPOA hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (clubbing)
hPL
human placental lactogen (same as human chorionic
somatomammotropin)
HPS hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
HPV human papillomavirus
HR heart rate
hr hour or hours
HRCT High-resolution computed tomography
HRT hormone replacement therapy
h.s. at bedtime (from Latin hora somni)
hs hours of sleep
HS heel-to-shin test
HSC
human chorionic somatomammotropin (same
as human placental lactogen)
HSG hysterosalpingogram
HSIL high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
HSM hepatosplenomegaly
HSP Henoch-Schnlein purpura
HSV herpes simplex virus
HT hypertension
Ht height
HTLV human T-lymphotropic virus
HTN hypertension
HTPA hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
HTVD hypertensive vascular disease
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
HUS hemolytic uremic syndrome
HVA homovanillic acid
HVLT
high-velocity lead therapy (facetious term for gunshot
wound)
Hx history (of)
131I or I131 iodine-131 (aka radioactive iodine or radioiodine)
IA intra-arterial
IAA insulin autoantibody
IABP intra-aortic balloon pump
IAI intra-amniotic infection
IBC inflammatory breast cancer
IBD inflammatory bowel disease
IBS irritable bowel syndrome
IC
ileocecal
immunocompromised
informed consent
intensive care
interstitial cystitis
immune complex
intracardiac
ICD implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
ICDS Integrated Child Development Services Program
ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision
ICF intracellular fluid
ICG impedance cardiography
ICH intracerebral hemorrhage
ICM ischemic cardiomyopathy
ICP intracranial pressure
ICS
intercostal space
inhaled corticosteroids
internal carotid stenosis
ICSI intracytoplasmic sperm injection
ICU intensive care unit
ICCU intensive cardiac care unit
ID
infectious disease
identifying data
I&D incision and drainage (how to treat an abscess)
IDA iron deficiency anemia
IDC
idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
indwelling catheter
infiltrating ductal carcinoma
IDDM
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (now
called diabetes mellitus type 1)
IDL intermediate-density lipoprotein
IDP infectious disease precautions
IE infective endocarditis
IF immunofluorescence
IFG impaired fasting glycaemia
Ig immunoglobulin
IgA immunoglobulin A
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
IgD immunoglobulin D
IgE immunoglobulin E
IgG immunoglobulin G
IgM immunoglobulin M
IGT impaired glucose tolerance
IHC immunohistochemistry
IHD ischaemic heart disease
IHSS
ideopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
(hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
IIEF International Index of Erectile Function
ILD interstitial lung disease
IM intramuscular
IMA inferior mesenteric artery
IMB intermenstrual bleed (bleeding between periods)
IMI intramuscular injection
IMM intramyometrial
IMN infectious mononucleosis
IMT intima-media thickness
IMV
intermittent mandatory ventilation (see mechanical
ventilation)
Inc incomplete
INF(-/-/-) interferons -/-/-
INH isoniazid
Inj injection
INR international normalized ratio
Int internal
INT intermittent needle therapy
IO intraosseous infusion
I&O
inputs and outputs
intake and outputs
IODM infant of diabetic mother
IOL
induction of labor
intraocular lens
IOP intra-orifice pressure
IP interphalangeal joint[disambiguation needed]
IPF idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
IPG Implantable Pulse Generator
IPH
intraparenchymal hemorrhage or intraperitoneal
hemorrhage or idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis
IPMN Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
IPPB
intermittent positive pressure breathing
(see mechanical ventilation)
IPPV
intermittent positive pressure ventilation
(see mechanical ventilation)
IPS intraperitoneal sounds
IQ intelligence quotient
IR insulin resistance
IRDS infant respiratory distress syndrome
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
IRIDA inherited iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia
IRIS Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
IS Incentive Spirometry
ISA intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
ISDN isosorbide dinitrate
ISH isolated systolic hypertension
ISMN isosorbide mononitrate
ISQ no change (from Latin, in status quo)
IT intrathecal
ITP
idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
immune-mediated thrombocytopenic purpura
ITU intensive treatment unit (or intensive therapy unit)
IUCD intrauterine contraceptive device
IU international units
IUD
intrauterine deathsometimes confused with
intrauterine contraceptive deviceuse FDIU or IUFD
instead.
intrauterine devicesometimes confused with
intrauterine deathuse IUCD instead (intrauterine
contraceptive device)
IUFD intrauterine foetal demise
IUGR intrauterine growth restriction
IUI intrauterine insemination
IUP intrauterine pregnancy
IUPC intrauterine pressure catheter
IUS intrauterine system
IUT intrauterine transfusion
IV intravenous
IVC inferior vena cava
IVD Intervertebral disc
IV-DSA intravenous digital subtraction angiography
IVDU intravenous drug user
IVF
in vitro fertilization;
intravenous fluids
IVH interventricular hemorrhage
IVP intravenous pyelogram
IVPB intravenous piggyback (i.v. short-term infusion)
IVU intravenous urogram
IVUS intravascular ultrasound
Ix Investigation(s)
JCV
JC virus (named after the initials of an anonymous
patient)
JEV Japanese encephalitis virus
JIA juvenile idiopathic arthritis
JMS junior medical student, aka MS-3
JODM juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus
JP Jackson-Pratt {drain}
JRA juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (now called juvenile
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
idiopathic arthritis)
JVD jugular venous distension
JVP jugular venous pressure
K potassium (from Latin kalium)
KA ketoacidosis
Kcal
kilocalorie;
calorie
KCCT
kaolin cephalin clotting time (see Partial
thromboplastin time)
KELS Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills
kg kilogram
KIV keep in view
KLS kidney, liver, spleen
Km Michaelis constant
KOH potassium hydroxide
KS
Kaposi's sarcoma;
Kartagener syndrome
KSHV Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus
KUB kidneys, ureters, and bladder (x-ray)
KVO keep vein open (with slow infusion)
L
leukocytes
lumbar vertebrae
L&D labor and delivery
LA
left atrium
lymphadenopathy
local anesthetic
LAAM L-alpha-acetylmethadol
Lab laboratory
LABA long acting beta agonist
LABBB left anterior bundle branch block
LAD
left anterior descending (a coronary artery)
leukocyte adhesion deficiency
left axis deviation (see electrocardiogram)
lymphadenopathy
LAE left atrial enlargement
LAH left anterior hemiblock
LAHB left anterior hemiblock
Lam laminectomy
LAP leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
Lap laparotomy
Lap appy laparoscopic appendectomy
LAR low anterior resection
LARP
left anterior, right posterior (path of the vagi as
they wander from thorax to abdomen)
LAS lymphadenopathy syndrome
Lat lateral
lb
LB
pound or pounds (mass)
LBBB left bundle branch block
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
LBO large bowel obstruction
LBP low back pain
LBW low birth weight
LCA left coronary artery
LCHAD long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase
LCIS lobular carcinoma in situ
LCM lymphocytic meningitis
LCMV lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
LCPD Legg-Calv-Perthes disease
LCV leukocytoclastic vasculitis
LCX left circumflex artery
L&D labor and delivery (see childbirth)
LDH lactate dehydrogenase
LDL low-density lipoprotein
LDL-C low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
L-DOPA levo-dihydroxyphenylalanine
LEC lupus erythematosus cell
LEEP loop electrical excision procedure
LES
lower esophageal sphincter
lupus erythematosus systemicus
LE
lupus erythematosus (in German lupus
erythematodes)
lower extremity (human leg)
leu leukocytes
LFT liver function test
LGA large for gestational age
LGL Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
LGM lymphogranulomatosis maligna
LGSIL low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
LGV lymphogranuloma venereum
LH
luteinizing hormone
Lightheadedness
LHC left heart catheterization
LHRH luteinizing hormone releasing hormone
Lig ligament
LIH left inguinal hernia
LLD leg length discrepancy
LLE left lower extremity
LLETZ large loop excision of the transformation zone
LLL left lower lobe
LLQ left lower quadrant
LM left main
LMA
left mentoanterior (fetal position)
laryngeal mask airway
LMCA left main coronary artery
LMD local medical doctor
LMP last menstrual periodfirst day of
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
the menstrual period prior to conceiving, used to
calculate expected date of delivery (EDD)
LMWH low molecular weight heparin
LN lymph node
LNG levonorgestrel
LOA
left occipitoanterior (fetal position)
lysis of adhesions
LOC
loss of consciousness (see unconsciousness)
level of consciousness (e.g., "altered LOC from head
trauma")
LOF leakage of fluid
LOL
little old lady (often LOL in NADsee House of
God)
LOM limitation of motion
LOP Left Occiput Posterior - Fetal position
LORTA
loss of resistance to air (in anesthesiology; when
placing epidural, LORTA indicates entrance of
needle to epidural space)
LOS length of stay
Lot
lotion
Left Occiput Transverse - Fetal position
Lp lipoprotein
LP lumbar puncture
LPH left posterior hemiblock (see heart block)
LPL lipoprotein lipase
LPP Lichen planopilaris
L/S lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio
LSB left sternal border
LSIL low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
LR lactated Ringer's solution
LRINEC
Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Soft Tissue
Infections Score
LRTI lower respiratory tract infection
LSCTA lung sounds clear to aucultation
LT heat-labile enterotoxin
LTAC long-term acute care
LTCS low transverse cesarean section
LUL left upper lobe (of lung)
LUQ left upper quadrant (of abdomen)
LUS lower uterine segment
LUTS lower urinary tract symptoms
LV left ventricle
LVAD left ventricular assist device
LVEDP left ventricular end diastolic pressure
LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction
LVF left ventricular failure
LVH left ventricular hypertrophy
LVOT left ventricular outflow tract
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
LWBS left without being seen
Lx of ch laxative of choice
Ly lymphocytes
lytes electrolytes
L
leukocytes
lumbar vertebrae
L&D labor and delivery
LA
left atrium
lymphadenopathy
local anesthetic
LAAM L-alpha-acetylmethadol
Lab laboratory
LABA long acting beta agonist
LABBB left anterior bundle branch block
LAD
left anterior descending (a coronary artery)
leukocyte adhesion deficiency
left axis deviation (see electrocardiogram)
lymphadenopathy
LAE left atrial enlargement
LAH left anterior hemiblock
LAHB left anterior hemiblock
Lam laminectomy
LAP leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
Lap laparotomy
Lap appy laparoscopic appendectomy
LAR low anterior resection
LARP
left anterior, right posterior (path of the vagi as
they wander from thorax to abdomen)
LAS lymphadenopathy syndrome
Lat lateral
lb
LB
pound or pounds (mass)
LBBB left bundle branch block
LBO large bowel obstruction
LBP low back pain
LBW low birth weight
LCA left coronary artery
LCHAD long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase
LCIS lobular carcinoma in situ
LCM lymphocytic meningitis
LCMV lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
LCPD Legg-Calv-Perthes disease
LCV leukocytoclastic vasculitis
LCX left circumflex artery
L&D labor and delivery (see childbirth)
LDH lactate dehydrogenase
LDL low-density lipoprotein
LDL-C low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
L-DOPA levo-dihydroxyphenylalanine
LEC lupus erythematosus cell
LEEP loop electrical excision procedure
LES
lower esophageal sphincter
lupus erythematosus systemicus
LE
lupus erythematosus (in German lupus
erythematodes)
lower extremity (human leg)
leu leukocytes
LFT liver function test
LGA large for gestational age
LGL Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
LGM lymphogranulomatosis maligna
LGSIL low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
LGV lymphogranuloma venereum
LH
luteinizing hormone
Lightheadedness
LHC left heart catheterization
LHRH luteinizing hormone releasing hormone
Lig ligament
LIH left inguinal hernia
LLD leg length discrepancy
LLE left lower extremity
LLETZ large loop excision of the transformation zone
LLL left lower lobe
LLQ left lower quadrant
LM left main
LMA
left mentoanterior (fetal position)
laryngeal mask airway
LMCA left main coronary artery
LMD local medical doctor
LMP
last menstrual periodfirst day of
the menstrual period prior to conceiving, used to
calculate expected date of delivery (EDD)
LMWH low molecular weight heparin
LN lymph node
LNG levonorgestrel
LOA
left occipitoanterior (fetal position)
lysis of adhesions
LOC
loss of consciousness (see unconsciousness)
level of consciousness (e.g., "altered LOC from head
trauma")
LOF leakage of fluid
LOL
little old lady (often LOL in NADsee House of
God)
LOM limitation of motion
LOP Left Occiput Posterior - Fetal position
LORTA
loss of resistance to air (in anesthesiology; when
placing epidural, LORTA indicates entrance of
needle to epidural space)
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
LOS length of stay
Lot
lotion
Left Occiput Transverse - Fetal position
Lp lipoprotein
LP lumbar puncture
LPH left posterior hemiblock (see heart block)
LPL lipoprotein lipase
LPP Lichen planopilaris
L/S lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio
LSB left sternal border
LSIL low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
LR lactated Ringer's solution
LRINEC
Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Soft Tissue
Infections Score
LRTI lower respiratory tract infection
LSCTA lung sounds clear to aucultation
LT heat-labile enterotoxin
LTAC long-term acute care
LTCS low transverse cesarean section
LUL left upper lobe (of lung)
LUQ left upper quadrant (of abdomen)
LUS lower uterine segment
LUTS lower urinary tract symptoms
LV left ventricle
LVAD left ventricular assist device
LVEDP left ventricular end diastolic pressure
LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction
LVF left ventricular failure
LVH left ventricular hypertrophy
LVOT left ventricular outflow tract
LWBS left without being seen
Lx of ch laxative of choice
Ly lymphocytes
lytes electrolytes
M murmur (heart murmur)
MAC Mycobacterium avium complex
MAE moves all extremities
MAHA microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
MAL midaxillary line
MALT mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
MAOI monoamine oxidase inhibitor
M macrophage
MAP mean arterial pressure
MARSA
methicillin- and aminoglycoside-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MAS MorgagniAdamsStokes syndrome
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
meconium aspiration syndrome
MAST Michigan alcohol screening test
MAT
multifocal atrial tachycardia
microscopic agglutination test
MBSS modified barium swallow study
MC metacarpal bone
MCD minimal change disease
MCP metacarpophalangeal joint
MCHC mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
MCH
mean cell hemoglobin;
mean corpuscular hemoglobin
MC&S
microscopy, culture, and sensitivity (the investigation
steps in processing microbiology samples)
MCTD mixed connective tissue disease
MCV mean corpuscular volume
MDCT multidetector row computerized tomography
MDD major depressive disorder
MDE major depressive episode
MDI metered dose inhaler
MDS myelodysplastic syndrome
M/E microscopic examination
MEDLINE
Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System
Online (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
MEN multiple endocrine neoplasia
MeSH
Medical subject headings (U.S. National Library of
Medicine)
MET metabolic equivalent
met
metastasis (pronounced like the word met;
plural mets)
MFM maternal and fetal medicine
Mg magnesium
MG myasthenia gravis
MGN membranous glomerulonephritis
MgSO4
magnesium sulfate (Do not use this abbreviation.
Write out the name. Per the do-not-use list.)
MGUS
monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined
significance (unknown or uncertain may be
substituted for undetermined)
MHA-TP microhemagglutination assay for T. pallidum
MHW Mental Health Worker
MI myocardial infarction
MIC minimum inhibitory concentration
MICA
mental illness and chemical abuse;
mentally ill chemical abuser
MICU
mobile intensive care unit / medical intensive care
unit
MIF Mllerian inhibitory factor
MIS Minimally Invasive Surgery
MLC mixed lymphocyte culture
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
MLE midline episiotomy
MM myeloid metaplasia; middle meningeal
M&M morbidity and mortality
MMFR midmaximal flow rate
MMI maximum medical improvement
MMK MarshallMarchettiKranz procedure
MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
MMSE mini-mental state examination
MN membranous nephropathy
MOB mother of baby
mod
moderate;
modified
MODY maturity onset diabetes of the young
Mo monocytes
MoM multiples of the median
MOM milk of magnesia
Mono-Di monochorionic-diamniotic twins
Mono-Mono monochorionic-monoamniotic twins
MOPP
mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine,
and prednisone in combination (older treatment
for Hodgkin's lymphoma)
MPA medroxyprogesterone acetate
MPD Main pancreatic duct
MPD(s) myeloproliferative disease(s)
MPGN membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
MPO myeloperoxidase
MPV mean platelet volume
MR
medical representative
mental retardation
mitral regurgitation
modified release (compare time release technology
(medicine))
MRA magnetic resonance angiography
MRCP magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
MRG murmurs, rubs, and gallops (see heart sounds)
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MS
medical student (MS-1, MS-2, MS-3, MS-4)
mental status (see mental status examination)
mitral stenosis
multiple sclerosis
MS-AFP maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
MSDU medical surgical day unit
MSE mental status examination
MSH melanocyte-stimulating hormone
MSK medullary sponge kidney
MSM men who have sex with men
MSO4
morphine sulfate (Do not use this abbreviation. Write
out the name. Per the do-not-use list.)
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
MSU
midstream urine sample (used in testing for presence
of urinary tract infections)
monosodium urate
MSUD maple syrup urine disease
MT metatarsal bone
MTBI mild traumatic brain injury
MTP metatarsalphalangeal joint
MTX methotrexate
MUSE Medicated Urethral System for Erections
MVA motor vehicle accident
MVC motor vehicle crash
MVI Multivitamin
MVo2 mixed venous oxygen concentration
MVP mitral valve prolapse
MVPS mitral valve prolapse syndrome
MVR mitral valve replacement
Na sodium (from Latin natrium)
NAAT nuclear acid amplification test
NABS normoactive bowel sounds
NAC n-acetyl cysteine
NAD
no abnormality detected
no apparent distress
(and many variations of the above)
NAD+ nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
NAFLD Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
NAS no added salt
NASH Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
NB
newborn (infant)
note well (please pay attention) (from Latin nota
bene)
NBN newborn nursery
NBIA neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation
NBT nitroblue tetrazolium
NBTE nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis
NC
nerve action potential
nasal cannula
NCC noncompaction cardiomyopathy
NCEP National Cholesterol Education Program
NCS nerve conduction study
NCT nerve conduction test, aka nerve conduction study
NCV
nerve conduction velocity (see nerve conduction
study)
ND (examination) not done
NDI nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
NE norepinephrine
Ne neutrophil granulocytes
NEAP Net Endogenous Acid Production
NEC not elsewhere classified
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
necrotizing enterocolitis
Neg negative
Neo neoplasm
NES not elsewhere specified
NFR not for resuscitation
NG nasogastric
NGT
NG tube
nasogastric tube
NGTD negative to date
NGU nongonococcal urethritis
NHL non-Hodgkin lymphoma
NICU neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
NIH National Institutes of Health
NIPPV Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation
NK
NK cells
natural killer cells
NKA no known allergies
NKDA no known drug allergies
Nl normal
NLP no light perception (highest degree of blindness)
NM nuclear medicine
NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
NNH number needed to harm
NNT number needed to treat
NO nitric oxide
No. number
NOF neck of femur fracture (refers to hip fracture)
NOMI nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia
Non rep. do not repeat
NOS
nitric oxide synthase;
not otherwise specified
NPA nasal pharyngeal aspirate
NPH normal pressure hydrocephalus
Npl neoplasm
NP Nurse Practitioner
NPO nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NPPV noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
NPTAC no previous tracing available for comparison
NPV negative predictive value
NRB non-rebreather mask
NRBC nucleated red blood cells
NREM nonrapid eye movement
n.s. not significant
NS normal saline
NSA no significant abnormality
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
NSAID nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug
NSCC Non-squamous-cell carcinoma
NSCLC nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
NSD normal spontaneous delivery (see childbirth)
NSE neurospecific enolase
NSR normal sinus rhythm
NST non-stress test (see cardiotocograph)
NSTEMI non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
NSU nonspecific urethritis
NSVD normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
NT
not tested
nuchal translucency
NTD neural tube defect
NTG nitroglycerin
n/t numbness and tingling
NTP Nortriptyline
NTT nasotracheal tube (see intubation)
NTX N-telopeptide
N&V
n/v
nausea and vomiting
NVD
normal vaginal delivery (see childbirth);
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
NVDC nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
NWB Non-weight-bearing
NYD Not yet diagnosed
NYHA New York Heart Association
o
Nothing
[letter o with overbar]
O2 oxygen
OA osteoarthritis
OAB Overactive bladder
OAF osteoclast activating factor
OB Occult blood
OB
OB-GYN
ob-gyne
obstetrics and gynecology
Obl oblique
OBS organic brain syndrome
Occ occasional
OCD obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCG oral cholecystogram
OCNA Orthopedic Clinics of North America
OCP oral contraceptive pill
OCT optical coherence tomography
OD
right eye (from Latin oculus dexter)
overdose
occupational disease
od every day, usually regarded as once daily
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
(from Latin omni die). Generally written in lowercase.
ODC ornithine decarboxylase
OE otitis externa
O/E on examination
OGTT oral glucose tolerance test
OHL oral hairy leukoplakia
Oint ointment
OM otitis media
om
every morning (from Latin omni mane). Generally
written in lowercase.
OME
otitis media with effusion (fluid in the inner ear
without other symptoms)
on
every night (from Latin omni nocte). Generally
written in lowercase.
O/N overnight
OOB out of bed
OP
outpatient department
Osteoporosis
O&P ova and parasites
OPD outpatient department
OPPT oriented to person, place, and time
OPV outpatient visit
OR
operating room (aka operating theatre)
odds ratio
ORIF open reduction internal fixation
ORSA oxacillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
ORT oral rehydration therapy
OS left eye (from Latin oculus sinister)
OS overall survival
OS orthopedic surgery
OSA obstructive sleep apnea
OSH outside hospital
Osm osmolarity
Osteo osteomyelitis
OT occupational therapy
OTC over-the-counter drug
OTD out the door (discharged)
OTPP oriented to time, place, and person
OTTR Organ Transplant Tracking Record
OU both eyes (from Latin oculi uterque)
OV office visit (see ambulatory care)
oz ounce
p
after (from Latin post)
[letter p with a bar over it]
P
parturition (total number of live births)
phosphorus
pulse
post
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
POSM plasma osmolality
PA
posterioranterior, posteroanterior
pulmonary artery
physician assistant
psoriatic arthritis
P&A percussion and auscultation
PAC
premature atrial contraction
pulmonary artery catheter, pulmonary artery
catheterisation
PAD
peripheral artery disease (aka peripheral artery
occlusive disease)
postadmission day (e.g. PAD 6 equals the sixth day of
being in hospital)
peripheral airspace disease Passively Acquired anti-D
PAF
platelet activating factor
paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (meaning intermittent
AF)
PAH
pulmonary arterial hypertension
phenylalanine hydroxylase
PAI-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
PAL posterior axillary line
PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support (training program)
PAN polyarteritis nodosa
PAO peak acid output
PAOD peripheral artery occlusive disease
PAP
Papanicolaou stain
positive airway pressure
pulmonary artery pressure (see pulmonary
hypertension)
pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Pap Papanicolaou test (pap smear)
PAPP-A pregnancy-associated plasma protein A
PARA I indicating a woman with one child (partus = birth)
PARA II indicating a woman with two children (partus = birth)
PAT paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
PBC primary biliary cirrhosis
PBX probiotics
PBF peripheral blood film
p.c.
after food (from Latin post cibum)
after meals
PCA patient-controlled analgesia
PCa prostate cancer
PCD
postconcussional disorder
primary ciliary dyskinesia
PCI percutaneous coronary intervention
PCIOL posterior chamber intraocular lens
PCL posterior cruciate ligament
PCN penicillin
PCNSL primary CNS (central nervous system) lymphoma
PCO polycystic ovary (see polycystic ovarian syndrome)
PCOS polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCP Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (now
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
called Pneumocystis pneumonia)
primary care physician (also called primary care
provider)
PCR
patient care report
polymerase chain reaction
PCS post-concussion syndrome
PCT progesterone challenge test
PCV
packed cell volume (see hematocrit)
polycythemia vera
PCWP pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PD
Parkinson's disease
peritoneal dialysis
physical diagnosis
personality disorder
program director
PDA
patent ductus arteriosus
posterior descending artery
PDD premenstrual dysphoric disorder
PDE phosphodiesterase
PDGF platelet-derived growth factor
PDR
Physicians' Desk Reference[(Profilarative Diabetic
Retinopathy)]
PDT photodynamic therapy
PDVT postoperative deep-vein thrombosis
PE
pulmonary embolism
pre-eclampsia
physical examination
PEA pulseless electrical activity
PEEP positive end expiratory pressure
PEF peak expiratory flow
PEFR peak expiratory flow rate
PEG percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
PEM protein/energy malnutrition (aka Kwashiorkor)
pen
penicillin (Best practice is to avoid drug name
abbreviations)
PEP postexposure prophylaxis
PERRL pupils equal, round, reactive to light
PERLA pupils equal and reactive to light and accommodation
PERRLA
pupils equal, round, reactive to light and
accommodation
Per Vag per vagina
PET
positron-emission tomography (cerebral metabolic
scan)
PFO patent foramen ovale
PFT pulmonary function test (see spirometry)
PGCS Paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale
PH
Pulmonary hypertension
Past history (see also medical history)
PHx past history (see also medical history)
PHN postherpetic neuralgia
PHP Partial Hospitalization Program
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
PHQ Patient Health Questionnaire
PHTLS prehospital trauma life support
PI present illness
PICC peripherally inserted central catheter
PID
pelvic inflammatory disease
prolapsed intervertibral disc
PIG-A phosphatidyl inositol glycan A
PIH pregnancy induced hypertension
PIP proximal interphalangeal joint
PK protein kinase
PKA protein kinase A
PKD polycystic kidney disease
PKU phenylketonuria (PKU cardsee Guthrie test)
PLAT tissue plasminogen activator
PLIF
posterior lumbar interbody fusion (a type of spinal
fusion)
PLT platelets
PM post meridiem (in the afternoon)
PMB
post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after
menopause)
PMD primary medical doctor
PMDD premenstrual dysphoric disorder
PMH
past medical history (see also medical history)
perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage
PMI
point of maximal impulse or apical beat
point of maximal intensity
PML
polyoma virus
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
PMP Pseudomyxoma peritonei
PMN polymorphonuclear leukocytes, that is, neutrophils
PMR
percutaneous myocardial revascularization
polymyalgia rheumatica
proportionate mortality rate
PM&R physical medicine and rehabilitation
PMS premenstrual syndrome
PNA pneumonia
PND
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
postnasal drip
PNH paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
PNM perinatal mortality
PNV Prenatal vitamin
PO by mouth, that is, orally (from Latin per os)
POA (Health Care) Power of Attorney
POC
postoperative care
products of conception
Plan of Care
POD postoperative days
poly polymorphonuclear cells, that is, neutrophils
POP pain on palpation
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
Post posterior (see anatomical terms of location)
POT plan of treatment
POX peroxidase
PP
pulse pressure
postpartum, that is, postnatal
PPCS prolonged post-concussion syndrome
PPD
packs per day (cigarettes)
postpartum depression, that is, postnatal depression
purified protein derivative or Mantoux test,
for tuberculosis testing
PPH
postpartum haemorrhage
primary pulmonary hypertension
procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids
PPI proton pump inhibitor
PPROM preterm premature rupture of membranes
PPS post-polio syndrome
Ppt
precipitate
precipitating
PPTCT
prevention of parent-to-child transmission [of HIV]
(government of India initiative)
PPTL postpartum tubal ligation
PPV positive predictive value
PPx prophylaxis
PR prothrombin ratio
p.r. per rectum (as noun: rectal examination)
PRA plasma renin activity
PRBC
PRBCs
packed red blood cells
Preme premature infant (see premature birth)
Prep preparation
PRIND prolonged reversible ischemic neurologic deficit
PRL prolactin
prn
PRN
as necessary (from Latin pro re nata) (if used in
chronic pain control, sometimes disparagingly termed
"pain relief nil")
as needed
Prog prognosis
PROM premature rupture of membranes
PRP
panretinal photocoagulation
progressive rubella panencephalitis
PRV polycythemia rubra vera (see polycythemia vera)
PSA prostate-specific antigen
PSC Primary sclerosing cholangitis
PSGN poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis
PSH
psychosocial history
Past medical history (see also medical history)
PSI Pneumonia severity index
PSP phenylsulphtalein
PSS progressive systemic sclerosis (see scleroderma)
PT
prothrombin time
physical therapy (physiotherapy)
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
Pt.
patient (from Latin patiens, meaning one who
endures or one who suffers)
PTA
percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
post-traumatic amnesia
prior to admission
PTB pulmonary tuberculosis
PTC percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTD
prior to discharge
preterm delivery
PTH parathyroid hormone
PTHC percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
PTL preterm labor
PTSD posttraumatic stress disorder
PTSS
posttraumatic stress syndrome (see posttraumatic
stress disorder)
PTT partial thromboplastin time
PTU propylthiouracil
PTx pneumothorax
PUS palindromic units
PUBS percutaneous umbilical blood sample
PUD peptic ulcer disease
PUO pyrexia of unknown origin
PUVA
psoralen UV A (photochemical ultraviolet light A
waves)
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
PVI
Peripheral Vascular Insufficiency
Pulmonary Vein Isolation
PVR pulmonary vascular resistance
PVS
persistent vegetative state
pulmonary valve stenosis
Plummer-Vinson syndrome
PWP pulmonary wedge pressure
Px
px
physical examination
Px prognosis
P-Y
pack-years (years of smoking multiplied by average
number of packs, or fraction thereof, per day)
PZA pyrazinamide
Q perfusion
q each, every (from Latin quaque)
q.a.d. every other day (from Latin quaque altera die)
QALY quality-adjusted life year
q.AM
every day before noon (from Latin quaque die ante
meridiem)
q.d. each day (from Latin quaque die)
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
(deprecated; use "daily" instead. See the do-not-use
list)
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)
(not deprecated, but consider using "four times a day"
instead. See the do-not-use list)
QIDS Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms
q.l. as much as you like (from Latin quantum libet)
q.m.t. every month
q.n. every night
QNS
q.n.s.
quantity not sufficient
q.o.d.
every other day (from Latin quaque altera die)
(deprecated; use "every other day" instead. See the do-
not-use list)
QOF
Quality and Outcomes Framework (system for
payment of GPs in the UK National Health Service)
q.o.h. every other hour
q.s.
as much as suffices (from Latin quantum
satis or quantum sufficit)
qt quart
q.v.
which see (from Latin quod vide);
as much as you please (from Latin quantum vis)
q.wk. weekly
RA
refractory anemia
rheumatoid arthritis
right atrium
room air
RAD
reflex anal dilatation
right axis deviation
reactive airway disease
radiation absorbed dose
reactive attachment disorder
Rad hys radical hysterectomy
RAE right atrial enlargement
RAI radioactive iodine
RAIU thyroid reactive iodine uptake
RAPD relative afferent pupillary defect
RAS renal artery stenosis
RATVH Radical Total Vaginal Hysterectomy
RBBB right bundle branch block
RBC red blood cells, red blood count
RBE relative biologic equivalent
RBLM recurrent benign lymphocytic meningitis
RCA right coronary artery
RCC renal cell carcinoma
RCM
restrictive cardiomyopathy
right costal margin
RCR rotator cuff repair
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
RCT randomized controlled trial
RD retinal detachment
RDS
respiratory distress syndrome (see also infant
respiratory distress syndrome)
RDW red cell distribution width
REI Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
REM
rapid eye movement
roentgen equivalent man
RF
rheumatoid factor
rheumatic fever
RFLP restriction fragment length polymorphism
RFT renal function test
r/g/m rubs/gallops/murmurs (see heart sounds)
Rh rhesus factor
Rhabdo Rhabdomyolysis
RHD rheumatoid heart disease
RhF rheumatoid factor
RIA radioimmunoassay
RIBA radioimmunoblotting assay
RICE
rest, ice, compression, and elevation (treatment for a
soft tissue injury)
RIF rifampin
RIMA reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A
RIND reversible ischemic neurologic deficit
RL Ringer's lactate (that is, lactated Ringer's solution)
RLE right lower extremity
RLL right lower lobe (of lung)
RLN
recurrent laryngeal nerve;
regional lymph node
RLQ right lower quadrant (of abdomen)
R&M Routine + microscopic (General analysis of urine)
RML right middle lobe (of lung)
RNA ribonucleic acid
RNP ribonucleoprotein
RNV radionuclear ventriculography
RNY Roux-en-Y anastomosis
ROM
range of motion
rupture of membranes
R/O rule out
ROA right occipital anterior (see childbirth)
ROM range of motion
ROP
right occipital posterior (see childbirth)
retinopathy of prematurity
ROS review of systems
ROSC return of spontaneous circulation
RPGN rapidly progressing glomerulonephritis
RPR rapid plasma reagin test
RR respiratory rate
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
blood pressure measured with a
specific sphygmomanometer
relative risk
RRP Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
RRR regular rate and rhythm (see pulse)
RS cell ReedSternberg cell
RSB Right sternal border
RSI rapid sequence induction
RSV respiratory syncytial virus
R/t related to
RT
respiratory therapy
reverse transcriptase
RT-PCR reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
RTA renal tubular acidosis
RTC
return to clinic (appointment for outpatient for next
medical examination)
RTS Revised Trauma Score
RTV ritonavir
RUE right upper extremity
RUL right upper lobe (of lung)
RUQ
right upper quadrant (see also regions of the
abdomen)
RV
residual volume
right ventricle
RVAD right ventricular assist device
RVF right ventricular failure
RVH right ventricular hypertrophy
RVR rapid ventricular rate (tachycardia)
RVSP right ventricular systolic pressure
RVT renal vein thrombosis
Rx or or
Rx
(R with crossed tail) medical
prescription or prescription drug
RXN reaction
s without (s with a bar over it) (from Latin sine)
S sacrum
Sx
symptoms
surgery (though deemed by some as inappropriate)
S1 first heart sound
S2 second heart sound
S3 third heart sound
S4 fourth heart sound
S&O salpingo-oophorectomy
SA sinoatrial node
SAAG serumascites albumin gradient
SAB
staphylococcal bacteremia
spontaneous abortion (that is, miscarriage)
SAD
seasonal affective disorder
subacromial decompression
SAH subarachnoid hemorrhage
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
SAM systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve
SAN sinoatrial node
SAPS II simplified acute physiology score
SAPS III simplified acute physiology score
SAR seasonal allergic rhinitis
Sarc sarcoidosis
SARS severe acute respiratory syndrome
SB small bowel (see small intestine)
SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis
SBFT small bowel follow through
SBMA spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
SBO small bowel obstruction
SBP
systolic blood pressure
spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
SBRT split beam radiation therapy
s.c. subcutaneous (from Latin subcutis)
SCA spinocerebellar ataxia
SCC squamous cell carcinoma
SCD sudden cardiac death
SCD sequential compression device
SCD sickle-cell disease
SCI spinal cord injury
SCID severe combined immunodeficiency
SCIWORA spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality
SCLC small cell lung cancer
scope microscope or endoscope
S.D. subdermal
SD

standard deviation
SDH subdural hematoma
SDTI suspected deep tissue injury
SE
standard error
side effect
Sed
sedimentation (rate) (see erythrocyte sedimentation
rate)
SEE syphilis elimination effort
Segs segmented cells
SEM
standard error of the mean
systolic ejection murmur (see heart murmur)
SERM selective estrogen receptor modulator
SERT serotonin transporter
SFA
superficial femoral artery
serum folic acid
SGA small for gestational age
SG cath SwanGanz catheter (see pulmonary artery catheter)
SG specific gravity (in urinanalysis)
SGB stellate ganglion block
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
SGOT serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
SGPT serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase
SH
SHx
social history (personal habits, living situation, job)
SHBG sex hormone-binding globulin
shob shortness of breath (see dyspnea)
SHPT secondary hyperparathyroidism
SHx surgical history
SI
International System of Units
suicidal ideation
seriously ill
sacroiliac (joint)
SIADH syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
SICU surgical intensive care unit
SIBO small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
SID
semel in die meaning once daily. Used only
in veterinary medicine.
SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
SIL squamous intraepithelial lesion
SIMV synchronized intermittent mechanical ventilation
si op. sit if needed (from Latin si opus sit)
SIRS systemic inflammatory response syndrome
SIT
stress inoculation training (see posttraumatic stress
disorder)
SJS StevensJohnson syndrome
SK streptokinase
sl sublingual
SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
SLEV St Louis virus
SLN
SLNB
sentinel lymph node biopsy
SLR straight leg raise (see Lasgue's sign)
SLL small lymphocytic lymphoma
SLP speech-language pathologist
SM
multiple sclerosis (from Latin sclerosis multiplex)
submucosal
SMA
sequential multiple analysis
superior mesenteric artery
spinal muscle atrophy
SMA-6 six-channel serum multiple analysis
SMA-7 serum metabolic assay
SMN statement of medical necessity
SMS senior medical student
SMT spinal manipulative therapy
SMV superior mesenteric vein
SN
student nurse ;
skilled nursing
SNB sentinel node biopsy (ductal carcinoma)
SNF skilled nursing facility
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
SNP
sodium nitroprusside;
single nucleotide polymorphism
SNRI serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
SNV
sin nombre virus (the most common type
of hantavirus)
SO salpingo-oophoritis
SOA swelling of ankles
SOAP
subjective, objective, assessment, plan (how
physicians notes may be organized)
SOB shortness of breath (see dyspnea)
SOBOE shortness of breath on exertion
SOL space-occupying lesion
Sol solution
SOOB
send out of bed
sitting out of bed
SOS if needed (from Latin si opus sit)
SP
s/p
status post
SPE streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin
Spec specimen
SPECT single-photon emission computed tomography
SPEP serum protein electrophoresis
SPET single-photon emission tomography
Sp. fl. spinal fluid (see cerebrospinal fluid)
Sp. gr. specific gravity
SPS single point (walking) stick
SQ
sq
subcutaneous
SR
slow release (see also time release technology
(medicine))
SROM spontaneous rupture of membranes
SRS stereotactic radiotherapy
SRU shock resuscitation unit
SS
hemoglobin SS (HbSS) (see in sickle-cell disease = SS
disease)
subserosal
S/S
S/Sx
signs and symptoms
SSC secondary sex characteristics
SSE sterile speculum exam
SSI sliding scale insulin
SSKI potassium iodide solution
SSPE subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
ssRNA single-stranded RNA
SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSSI
skin and skin structure infection (also referred to as
acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection -
ABSSSI)
SSSS staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
SSS sick sinus syndrome
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
ST
sore throat
speech therapy
Staph. Staphylococcus
STD sexually transmitted disease
stat immediately (from Latin statim)
STEC
Shiga toxinproducing Escherichia coli (another
name for enterohemorrhagic E. coli)
STEMI ST elevation myocardial infarction
STH somatotropic hormone
STI
sexually transmitted infection
soft tissue injury
STN Subthalamic nucleus
STNR symmetrical tonic neck reflex
STOP
surgical termination of pregnancy (sometimes suction
termination of pregnancy)
Strep.
Strepto.
Streptococcus
STS serological test for syphilis
Subq subcutaneous
SUI stress urinary incontinence
Supp suppository
SUV standardized uptake value
SV
seminal vesicle
stroke volume
SVC superior vena cava
SVD
spontaneous vaginal delivery
simple vertex delivery
SVE sterile vaginal examination
SVG Saphenous vein graft
SVI systemic viral infection
SVN small volume nebulizer
SVR systemic vascular resistance
SVT supraventricular tachycardia
SW SturgeWeber syndrome
SXA single-energy X-ray absorptiometer
SXR skull x-ray
Sz seizure
T thoracic vertebrae
Tx Treatment
TA temporal arteritis
T&A tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy
T&C type and cross-match (see blood transfusion)
Tab Tablet (pharmacy)
TAB therapeutic abortion
TAH total abdominal hysterectomy
TAH-BSO
total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-
oophorectomy
TAP trypsinogen activation peptide
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
TAPVR total anomalous pulmonary venous return
TAT thematic apperception test
TB tuberculosis
TBC
tuberculosis
total body crunch
TbEC Enteric coated tablet
TBG thyroid-binding globulin
TBI
to be intubated
total body irradiation
traumatic brain injury
TBLC term birth living child
TC traffic crash
TCA tricyclic antidepressant
TCC transitional cell carcinoma
TCM traditional Chinese medicine
TCN tetracycline
TCT thrombin clotting time
T2DM type 2 Diabetes mellitus
Td tetanus and diphtheria (combined vaccination)
TDaP
tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis combined
vaccine
TdP Torsades de pointes
TDS three times a day (from Latin ter die sumendus)
TdT terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
TD Tardive dyskinesia
TE tracheoesophageal
TEB
thoracic electrical bioimpedance (see impedance
cardiography)
TEC transient erythroblastopenia of childhood
TEE transesophageal echocardiogram
TEF tracheoesophageal fistula
TEM transmission electron microscopy
Temp temperature
TEN toxic epidermal necrolysis
TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator
TF transfer
T/F transfer
TFTs thyroid function tests
TGA transposition of the great arteries
TG triglycerides
Tg thyroglobulin
TGF tumor growth factor
TGV transposition of the great vessels
T&H type and hold (stay ready for blood transfusion)
THR total hip replacement
TIA transient ischemic attack
TIBC total iron-binding capacity
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
Tib-Fib tibia and fibula
TID three times a day (from Latin ter in die)
TIN tubulointerstitial nephritis
TIPS transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
TKA total knee arthoscopy
TKO to keep (vein) open for IV therapy
TKR total knee replacement
TKVO to keep vein open
TLA three letter acronym
TLC total lung capacity, or total lymphocyte count
TLR tonic labyrinthine reflex
TM tympanic membrane
TME total mesorectal excision
TNF tumor necrosis factor
TMJ temporomandibular joint
TNG trinitroglycerin
TNM tumor-nodes-metastases
TNTC too numerous to count
TOA tuboovarian abscess
TOC
test-of-cure (+TOC meaning patient cured of disease
proven via test)
TOD transoesophageal Doppler
TOE transoesophageal echocardiogram
TOF tetralogy of Fallot
TOP termination of pregnancy
TOT transobturator tape
TP total protein
TPa tissue plasminogen activator
TPN total parenteral nutrition
TPR temperature, pulse, respiration
TR tricuspid regurgitation
Tr tincture
TRAM
transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap
(TRAM flap)
TRAP tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
TRF transfer (pronounced "turf")
TRF'd
transferred (pronounced "turfed", as in "We just
turfed Mrs Johnson OTD")
TRH thyrotropin-releasing hormone
TRT testosterone replacement therapy
TRUSP
Transrectal Ultrasonography of the Prostate
Transrectal Ultrasound of the Prostate
TS tricuspid stenosis
Tsp teaspoon (5 mL)
TSH thyroid stimulating hormone
TSHR-Ab thyrotropin-receptor antibody
TSI Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
T.S.T.H. too sick to send home
TT thrombin time
TTE transthoracic echocardiogram
TTN transient tachypnea of the newborn
TTO
to take out (medicines given to patient on discharge
from hospital stay)
TTP
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
tender to palpation
TTR transthyretin
TTS transdermal therapeutic system
TTTS twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Tu tumor
TUBA Trans-umbilical breast augmentation
TUIP Transurethral incision of the prostate
TUMT Transurethral microwave thermotherapy
TUNA Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate
TUR transurethral resection
TURBT transurethral resection of bladder tumor
TURP transurethral resection of the prostate
TVC true vocal cord
TVH transvaginal hysterectomy
TVT tension-free vaginal tape
Tx
therapy
transplant
treatment
Txp transport (by ambulance to or between hospitals)
UOSM urine osmolality
UA
urinalysis
unstable angina
UBT urea breath test
UC ulcerative colitis
UCHD
usual childhood diseases (see list of childhood
diseases)
UCTD Undifferentiated connective tissue disease
UD as directed (from Latin ut dictum)
UDS urine drug screening
UE upper extremity
U&E
urea and electrolytes (blood test) (for sodium and
potassium, and often creatinine)
UIP usual interstitial pneumonitis
UGI upper gastrointestinal
ULN upper limit of normal
UOP urinary output
Ung ointment (from Latin unguentum)
Unk unknown
UPJ ureteropelvic junction (see pyeloplasty)
URA unilateral renal agenesis
URI upper respiratory infection
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
URTI upper respiratory tract infection
US ultrasonogram
USG ultrasonogram
USO unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
USP United States Pharmacopeia
USR unheated serum reagin
USS ultrasound scan
UTI urinary tract infection
UUS upper uterine segment
UVAL ultraviolet argon laser
UOSM urine osmolality
UA
urinalysis
unstable angina
UBT urea breath test
UC ulcerative colitis
UCHD
usual childhood diseases (see list of childhood
diseases)
UCTD Undifferentiated connective tissue disease
UD as directed (from Latin ut dictum)
UDS urine drug screening
UE upper extremity
U&E
urea and electrolytes (blood test) (for sodium and
potassium, and often creatinine)
UIP usual interstitial pneumonitis
UGI upper gastrointestinal
ULN upper limit of normal
UOP urinary output
Ung ointment (from Latin unguentum)
Unk unknown
UPJ ureteropelvic junction (see pyeloplasty)
URA unilateral renal agenesis
URI upper respiratory infection
URTI upper respiratory tract infection
US ultrasonogram
USG ultrasonogram
USO unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
USP United States Pharmacopeia
USR unheated serum reagin
USS ultrasound scan
UTI urinary tract infection
UUS upper uterine segment
UVAL ultraviolet argon laser
WAIS-R Wechsler adult intelligence scale revised
WAP
wandering atrial pacemaker (see multifocal atrial
tachycardia)
WAS WiskottAldrich syndrome
WASP WiskottAldrich syndrome protein
Abbr
eviati
on
Meaning
WAT white adipose tissue
WBAT weight bearing as tolerated
WBC
white blood cell
white blood cell count
WBI whole bowel irrigation
WBRT whole-brain radiotherapy treatment
WC white cells
W/C wheelchair
WD well developed
WDL within defined limits (as per hospital defined policy)
WH well hydrated (not dehydrated or hyperhydrated)
WDWN well developed and well nourished
WEE Western equine encephalitis virus
WG Wegener's granulomatosis
WISC-R Wechsler intelligence scale for children revised
WLE Wide local excision
WN well nourished
WNL within normal limits (also: we never looked)
W/O
w/o
without
WOI -
without
incident

WPW WolffParkinsonWhite syndrome
WS
Waardenburg syndrome
Warkany syndrome
water-soluble
Werner syndrome
West syndrome
Williams syndrome
Wolfram syndrome
wt weight (whether human weight or otherwise)
w/u Workup
WWI walking while intoxicated (ethanol or other drugs)
x (x with macron) except
X-AFP extended alpha-fetoprotein
XR
extended release (see time release technology)
x-ray (see radiography)
XRT radiotherapy used in cancer treatment
y year or years
YO
yo
y/o
years old
YPLL years of potential life lost
yr year or years
ZD zinc deficiency
ZDV zidovudine
ZES ZollingerEllison syndrome
ZIFT zygote intrafallopian transfer
Zn zinc