Medical abbreviations

King_richard42@yahoo.com

This is a list of medical acronyms and abbreviations.

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 Potential Problem Use Instead

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

Contents: Top - 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

[edit] 0–9

Abbrv. Meaning
 Diagnosis; Also can mean
Δ "change"
Differential diagnosis, i.e. the list
ΔΔ of possible diagnoses
# Fracture
#NOF Fracture to the neck of the femur
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-HT Serotonin, 5-Hydroxytryptamine

[edit] A

Alert and Oriented to person,

A&Ox3 place, and time
Alert and Oriented to person,
place, time, and circumstances
(often used interchangeably with
A&Ox4 A&Ox3)
A&W Alive and well
Abdominal aortic aneurysm,
AAA Pronounced "Triple A"
AAT activity as tolerated
Ab Antibody
ABC aspiration biopsy cytology
"Asymmetry, borders, color,
diameter" features on considering
ABCD "is it a Melanoma"?
ABD or abd abdomen
ABG Arterial blood gases
Autologous bone marrow
ABMT transplantation
ABPI Ankle brachial pressure index
doxorubicin bleomycin vinblastine
dacarbazine First-line treatment for
ABVD Hodgkin's lymphoma.
ABX antibiotics
before food, from Latin, ante
a.c. cibum
ACE Angiotensin converting enzyme
 Angiotensin converting enzyme
ACEI inhibitors
Ach Acetylcholine
ACL Anterior cruciate ligament
ACLS Advanced cardiac life support
ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone
AD Alzheimer's Disease
ADA Adenosine deaminase
ADC AIDS dementia complex
ADD Attention Deficit Disorder
ADH Antidiuretic hormone
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
ADHD Disorder
ADL activities of daily living
ad lib as desired from Latin, ad libitum
adm admission
ADR Adverse drug reaction
Ambulatory electrocardiogram
AEM monitoring
AF atrial fibrillation
AF atrial flutter
AF Amniotic fluid
AFB acid fast bacilli
AFO ankle-foot orthosis
AFP Alpha-fetoprotein
Ag Antigen
AHF Antihemophilic factor
AHG Antihemophilic globulin
AHH aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase
AI Artificial insemination
AI Aortic insufficiency
Automated implantable
AICD cardioverter-defibrillator
AID Artificial insemination by donor
Acquired Immune Deficiency
AIDS Syndrome
AIH artificial insemination by husband
AIIRB Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
aka also known as
AKA Above knee amputation
ALG Antilymphocytic globulin
ALL Acute lymphocytic leukemia
ALP Alkaline phosphatase
 Autoimmune lymphoproliferative
ALPS syndrome
ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS Advanced Life Support
ALT Alanine transferase
AMA Anti-mitochondrial Antibodies
AMA Against Medical Advice
Advanced Maternal Age (35 years or
AMA greater)
Arthrogryposis multiplex
AMC congenita
AMI Acute myocardial infarction
AML Acute myelocytic leukemia
AMP Adenosine monophosphate
AMS Acute mountain sickness
AMS atypical measles syndrome
ANA Anti-nuclear antibody
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic
ANCA antibodies
ANF Atrial natriuretic factor
ANP Atrial natriuretic peptide
ANS Autonomic nervous system
Acute necrotizing ulcerative
ANUG gingivitis
AP Alkaline phosphatase
acetaminophen, paracetamol; from
the chemical name N-acetyl-para-
APAP aminophenol
APD adult polycystic disease
APECED autoimmune polyendocrinopathy
APH Antepartum haemorrhage
antiphospholipid antibody
APLS syndrome
Anisoylated plasminogen
APSAC streptokinase activator complex
autoimmune polyglandular
APS syndrome
Activated Partial Thromboplastin
aPTT Time
AR Aortic Regurgitation
ARB Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
ARC AIDS related complex
Acute respiratory distress
ARDS syndrome
ARF Acute renal failure
Arg Arginine
ART antiretroviral therapy
assuming room temperature, ie)
ART the patient has died.
ARM Artificial rupture of membranes
Acetylsalicylic acid - commonly known
ASA as aspirin
AS Aortic stenosis
arteriosclerotic coronary artery
ASCAD disease
ASD Atrial septal defect
Atypical squamous glandular cells
ASGUS of undetermined significance
Atypical squamous cells of
ASCUS undetermined significance
ASL American sign language
ASO Antistreptolysin O
ASOT Antistreptolysin O titre
AST Aspartate transaminase
ASX Asymptomatic
ATCC American Type Culture Collection
ATG Antithymic globulin
AT-III Antithrombin III
ATP acute thrombocytopenic purpura
ATP adenosine triphosphate
ATP Anti-tachycardia pacing
AVM Arteriovenous malformation
AVR Aortic valve replacement
AZT azidothymidine

[edit] B

Ba Barium
BAL Bronchoalveolar lavage
BAL British anti-Lewisite
BAL Blood Alcohol Level
BAO Basic acid output
BAT Brown adipose tissue
Bacille Calmette-Guerin (a
BCG tuberculosis vaccination)
BCX Blood culture
"Bone break, me fix" Orthopedic
BBMF consent form
b.d. Twice daily, from Latin, bis die
b.i.d. Twice daily, from Latin, bis in die
BE Base excess
BIBA brought in by ambulance
BIB Brought in by
BK Bacterium Koch
BKA Below Knee Amputation
bl.cult Blood culture
bld Blood
BLS Basic Life Support
BMC Bone mass content
Bone mineral density (also termed
BMD bone mass measurement)
BMI Body mass index
BMP Blood Metabolic Profile
BMR Basal metabolic rate
BMT Bone marrow transplantation
BNF British National Formulary
BNP Brain natriuretic peptide
BOA Born out of Asepsis
BOI Born on island, ie. a local patient.
Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing
BOOP pneumonia
BP Blood pressure
BP Bipolar disorder
BPAD Bipolar Affective Disorder
BPD Bi-Parietal Diameter
BPD Borderline personality disorder
BPH Benign prostatic hyperplasia
BPM Beats per minute
Benign paroxysmal positional
BPPV vertigo
Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, (dry)
BRAT Toast: acronym for bland diet
Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, (dry)
Toast, Yogurt: acronym for bland
BRATY diet for children
BRP Bathroom Privileges
BRBPR Bright red blood per rectum
Breath or Bowel sounds on
BS auscultation with stethoscope
BS Blood Sugar
Bovine spongiform
BSE encephalopathy
BSE Breast self-examination
BSP Bromsulphthalein
BUN Blood urea nitrogen
BV Bacterial vaginosis
Bx Biopsy

[edit] C

(c with a bar over it) with, from

c Latin, cum
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
CABG surgery. Pronounced "Cabbage".
CAD Coronary artery disease
CAG Coronary Artery Graft
cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CA Carcinoma, Cancer
Ca Calcium
Cerebral Autosomal Dominant
Arteriopathy with Subcortical
CADASIL Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy
CAH Chronic Active Hepatitis
CAH Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
CAT Computed axial tomography
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal
CAPD dialysis
CBC Complete Blood Count
CC Cubic centimenter, or Chief Complaint
CCF Congestive cardiac failure
CCK Cholecystokinin
CEA Carcinoembryonic antigen
CF Cystic fibrosis
cGMP Cyclic guanosine monophosphate
ChE Cholinesterase
CHD Coronary heart disease
CHE Cholinesterase
CHF Congestive heart failure
CI Confidence interval
CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
CK Creatine kinase
CKD Chronic kidney disease
CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Chronic myelogenous leukemia
also called Chronic myeloid
CML leukaemia
CMML Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
CMS Chronic mountain sickness
CMV Cytomegalovirus
CNS Central nervous system
Chronic obstructive airways
COAD disease
COLD Chronic obstructive lung disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary
COPD disease
CO Cardiac output
CO, C/O Complains Of...
CO Carbon monoxide
CO2 Carbon dioxide
COX-1 Cyclooxygenase 1
COX-2 Cyclooxygenase 2
CP cerebral palsy
CP Chest Pain
Continuous positive airway
CPAP pressure
CPK Creatine phosphokinase
CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Calcinosis Raynaud Esophagus
CREST Sclerosis Teleangiectasiae
CRF Chronic renal failure
CRF Corticotropin-releasing factor
CRH Corticotropin-releasing hormone
CRI Chronic renal insufficiency
CRP C-reactive protein
CR Complete remission
CS Caesarean section
CsA Ciclosporin A
CSF Cerebrospinal fluid
CT computed axial tomography
ceftriaxone, a third-generation
CTX cephalosporin antibiotic
CVA Cerebrovascular accident
CVC Central venous catheter
CVD Cardiovascular disease
CVP Central venous pressure
CVS Chorionic villus sampling
Common variable
CVID immunodeficiency
Cx Microbiological culture
CXR Chest X-ray
[edit] D

DA Dopamine
DBP Diastolic blood pressure
D&C Dilatation and curettage
DCBE Double Contrast Barium Enema
DCM Dilated cardiomyopathy
DDD Daily Defined Doses
DDx Differential diagnosis
DEXA Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
DHE Dihydoergotamine
DHEA-S Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate
DIB Dead in Bed
Disseminated intravascular
DIC coagulation
DIP Distal interphalangeal joint
DiPerTe Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus
DiTe Diphtheria Tetanus
DJD Degenerative Joint Disease
DKA Diabetic Keto-Acidosis
DPT Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus
DM Diabetes Mellitus
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNI Do Not Intubate
DNR Do Not Resuscitate
DNAR Do Not Attempt Resusciatation
DOA Dead on arrival
DOB Date of birth
DOE Dyspnea on exertion
Docusate sodium; from the
chemical name dioctyl sodium
DOSS sulfosuccinate
DT Diphtheria Tetanus
DTP Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis
DUB Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
DVT Deep vein thrombosis
Dx Diagnosis

[edit] E

E Erythrocytes
E Electrolytes
EACA Epsilon-aminocaproic acid
EBM Evidence-based medicine
EBM Expressed Breast Milk
EBV Epstein-Barr virus
EC Enterically Coated
ECG Electrocardiogram
Extracorporeal membrane
ECMO oxygenation
ED Emergency department
ED Erectile Dysfunction
ED Ectodermal dysplasia
Estimated Date of Confinement (at
EDC 40/40 weeks of pregnancy)
Estimated Date of Delivery (at 40/40
EDD weeks of pregnancy)
EDD Estimated date of discharge
Endothelium-derived relaxing factor
EDRF aka Nitric oxide
EEG Electroencephalogram
EF Ejection Fraction
EGF Epidermal Growth Factor
EKG Electrocardiogram
Elective Lower Segment Caesarian
ELLSCS Section
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
ELISA Assay
EMC Encephalomyocarditis
EMD Early Morning Discovery
EMD ElectroMechanical Dissociation
EMF Endomyocardial fibrosis
EMG Electromyography
Emergency Lower Segment Caesarian
EMLSCS Section
Early Morning Urine sample (being
the most concentrated generally used
EMU for pregnancy testing)
Ear Nose and Throat.
ENT (Otolaryngology)
EENT eyes, ears, nose, throat
EOM Extra ocular muscles
EOMI Extra ocular movements intact
EPH Edema Proteinuria Hypertension
EPO Erythropoietin
Endoscopic Retrograde
ERCP Cholangiopancreatography
ESL Extracorporeal Shockwave
Lithotripsy (also ESWL) - see
 lithotriptor
Extended Spectrum Beta-
ESBL Lactamase gram negative bacteria
ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD End-stage renal disease
Extracorporeal Shock Wave
Lithotripsy (also ESL) - see
ESWL lithotriptor
ET Endothelin
ETT Endotracheal tube
ETOH ethanol or ethyl alcohol
EUS Endoscopic Ultrasonography

[edit] F

FBC Full blood count

FBE Full blood exam
FBG Fasting blood glucose
F/C Fevers or Chills
FDIU Foetal Demise In Utero
FDP Fibrinogen Degradation Products
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1
FEV1 Second
Fe Iron
FF Free Fluids (non-thickened fluids)
FFA Free fatty acids
FFP Fresh frozen plasma
FHR Fetal heart rate
FHT Fetal heart tones
FHx Family History
FIBD Found in Bed Dead
Funny Looking Kid (suggesting an
unspecified syndrome, should now be
FLK termed "dysmorphic features")
FNA Fine Needle Aspirate
FNC Full nursing care
Found on Floor (Patient fell out of
FOF bed)
FOS Full of Stool
FPG Fasting plasma glucose
FSE Fetal Scalp Electrode
FSH Follicle stimulating hormone
 Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
FTA-ABS Absorption
FTA Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
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
FUBAR correct!
Forced Vital Capacity (Spirometry test
value used in assessment of Chronic
FVC obstructive pulmonary disease)
FWB Full weight bearing
FWD Full ward diet
Fx Fracture of a bone

[edit] G

Gravida (total number of pregnancies,

G successful or not)
Glucose-6-phosphate-
G6PD dehydrogenase
GA General anaesthesia
GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid
GCA Giant cell arteritis
GCS Glasgow Coma Scale
GDLH Glutamate dehydrogenase
GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GFR Glomerular filtration rate
GGTP Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase
GH Growth hormone
GHRF Growth hormone releasing factor
Gastrointestinal therapeutic
GITS system
GIFT Gamete intrafallopian transfer
GOA Gone on Arrival (i.e., DOA)
Get Outta My E.R. i.e. patient who
frequently presents at the ER near
death but manages to pull through
GOMER each and every time.
GOK God only knows
GORD Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
GOT glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase
GPT glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
GSW gunshot wound see HVLT
GTN Glyceryl trinitrate
GU Genitourinary
Genitourinary medicine (often
used more restrictively as
alternative to sexually transmitted
GUM disease clinic)
GvH Graft-versus-host
GvHD Graft-versus-host disease

[edit] H

HA Hypertonia arterialis
HAD HIV-associated dementia
H/A headache
Hematoxlyn and Eosin standard
tissue stain. Sometimes used as
noun referring to stained
H&E slides--"H&E's showed..."
HAV Hepatitis A virus
Hb Hemoglobin
HBV Hepatitis B virus
HCC Hepato Cell Carcinoma
HCG Human chorionic gonadotropin
HCM Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
HCT Hematocrit
HCTZ Hydrochlorothiazide
HCV Hepatitis C virus
HDL High density lipoprotein
High Density Lipoprotein
HDL-C Cholesterol
HDU High Dependency Unit
HDV Hepatitis D virus
HEENT Head Eyes Ears Nose Throat
HES Hydroxyethyl Starch
HEV Hepatitis E virus
HGB Hemoglobin
HH Hiatus hernia
H&H Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Hib Haemophilus influenzae B
HIV Human immunodeficiency virus
HL Hepatic lipase
HLA Human leukocyte antigens
H&M Hematemesis and Melena
Hypertrophic obstructive
HOCM cardiomyopathy
HONK Hyperosmolar Non Ketotic Coma
H&P History & Physical
HPI History of Present Illness
HR Heart rate
HRT Hormone replacement therapy
H.S. At bedtime, from Latin, hora somni
HSG Hysterosalpingogram
HSV Herpes simplex virus
HT Hypertension
HTLV Human T-lymphotropic virus
HTN Hypertension
HUS Hemolytic uremic syndrome
High-velocity Lead Therapy, also
HVLT see GSW (gunshot wound)
Hx history (of)

[edit] I

I131 radioactive iodine

IA Intra-arterial
IABP Intra-aortic balloon pump
IAI Intra-amniotic infection
IBD Inflammatory bowel disease
IBS Irritable bowel syndrome
IC Intracardiac
Implantable cardioverter-
ICD defibrillator
International Classification of
ICD-10 Diseases-10th Revision
ICH Intracerebral hemorrhage
ICP Intracranial pressure
ICU Intensive care unit
Incision and drainage (How to
I&D treat an abcess}
IDA Iron deficiency anemia
IDC Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
IDC Indwelling catheter
Insulin dependent diabetes
IDDM mellitus
IDL Intermediate density lipoprotein
IFG Impaired fasting glycaemia
Ig Immunoglobulin
IGT Impaired glucose tolerance
IHD Ischaemic heart disease
i.m. intramuscular
InterMenstrual Bleed (bleeding
IMB between periods)
IMI Intramuscular injection
INF Interferon
INR International normalized ratio
I&O inputs and outputs
IOL Induction of labor
IOL Intraocular lens
IOP Intraocular pressure
IP Interphalangeal joint
Intermittent positive pressure
IPPV ventilation
IQ Intelligence Quotient
ISA Intrinsic Sympathomimetic Activity
ISDN Isosorbide dinitrate
ISH Isolated systolic hypertension
ISMN Isosorbide mononitrate
no change (from Latin, in status
i.s.q. quo)
IT Intrathecal
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic
ITP purpura
Intensive Treatment Unit (or
ITU Intensive Therapy Unit)
IUCD intrauterine contraceptive device
IU International units
Intrauterine Death - sometimes
confused with intrauterine
contraceptive device. Use FDIU or
IUD IUFD
intrauterine device - sometimes
confused with intrauterine death.
IUD We now use IUCD
IUFD IntraUterine Foetal Demise
IUI Intrauterine insemination
IUS IntraUterine System
i.v. Intravenous
 Intravenous digital subtraction
IV-DSA angiography
IVDU Intravenous drug user
IVF In vitro fertilization
IVP Intravenous pyelogram
IVU Intravenous urogram

[edit] J

"Junior Medical Student" AKA "MS-3"

JMS Also see "TOBASH"
JVD Jugular vein distension

[edit] K

K Potassium (in German, Kalium)

Kcal Kilocalorie, Calorie
kg Kilogram
KIV Keep in view
KUB kidney, ureter, bladder (x-ray)

[edit] L

L Leukocytes
Left Anterior Descending coronary
LAD artery
LAP Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
LAR Low Anterior Resection
LAS Lymphadenopathy syndrome
LBBB Left bundle branch block
LCM Lymphocytic meningitis
LDH Lactate dehydrogenase
LDL Low density lipoprotein
Low Density Lipoprotein
LDL-C Cholesterol
L-DOPA DihydrOxyPhenylAlanine
LES Lower esophageal sphincter
LES Lupus erythematosus systemicus
Lupus erythematosus (in German
LE 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
Last Menstrual period (prior to
pregnancy and in woman with regular
28 day cycle taken as 0/40 weeks of
LMP pregnancy)
LOL Little old lady ... often LOL in NAD
Loss Of Resistance To Air (in
anesthesiology; when placing
epidural, LORTA indicates entrance of
LORTA needle to epidural space)
LOS Length of stay
Lp Lipoprotein
LP Lumbar puncture
LPL Lipoprotein lipase
LUL Left upper lobe
LUQ Left upper quadrant
Left ventricular end diastolic
LVEDP pressure
LVEF Left ventricular ejection fraction
LVF Left ventricular failure
LVH Left ventricular hypertrophy
LV Left ventricle
LVOT Left Ventricular Outflow Track
Ly Lymphocytes
lytes electrolytes

[edit] M

MAO-I Monoamine oxidase inhibitor

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

[edit] N

Na Sodium (in German Natrium)

No Abnormality Detected, i.e. the
absence of abnormal signs on
NAD examination
NAD No apparent distress.
NE Norepinephrine
Ne Neutrophil granulocytes
Neo Neoplasm
NFR Not For Resuscitation
NGU Non-gonococcal urethritis
NHL Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
NIDDM Mellitus
NK Natural killer cells
NKA no known allergies
no known drug allergies. This
abbreviation is also used in the
military of the United States and may
NKDA 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
Neck of Femur Fracture (refers to
NOF Hip fracture)
NOS Nitric oxide synthase
Npl Neoplasm
NPO nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NREM non-Rapid Eye Movement
n.s. not significant
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory
NSAID Drug
NSCC Non Squamous Cell Carcinoma
NSE Neurospecific enolase
NSR normal sinus rhythm
Noradrenaline-Serotonin Reuptake
NSRI Inhibitor
NSU Non-specific urethritis
NTG Nitroglycerin
N&V nausea & vomiting
NVD nausea, vomiting & diarrhea
NVD Normal Vaginal Delivery

[edit] O

O2 Oxygen
OA osteoarthritis
OB-GYN Obstetrics and gynecology
OCD Obsessive-compulsive disorder
OD right eye from Latin, oculus dexter
OD overdose
every day, usually regarded as
once daily, from the Latin, omni
die. Generally written in lower
od case.
O/E on examination
OGTT Oral glucose tolerance test
every morning, from the Latin,
omni mane. Generally written in
om lower case.
every night, from the Latin, omni
nocte. Generally written in lower
on case.
OP outpatient department
OPPT Oriented to Person Place and Time
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
Both eyes, from Latin, oculi
OU uterque

[edit] P

(p with a bar over it) after, from

p Latin, post
Parturition (total number of live
P births)
P Phosphorus
P Pulse
PA posterior-anterior
PA Pulmonary artery
PAF Platelet activating factor
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
PAF (meaning intermittent AF)
PAH Pulmonary arterial hypertension
PAI-1 Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
PAO Peak Acid Output
PAP Papanicolaou stain
Pap Papanicolaou Test (pap smear)
PAT Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
p.c. After food, from Latin, post cibum
PCL Posterior cruciate ligament
PCOS Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Pneumocystis pneumonia
(formerly Pneumocystis carinii
PCP pneumonia)
Primary Care Physician/Primary Care
PCP Provider
PCR Polymerase chain reaction
PDA Patent ductus arteriosus
PDE Phosphodiesterase
PDT Photodynamic Therapy
PE Pulmonary Embolism
PE Pre-eclampsia
PEEP Positive end expiratory pressure
PEF Peak expiratory flow
PEFR Peak expiratory flow rate
Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light and
PERLA Accommodation
Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light
PERRLA and Accommodation
PET Positron-emission tomography
PFO Patent foramen ovale
PID Pelvic inflammatory disease
PIH Pregnancy induced hypertension
PIP Proximal interphalangeal joint
PKA Protein kinase A
PKD Polycystic kidney disease
PKU Phenylketonuria
PLT platelets
Post-menopausal bleeding
PMB (bleeding after menopause)
 [past medical history] or
Perimesencephalic subarachnoid
PMH hemorrhage
Polymorphonuclear cells, ie
PMN Neutrophils
Percutaneous Myocardial
PMR Revascularisation
PMR Polymyalgia Rheumatica
By mouth (orally), from Latin, per
p.o. os
Polymorphonuclear cells, ie
poly Neutrophils
POX Peroxidase
PPH Post partum haemorrhage
PPH Primary Pulmonary hypertension
Preterm Premature Rupture of
PPROM Membranes
PPTL Post-Partum Tubal Ligation
per rectum (as noun: rectal
p.r. examination)
PRA Plasma renin activity
Prolonged Reversible Ischemic
PRIND Neurologic Deficit
as necessary, from Latin, pro re nata
(if used in chronic pain control
prn disparagingly termed "pain relief nil")
PROM Premature Rupture of Membranes
PRP PanRetinal Photocoagulation
PSA Prostatic specific antigen
PSP Phenylsulphtalein
PTM Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Patient, from Latin patiens, meaning
"one who endures" or "one who
Pt. suffers"
Percutaneous Transluminal
PTA Angioplasty
Percutaneous transluminal
PTCA coronary angioplasty
PT Prothrombin time
PTH Parathyroid hormone
PTx Pneumothorax
PTT Partial thromboplastin time
PUD peptic ulcer disease
PUVA Psoralen UV A
 per vagina (as noun: vaginal
examination with manual
examination and speculum
p.v. inspection)
PVD peripheral vascular disease
PVR Pulmonary vascular resistance
PWP Pulmonary Wedge Pressure
Px, px physical examination
Px Prognosis

[edit] Q

q each, every, {from Latin, quaque}

every other day, (from Latin,
q.a.d. quaque altera die)
QALY Quality-adjusted life years
every AM, (from Latin, quaque
q.AM ante meridiem)
each day, {from Latin, quaque
q.d. die}
four times each day, {from Latin,
q.d.s. quater die sumendus}
each hour, {from Latin, quaque
q.h. hora}
every bedtime, {from Latin,
q.h.s. quaque hora somni}
four times each day, {from Latin,
q.i.d. quater in die}
q.m.t. every month
q.w.k. weekly
q.o.d every other day

[edit] 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
RCT Randomized controlled trial
REM Rapid eye movement
RF Rheumatoid factor
 Restriction fragment length
RFLP polymorphism
RFT Renal function test
Rh Rhesus factor
RhF Rheumatoid factor
RIA Radioimmune assay
RIBA Radioimmunoblotting assay
Reversible inhibitor of monoamine
RIMA oxidase A
Reversible ischemic neurologic
RIND deficit
RLQ Right lower quadrant
RNA Ribonucleic acid
RNV Radionuclear Ventriculography
ROM Range of motion
RR Respiratory rate
ROS Review of systems
RUQ Right upper quadrant
RPR Rapid Plasma Reagin test
RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus
RV Residual volume
RV Right ventricle
RVF Right ventricular failure
RVSP Right ventricular systolic pressure
medical prescription or Prescription
Rx drug

[edit] S

(s with a bar over it) without from

Middle English sans, borrowed from
s Old French sans
SAH Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Severe acute respiratory
SARS syndrome
SBE Subacute bacterial endocarditis
SBP Systolic blood pressure
SBP spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
s.c. subcutaneous from Latin, subcutis
SCC Squamous cell carciona
Severe combined
SCID immunodeficiency
SD Standard deviation
SGA Small for gestational age
 Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic
SGOT Transaminase
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic
SGPT Transaminase
Social history (personal habits, living
SH situation, job)
SHBG Sex Hormone Binding Globuline
SHx Surgical History
International System of Units, Suicidal
SI ideation
Syndrome of inappropriate
SIADH antidiuretic hormone
SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Synchronized Intermittent
SIMV Mechanical Ventilation
SK Streptokinase
SLE Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Multiple sclerosis from Latin,
SM Sclerosis multiplex
SMA Sequential Multiple Analysis
SMA-7 Serum Metabolic Assay
SMS Senior medical student
SMT Spinal Manipulative Therapy
SNP Sodium Nitroprusside
Serotonin-norepinephrine
SNRI reuptake inhibitor
Subjective, Objective,
Assessment, Plan (How Doctors
SOAP notes are organized)
SOB Shortness of breath
SOBOE Dyspnoea
SOL Space Occupying Lesion
Save Our Souls, meaning "in case
SOS of emergency"
SP Status post
Single photon emission
SPET tomography
SQ Subcutaneous
SR Slow Release
Spontaneous rupture of
SROM membranes
Selective serotonin reuptake
SSRI inhibitor
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin
SSSS Syndrome
SSS Sick Sinus Syndrome
STD Sexually transmitted disease
STH Somatotropic hormone
STI Sexually transmitted infection
STI Soft tissue injury
Surgical Termination Of Pregnancy
(sometimes Suction Termination of
STOP Pregnancy)
Subq Subcutaneous
SV Seminal Vesicle
SVD Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery
SVI Systemic Viral Infection
SVN Small Volume Nebulizer
SVR Systemic vascular resistance
SVT Supraventricular tachycardia
Sx Surgery or Symptoms
Single energy X-ray
SXA absorptiometer
SXR skull x-ray

[edit] T

T&A tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy

TAH Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with
TAH-BSO Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy
TB tuberculosis
TBC tuberculosis
TBC Total body crunch
Td Tetanus and Diphtheria
TdP Torsades de pointes
TBI Total body irradiation
Three times a day, from Latin, ter
t.d.s. die sumendus
TEE or TOE Transesophageal echocardiogram
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve
TENS Stimulaton
TERN "Intern", also see TOBASH
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
Three times a day, from Latin, ter
t.i.d. in die
transjugular intrahepatic
TIPS portosystemic shunt
TKR Total knee replacement
TKVO to keep vein open
TLC Total lung capacity
"Too Many Birthdays" Very frail elderly
TMB patient
TMS Tension myositis syndrome
TNF Tumor necrosis factors
TNM Tumor-Nodes-Metastases
TOE Transoesophageal echocardiogram
TOP Termination of Pregnancy
TPa Tissue plasminogen activator
TPN Total parenteral nutrition
TR Tricuspid regurgitation
TRF Transfer (pronounced "turf")
Transferred (Pronounced "turfed", as
TRF'd in "We just turfed Mrs Johnson OTD")
TRH Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone
TS Tricuspid stenosis
TSH Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
TT thrombin time
TTE Transthoracic echocardiogram
To Take Out (medicines given to
patient on discharge from hospital
TTO stay)
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic
TTP purpura
TTS Transdermal therapeutic system
Tu Tumor
TUR Transurethral resection
Transurethral resection of bladder
TURBT tumour
Transurethral resection of the
TURP prostate
Tx Transplant
Tx treatment

[edit] U
UBT Urea Breath Test
urea and electrolytes (sodium and
U&E potassium) blood test, often including creatinine
UC Ulcerative colitis
UD As Directed, from Latin, Ut Dictum
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

[edit] V

VA visual acuity
vincristine adriblastine
VAD dexamethasone
vincristine adriblastine
VAMP methylprednisone
V-BAC Vaginal Birth After Caesarian
VC Vital capacity
vCJD Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
VD Vaginal Delivery
Venereal Diseases Research
VDRL Laboratory (old test for syphilis}
vaginal examination (manual
VE examination)
VEB Ventricular ectopic beat
VRE Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci
VF Ventricular fibrillation
VIP Vasoactive intestinal peptide
VLDL Very low density lipoprotein
VMA Vanillylmandelic acid
VOD Volume of distribution
VPA Valproic acid
VSD Ventricular septal defect
VT Ventricular tachycardia

[edit] W

WAT White adipose tissue

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

[edit] X

x times/for

[edit] Y

YOYO "You're on your own"

[edit] Z

ZIFT Zygote intrafallopian transfer

[edit] 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. 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. Infectious Disease
intradermal, between layers of the
i.d. 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.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
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
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