List of medical abbreviations

This is a partial list of medical acronyms and abbreviations, both formal and informal. Related lists, such as acronyms in healthcare and list of abbreviations used in medical prescriptions, are also available.

0–9

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

A

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

B

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

C

c	(c with a bar over it) with (from Latin, cum)
C	Cytosine
C	Cervical vertebrae
C1	Atlas - first cervical vertebra of the spine
C2	Axis - second cervical vertebra of the spine
c-section	Cesarean section
CA	Carcinoma, Cancer
Ca	Carcinoma, Cancer
Ca	Calcium
CABG	Coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Pronounced "Cabbage".
CABP	Coronary artery bypass procedure
CAD	Coronary artery disease
CADASIL	Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy
CAG	Coronary Artery Graft (or: CAGS)
CAG	Coronary Angiography
cAMP	cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CAH	Chronic Active Hepatitis
CAH	Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
CAPD	Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Caps	Capsule
CAT	Computed axial tomography
Cath	Catheter
CBC	Complete blood count
CBC/DIFF	Complete blood count/differential
CBS	Chronic brain syndrome - Post-concussion syndrome
CC	Cubic centimeter (see the Do Not Use List)
CC	Chief complaint
CCCU	Critical coronary care unit
CCF	Congestive cardiac failure
CCK	Cholecystokinin same as CCK-PZ (v.i.)
CCK-PZ	Cholecystokinin-Pancreozymin
CCR	Cardiocerebral resuscitation
CCU	Coronary care unit
CCU	Critical care unit
CDH	Congenital dislocated hip
CDP	Cytosine diphosphate
CEA	Carcinoembryonic antigen
CF	Cystic fibrosis
CFS	Chronic fatigue syndrome
cGMP	Cyclic guanosine monophosphate
CGN	Chronic glomerulonephritis
CH	Congenital hypothyroidism
CHD	Chronic heart disease
ChE	Cholinesterase
CHEM-7	Blood test - a group of blood tests, commonly called a basic metabolic panel (Blood urea nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, Creatinine, Glucose, Serum chloride, Serum potassium, Serum sodium)
CHD	Coronary heart disease
CHE	Cholinesterase
CHF	Congestive heart failure
CHO	carbohydrate
Chol	Cholesterol
CHT	Congenital hypothyroidism
CI	Confidence interval
CI	Cardiac index
CICU	Cardiac intensive care unit
Circ	Circumcision
CIS	Carcinoma in situ
CJD	Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
CK	Creatine kinase
CK	creatinine phosphokinase (formerly CPK)
CKD	Chronic kidney disease
CKMB	MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase
CLL	Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
CME	Continuing Medical Education
CML	Chronic myelogenous leukemia also called Chronic myeloid leukaemia
CMML	Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
CMP	Complete metabolic panel
CMP	Cytosine monophosphate
CMS	Chronic mountain sickness
CMV	Cytomegalovirus
CN	Cranial nerves
CNS	Central nervous system
CO, C/O	Complains Of...
CO	Cardiac output
CO	Carbon monoxide
COAD	Chronic obstructive airways disease
COCP	Combined oral contraceptive pill
COLD	Chronic obstructive lung disease
Comp	Compound
Conj	Conjunctiva
COPD	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CO2	Carbon dioxide
COX-1	Cyclooxygenase 1
COX-2	Cyclooxygenase 2
COX-3	Cyclooxygenase 3
CP	Cerebral Palsy
CP	Chest Pain
CPAP	Continuous positive airway pressure
CPC	Clinical pathological conference
CPK	Creatine phosphokinase
CPKMB	Creatine phosphokinase heart
CPP	Cerebral perfusion pressure
CPR	Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPT	Current Procedural Terminology
CR	Complete remission
Cr	Creatinine
CrCl	Creatinine clearance
Creat	creatinine
CREST	Calcinosis Raynaud Esophagus Sclerosis Teleangiectasiae
CRF	Chronic renal failure
CRF	Corticotropin-releasing factor
CRH	Corticotropin-releasing hormone
CRI	Chronic renal insufficiency
CRP	C-reactive protein
CRT	Cardiac resynchronization therapy - Artificial pacemaker
CS; C/S	Caesarean section
C&S	Culture and Sensitivity (Antibiogram)
C-spine	cervical spine
CsA	Ciclosporin A
CSF	Cerebrospinal Fluid
CSF	Colony Stimulating Factor
CT	Computed axial tomography
CTA	Clear to auscultation
CTP	Cytosine triphosphate
CTS(CT scan)	Computed tomography scan
CTU	Cancer Treatment Unit
CTX	Ceftriaxone (a third-generation Cephalosporin antibiotic), Contractions
CV	Cardiovascular
CVA	Cerebrovascular accident
cva	Costovertebral Angle
CVAT	Costovertebral angle tenderness
CVC	Central Venous Catheter
CVC	Chronic Veinous Congestion
CVD	Cardiovascular Disease
CVI	Cerebrovascular Incident
CVP	Central Venous Pressure
CVS	Chorionic villus sampling
CVS	Cardiovascular System
CVID	Common variable immunodeficiency
c/w	consistent with
Cx	Microbiological culture
CXR	Chest X-ray

D

DS	Diagnosis
d	days
DA	Dopamine
DBP	Diastolic blood pressure
DBS	Deep brain stimulation
D&C	Dilatation and curettage
D/C	discontinue
D/C	discharge
DCBE	Double Contrast Barium Enema
DCIS	Ductal carcinoma in situ
DCM	Dilated cardiomyopathy
d.d.	Differential diagnosis
DDD	Daily Defined Doses
DDx	Differential diagnosis
D&E	Dilatation and evacuation
DES	Diethylstilbestrol
DEXA	Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
DH	developmental history
DHE	Dihydroergotamine
DHEA-S	Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate
DHF	decompensated heart failure
DI	Diabetes insipidus
DIB	Dead in Bed
DIC	Disseminated intravascular coagulation
DIP	Distal interphalangeal joint
DiPerTe	Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus
Dis	dislocation
Disch	discharge
DiTe	Diphtheria Tetanus
DIU	Death in utero - Stillbirth
DJD	Degenerative Joint Disease
DJD	Degenerative joint disease - Osteoarthritis
DKA	Diabetic Keto-Acidosis
dl	deciliter
dL	deciliter
DLE	Disseminated lupus erythematosus - Systemic lupus erythematosus
DM	Diabetes mellitus
DMD	Duchenne muscular dystrophy
DNA	Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNI	Do Not Intubate
DNR	Do not resuscitate
DNAR	Do not attempt resuscitation
DOA	Dead on arrival
DOA	Drugs of abuse
DOB	Date of birth
DOE	Dyspnea on exertion
DOSS	Docusate sodium; from the chemical name dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
DP	Dorsalis pedis
DPH	Diphenylhydantoin
DPT	Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus - DPT vaccine
DRT	Dead right there
Ds	Disease
DSA	Digital subtraction angiography
DSD	dry sterile dressing
Dsg	dressing
DSM	Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
DT	Diphtheria Tetanus
DT	Delirium tremens
DTA	descending Thoracic aorta
DTaP	Diphtheria Tetanus acellular Pertussis
DTP	Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis
DTR	deep tendon reflex
DT's	Delirium tremens
DU	Duodenal ulcer - Peptic ulcer
DUB	Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
DVT	Deep vein thrombosis
DW	dextrose in water
Dx	Diagnosis

E

E	Ecstasy
E	Electrolytes
E	Epinephrine
EAC	External acoustic meatus
EACA	Epsilon-aminocaproic acid
EBL	Estimated blood loss - Bleeding
EBM	Evidence-based medicine
EBM	Expressed Breast Milk
EBV	Epstein-Barr virus
EC	Enterically Coated
ECF	Extracellular fluid
ECG	Electrocardiogram
ECI	febris e causa ignota (normally writtean as: febris E.C.I.)
ECLS	Extracorporeal Life Support
ECMO	Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
ECP	Emergency Care Practitioner
ECT	Electro-convulsive therapy
ED	Emergency department
ED	Erectile Dysfunction
ED	Ectodermal dysplasia
EDC	Estimated date of confinement (at 40/40 weeks of pregnancy)
EDD	Estimated date of delivery (at 40/40 weeks of pregnancy); Expected date of delivery
EDD	Estimated date of discharge
EDH	Epidural hematoma
EDM	esophageal Doppler monitor
EDRF	Endothelium-derived relaxing factor aka Nitric oxide
EDTA	ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid
EDV	End-diastolic volume
EEG	Electroencephalogram
EENT	ears, eyes, nose, throat
EEX	Electrodiagnosis
EF	Ejection fraction
EFM	Electronic fetal monitoring - Cardiotocograph
EFM	External fetal monitoring - Cardiotocograph
EGD	Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EGF	Epidermal Growth Factor
EJ	elbow jerk - Triceps reflex
EKG	Electrocardiogram
ELLSCS	Elective Lower Segment Caesarian Section
ELISA	Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
EmBx	Endometrial Biopsy
EMC	Encephalomyocarditis
EMD	Early Morning Discovery
EMD	ElectroMechanical Dissociation
EMF	Endomyocardial fibrosis
EMG	Electromyography
EMLSCS	Emergency Lower Segment Caesarian Section
EMU	Early Morning Urine sample (being the most concentrated generally used for pregnancy testing)
Emul	Emulsion
ENT	Ear Nose and Throat - (Otolaryngology)
EOM	Extraocular muscles
EOMI	Extra ocular movements intact - Eye movement
EPH	Edema Proteinuria Hypertension
EPO	Erythropoietin
EPS	Electrophysiology
ER	Emergency room, Emergency department
ERCP	Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
ESL	Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (also ESWL) - see lithotriptor
ESBL	Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase gram negative bacteria
ESR	Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD	End-stage renal disease
ESV	End-systolic volume
ESWL	Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (also ESL) - see lithotriptor
ET	Endothelin
ET	endotrachael
Etiol	Etiology
ETOH	ethanol or ethyl alcohol
ETS	Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
ETT	Endotracheal tube
EUA	examination under anesthesia
EUP	Extrauterine pregnancy
EUS	Endoscopic Ultrasonography
EVF	erythrocyte volume fraction - Hematocrit
Exam	Examination
Exp Lap	exploratory laparotomy
Ext	extremities

F

Fx	Fracture
FB	Foreign body
FBC	Full blood count
FBE	Full blood exam
FBG	Fasting blood glucose
FBS	Fasting blood sugar
F/C	Fevers or Chills
FDC	Follicular dendritic cells
FDIU	Foetal Demise In Utero
FDP	Fibrin degradation product
FEV1	Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second
Fe	Iron
FF	Free Fluids (non-thickened fluids)
FFA	Free fatty acids
FFP	Fresh frozen plasma
FHR	Fetal heart rate
FHS	Fetal heart sound
FHT	Fetal heart tones
FHx	Family History
FIBD	Found in Bed Dead
FLK	Funny Looking Kid (suggesting an unspecified syndrome, should now be termed "dysmorphic features")
fl.oz.	Fluid ounce (about 28 cm³)
FMF	Fetal movements felt
FMP	first menstruation period - Menarche
fMRI	Functional magnetic resonance imaging
F→N	finger to nose test
FNAC	Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
FNC	Full nursing care
FOF	Found on Floor (Patient fell out of bed)
FOS	Full of Stool
FPG	Fasting plasma glucose
FROM	full range of motion
FSE	Fetal Scalp Electrode
FSH	Follicle stimulating hormone
FTA-ABS	Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption
FTA	Fluorescent treponemal antibody
FTT	Failure to thrive
F/U	follow-up
FUBAR	F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition, originally used to refer to corpses after horrendous (typically battlefield) trauma, but "FUBAR" is now sometimes used to describe very ill patients with little hope of recovery, including those that have not necessarily suffered trauma. Not very politically correct!
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
Fx	Fracture of a bone

G

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

H

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

I

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

J

JIA	Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
JMS	"Junior Medical Student" AKA "MS-3"
JODM	Juvenil onset diabetes mellitus
JRA	Juvenil rheumatoid arthritis (now termed Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis)
JVD	Jugular vein distension
JVP	Jugular venous pressure

K

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

L

L	Leukocytes
L	Lumbar vertebrae
LA	Lymphadenopathy
LA	Left atrium
Lab	laboratory
LABBB	Left anterior bundle branch block
LAD	Left Anterior Descending - coronary artery
LAD	Leukocyte adhesion deficiency
LAD	Left Axis Deviation - Electrocardiogram
LAD	Lymphadenopathy
LAE	Left atrial enlargement
LAH	Left anterior hemiblock
LAHB	Left anterior hemiblock
Lam	Laminectomy
LAP	Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
Lap	Laparotomy
LAR	Low Anterior Resection
LAS	Lymphadenopathy syndrome
Lat	lateral
lb; LB	Pound (mass)
LBBB	Left bundle branch block
LBP	Low back pain
LCA	Left coronary artery
LCM	Lymphocytic meningitis
LCX	Left circumflex artery
L&D	labor and delivery - Childbirth
LDH	Lactate dehydrogenase
LDL	Low density lipoprotein
LDL-C	Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
L-DOPA	Levo-DihydrOxyPhenylAlanine
LES	Lower esophageal sphincter
LES	Lupus erythematosus systemicus
LE	Lupus erythematosus (in German Lupus erythematodes)
LE	lower extremity - Human leg
leu	Leukocytes
LFT	Liver function test
LGL	Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
LGM	Lymphogranulomatosis maligna
LGV	Lymphogranuloma venereum
LH	Luteinizing hormone
Lig	Ligament
LIH	left inguinal hernia
LLE	left lower extremity
LLL	left lower lobe
LLQ	Left lower quadrant
LM	Left Main
LMA	left mentoanterior - Fetal position
LMCA	Left main coronary artery
LMD	local medical doctor
LMP	Last Menstrual Period - first day of the menstrual period prior to conceiving, used to calculated Expected Date of Delivery.
LN	Lymph node
LOA	left occipitoanterior - Fetal position
LOC	Loss of consciousness - Unconsciousness
LOC	Level of consciousness (e.g. "altered LOC from head trauma")
LOL	Little old lady ... often LOL in NAD (see House of God)
LOP	left occipitoposterior - 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
Lp	Lipoprotein
LP	Lumbar puncture
LPH	left posterior hemiblock - Heart block
LPL	Lipoprotein lipase
LR	Lactated Ringer's solution
LRTI	Lower respiratory tract infection
LTAC	Long-term acute care
LSB	left sternal border
LUL	left upper lobe - Lung
LUQ	Left upper quadrant
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 Track
Lc of ch	Laxative of choice
Ly	Lymphocytes
lytes	Electrolytes

M

M	Murmur - Heart murmur
MAE	moves all extremities
MAL	midaxillary line - Anatomical terms of location#Surface and other landmarks in humans
MAO-I	Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Mφ	Macrophage
MAP	Mean arterial pressure
MARSA	Methicillin and aminoglycoside resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MAS	Morgani-Adams-Stokes
MAT	multifocal atrial tachycardia
MC	Metacarpal bone
MCP	Metacarpophalangeal joint
MCHC	Mean cell hemoglobin concentration
MCH	Mean cell hemoglobin; Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
MC&S	Microscopy, Culture & Sensitivity, the investigation steps in processing microbiology samples
MCV	Mean cell volume
MDS	Myelodysplastic syndrome
MEDLINE	Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online
MeSH	Medical Subject Headings
Mg	Magnesium
MgSO4	Magnesium or Magnesium Sulfate
MGUS	Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (unknown or uncertain may be substituted for undetermined)
MI	Myocardial infarction
MIC	Morbus Ischaemicus Cordis
MIC	Minimal inhibitory concentration
MICA	mental illness and chemical abuse; mentally ill chemical abuser
MLA	Myelosis Leucemica Acuta
MLC	mixed lymphocyte culture
MLE	Midline episiotomy
MM	Myeloma multiplex
M&M	Morbidity & Mortality
MMPI	Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
mod	Moderate
MODY	Maturity onset diabetes of the young
Mo	Monocytes
MOM	Milk of magnesia
MOPP	Mechlorethamine, Vincristine, Procarbazine, and Prednisone in combination, older treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma.
MPV	Mean platelet volume
MR	Mitral regurgitation
MR	Modified release
MR	Medical Representative
MR	Mental retardation
MRA	Magnetic resonance angiogram or angiogrphy
MRI	Magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA	Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MS	Mitral stenosis
MS	Multiple sclerosis
MS	Medical student MS-1, MS-2, MS-3, MS-4 respectively
MS	mental status - Mental status examination
MSE	Mental status examination
MSH	Melanocyte stimulating hormone
MSO4	Morphine or Morphine Sulfate
MSU	Mid Stream Urine sample (used in testing for presence of urine infections)
MSUD	Maple syrup urine disease
MT	Metatarsal bone
MTBI	mild Traumatic brain injury
MTP	Metatarsalphalangeal joint
MTX	Methotrexate
MVC	Motor Vehicle Crash
MVP	Mitral valve prolapse
MVPS	Mitral valve prolapse syndrome
MVR	Mitral valve replacement

N

Na	Sodium (Latin: natrium)
NAD	No Abnormality Detected, i.e. the absence of abnormal signs on examination
NAD	No apparent distress; no acute distress
NAS	no added salt
NB	Newborn - Infant
NBN	Newborn nursery
NC	Nerve action potential
NC	Nasal cannula
NCC	Noncompaction cardiomyopathy
NCS	Nerve conduction study
NCT	nerve conduction test - Nerve conduction study
NCV	Nerve conduction velocity - Nerve conduction study
ND	(examination) not done
NE	Norepinephrine
Ne	Neutrophil granulocytes
Neg	negative
Neo	Neoplasm
NFR	Not For Resuscitation
NGtube	nasogastric tube
NGU	Non-gonococcal urethritis
NHL	Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
NICU	Neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM	Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
NK	Natural killer cells
NKA	no known allergies
NKDA	no known drug allergies. This abbreviation is also used in the military of the United States and may be printed on dog tags or a uniform.
Nl	normal
NLP	no light perception - [Blindness]]
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)
Non rep.	do not repeat
NOS	Nitric oxide synthase
NPH	Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Npl	Neoplasm
NPO	nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NPTAC	no previous tracing available for comparison
NRB	Non-rebreather mask
NREM	non-Rapid Eye Movement
n.s.	not significant
NS	Normal Saline
NSA	no significant abnormality
NSAID	Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
NSCC	Non Squamous Cell Carcinoma
NSD	normal spontaneous delivery - Childbirth
NSE	Neurospecific enolase
NSR	Normal sinus rhythm
NSRI	Noradrenaline-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
NST	non-stress test - Cardiotocograph
NSTEMI	non-ST elevation MI - Myocardial infarction
NSU	Non-specific urethritis
NT	not tested
NTG	Nitroglycerin
NTT	nasotracheal tube - Intubation
N&V	Nausea & Vomiting
NVD	Normal vaginal delivery
NVD	nausea, vomiting & diarrhea
NVDC	nausea, vomiting, diarrhea & constipation

O

o	nothing
O2	Oxygen
OA	Osteoarthritis
OB-GYN	Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obl	oblique
OBS	Organic brain syndrome
Occ	occasional
OCD	Obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCG	oral Cholecystogram
OCNA	old chart not available - Medical history
OCP	Oral contraceptive pill
OD	right eye from Latin, oculus dexter
OD	overdose
od	every day, usually regarded as once daily, from the Latin, omni die. Generally written in lower case.
OE	Otitis externa
O/E	on examination
OGTT	Oral glucose tolerance test
Oint	Ointment
OM	Otitis media
om	every morning, from the Latin, omni mane. Generally written in lower case.
OME	Otitis Media with Effusion - fluid in the inner ear without other symptoms.
on	every night, from the Latin, omni nocte. Generally written in lower case.
OOB	out of bed
OP	outpatient department
O&P	ova and parasites
OPD	outpatient department
OPPT	Oriented to Person Place and Time
OPV	outpatient visit
OR	Operating room, Operating theatre
ORIF	Open reduction internal fixation
ORSA	Oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
OS	left eye from Latin, oculus sinister
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
OU	Both eyes, from Latin, oculi uterque
oz	Ounce

P

p	(p with a bar over it) after, from Latin, post
P	Parturition (total number of live births)
P	Phosphorus
P	Pulse
P	post
PA	posterior-anterior; posteroanterior
PA	Pulmonary artery
PA	Physician Assistant
P&A	Percussion and Auscultation
PAC	Premature atrial contraction
PAC	Pulmonary artery catheter
PAD	peripheral artery disease - Peripheral artery occlusive disease
PAF	Platelet activating factor
PAF	Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (meaning intermittent AF)
PAH	Pulmonary arterial hypertension
PAI-1	Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
PAL	Posterior axillary line
PALS	Pediatric Advanced Life Support
PAN	Polyarthritis nodosa
PAO	Peak Acid Output
PAOD	Peripheral artery occlusive disease
PAP	Papanicolaou stain
PAP	Positive airway pressure
PAP	Pulmonary artery pressure - Pulmonary hypertension
Pap	Papanicolaou Test (pap smear)
PARA I	indicating a woman with one child (partus = birth)
PARA II	indicating a woman with two children (partus = birth)
PAT	Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
p.c.	After food, from Latin, post cibum; after meals
PCA	Patient-controlled analgesia
PCa	Prostate cancer
PCD	postconcussional disorder
PCI	Percutaneous coronary intervention
PCL	Posterior cruciate ligament
PCN	Penicillin
PCO	polycystic ovary - Polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCOS	Polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCP	(formerly Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) - Pneumocystis pneumonia
PCP	Primary Care Physician/Primary Care Provider
PCR	Patient Care Report
PCR	Polymerase chain reaction
PCS	Post-concussion syndrome
PCV	packed cell volume - Hematocrit
PCV	Polycythemia vera
PCWP	Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PD	Parkinson's disease
PD	Peritoneal dialysis
PDA	Patent ductus arteriosus
PDE	Phosphodiesterase
PDR	Physicians' Desk Reference
PDT	Photodynamic Therapy
PE	Pulmonary embolism
PE	Pre-eclampsia
PE	Physical examination
PEA	Pulseless electrical activity
PEEP	Positive end expiratory pressure
PEF	Peak expiratory flow
PEFR	Peak expiratory flow rate
PEG	Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
PERRL	Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light (e.g. "pupils PERRL")
PERLA	Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light and Accommodation
PERRLA	Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation
Per Vag	per vaginam
PET	Positron-emission tomography (cerebral metabolic scan)
PFO	Patent foramen ovale
PFT	pulmonary function test - Spirometry
PGCS	Paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale
PH	Pulmonary hypertension
PH; PHx	past history - Medical history
PHTLS	Prehospital Trauma Life Support
PI	present illness
PICC	Peripherally inserted central catheter
PID	Pelvic inflammatory disease
PID	Prolapsed intervertibral disc
PIH	Pregnancy induced hypertension
PIP	Proximal interphalangeal joint
PKA	Protein kinase A
PKD	Polycystic kidney disease
PKU	Phenylketonuria
PLAT	Tissue plasminogen activator
PLT	platelets
pm	post meridiem; in the afternoon
PMB	Post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after menopause)
PMH	Past medical history
PMH	Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage
PMI	Point of maximal impulse or apical beat; Point of maximal intensity
PMN	Polymorphonuclear leukocytes, ie Neutrophils
PMR	Percutaneous Myocardial Revascularisation
PMR	Polymyalgia rheumatica
PM&R	Physical medicine and rehabilitation
PND	Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
PNM	Perinatal mortality
p.o.	By mouth (orally), from Latin, per os
POD	postoperative days
poly	Polymorphonuclear cells, ie Neutrophils
Post	posterior - Anatomical terms of location
POX	Peroxidase
PP	Pulse Pressure
PP	postpartum - Postnatal
PPCS	Prolonged post-concussion syndrome
PPD	packs per day (Cigarettes)
PPD	postpartum depression - Postnatal depression
PPD	purified protein derivative or Mantoux test, for tuberculosis testing
PPH	Post partum haemorrhage
PPH	Primary Pulmonary hypertension
PPI	Proton pump inhibitor
PPROM	Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Ppt	Precipitate; precipitating
PPTCT	Prevention of parent-to-child transmission (of HIV: Govt of India)
PPTL	post-partum Tubal ligation
PR	Prothrombin ratio
p.r.	per rectum (as noun: rectal examination)
PRA	Plasma renin activity
PRBC	Packed Red blood cell
Preme	premature infant - Premature birth
Prep	preparation
PRIND	Prolonged Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Deficit
prn; PRN	as necessary, from Latin, pro re nata (if used in chronic pain control disparagingly termed "pain relief nil"); as needed
Prog	prognosis
PROM	Premature rupture of membranes
PRP	PanRetinal Photocoagulation
PRV	Polycythemia rubra vera - Polycythemia vera
PSA	Prostatic specific antigen
PSH	psychosocial history
PSP	Phenylsulphtalein
PSS	progressive systemic sclerosis - Scleroderma
PT	Prothrombin time
PT	Physical therapy (Physiotherapy)
Pt.	Patient, from Latin patiens, meaning "one who endures" or "one who suffers"
PTA	Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty
PTA	Post-traumatic amnesia
PTA	prior to admission
PTB	Pulmonary Tuberculosis
PTCA	Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTD	prior to discharge
PTH	Parathyroid hormone
PTSD	Posttraumatic stress disorder
PTSS	Posttraumatic stress syndrome - Posttraumatic stress disorder
PTT	Partial thromboplastin time
PTx	Pneumothorax
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
PVR	Pulmonary vascular resistance
PVS	Persistent vegetative state
PVS	Pulmonary valve stenosis
PWP	Pulmonary Wedge Pressure
Px, px	physical examination
Px	Prognosis
P-Y	pack-years ([[Cigarette]s) (years of smoking one package cigarettes per day)

Q

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

R

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

S

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

T

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

U

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

V

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

W

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

X

XR	extended release; x-ray radiography
XRT	Radiation therapy

Y

YO or  yo

years old

Z

ZIFT	Zygote intrafallopian transfer
ZD	Zinc deficiency

Latin abbreviations

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

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

"Do Not Use" list

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

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

See also

• Acronyms in healthcare
• List of abbreviations for medical organisations and personnel
• List of abbreviations used in medical prescriptions
• List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes
• Medical dictionary

External links

• Medical abbreviations on mediLexicon
• Medical acronyms and abbreviations on all-acronyms.com