[edit] A
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)
A&W
Alive and well
a.a.
of each, from Latin, ana
AAA
Abdominal aortic aneurysm, Pronounced "Triple A"
AAT
activity as tolerated
Ab
Antibody
ABC
aspiration biopsy cytology
ABCD
"Asymmetry, borders, color, diameter" features on considering "is it a Melanoma"?
ABD or abd
abdomen
ABG
Arterial blood gases
ABMT
Autologous bone marrow transplantation
ABPI
Ankle brachial pressure index
ABVD
doxorubicin bleomycin vinblastine dacarbazine First-line treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
ABX
antibiotics
a.c.
before food, from Latin, ante cibum
ACE
Angiotensin converting enzyme
ACEI
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Ach
Acetylcholine
ACL
Anterior cruciate ligament
ACLS
Advanced cardiac life support
ACTH
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
ad.
make up to
ad part. dolent
to the painful parts, from Latin, partes dolentes
AD
Alzheimer's Disease
ADA
Adenosine deaminase
ADC
AIDS dementia complex
ADD
Attention Deficit Disorder
ADH
Antidiuretic hormone
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADL
activities of daily living
ad lib
as desired from Latin, ad libitum
adm
admission
ADR
Adverse drug reaction
AEM
Ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring
AF
atrial fibrillation
AF
atrial flutter
AF
Amniotic fluid
AFB
acid fast bacilli
AFO
ankle-foot orthosis
AFP
Alpha-fetoprotein
Ag
Antigen
AGA
Anti-gliadin Antibodies
a.h.
every other hour, from Latin, alternis horis
AHF
Antihemophilic factor
AHG
Antihemophilic globulin
AHH
aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase
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
AIIRB
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
aka
also known as
AKA
Above knee amputation
ALG
Antilymphocytic globulin
ALL
Acute lymphocytic leukemia
ALP
Alkaline phosphatase
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
Anti-mitochondrial Antibodies
AMA
Against Medical Advice
AMA
Advanced Maternal Age (35 years or greater)
AMC
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
AMI
Acute myocardial infarction
AML
Acute myelocytic leukemia
AMP
Adenosine monophosphate
AMS
Acute mountain sickness
AMS
atypical measles syndrome
ANA
Anti-nuclear antibody
ANCA
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
ANF
Atrial natriuretic factor
ANP
Atrial natriuretic peptide
ANS
Autonomic nervous system
ANUG
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
a.p.
before dinner, from Latin, ante prandium
AP
Alkaline phosphatase
APAP
acetaminophen, paracetamol; from the chemical name N-acetyl-para-aminophenol
APD
adult polycystic disease
APECED
autoimmune polyendocrinopathy
APH
Antepartum haemorrhage
APLS
antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
applic.
allicandus, from Latin, to be applied
APSAC
Anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex
APS
autoimmune 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
ART
antiretroviral therapy
ART
assuming room temperature, ie) the patient has died.
ARM
Artificial rupture of membranes
ASA
Acetylsalicylic acid - commonly known as aspirin
AS
Aortic stenosis
ASCAD
arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease
ASD
Atrial septal defect
ASGUS
Atypical squamous glandular cells of undetermined significance
ASCUS
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
ASL
American sign language
ASO
Antistreptolysin O
ASOT
Antistreptolysin O titre
AST
Aspartate transaminase
ASX
Asymptomatic
ATA
Anti-transglutaminase antibodies
ATCC
American Type Culture Collection
ATG
Antithymic globulin
AT-III
Antithrombin III
ATP
acute thrombocytopenic purpura
ATP
adenosine triphosphate
ATP
Anti-tachycardia pacing
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
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
BCG
Bacille Calmette-Guerin (a tuberculosis vaccination)
BCX
Blood culture
BBMF
"Bone break, me fix" Orthopedic consent form
b.d.
Twice daily, from Latin, bis die
b.i.d.
Twice daily, from Latin, bis in die
BE
Base excess
BGL
Blood Glucose Level
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
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
BNF
British National Formulary
BNP
Brain natriuretic peptide
BOA
Born out of Asepsis
BOI
Born on island, ie. a local patient.
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
BPM
Beats per minute
BPPV
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
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 or Bowel sounds on auscultation with stethoscope
BS
Blood Sugar
BSE
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
BSE
Breast self-examination
BSL
Blood Sugar Level
BSP
Bromsulphthalein
BUN
Blood urea nitrogen
BV
Bacterial vaginosis
Bx
Biopsy
[edit] C
c
(c with a bar over it) with, from Latin, cum
CABG
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery. Pronounced "Cabbage".
CAD
Coronary artery disease
CAG
Coronary Artery Graft
cAMP
cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CA
Carcinoma, Cancer
Ca
Calcium
CADASIL
Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy
CAH
Chronic Active Hepatitis
CAH
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
CAT
Computed axial tomography
CAPD
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal 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
CML
Chronic myelogenous leukemia also called Chronic myeloid leukaemia
CMML
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
CMS
Chronic mountain sickness
CMV
Cytomegalovirus
CNS
Central nervous system
COAD
Chronic obstructive airways disease
COLD
Chronic obstructive lung disease
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary 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
CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure
CPK
Creatine phosphokinase
CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
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
CR
Complete remission
CS
Caesarean section
CsA
Ciclosporin A
CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid
CT
computed axial tomography
CTX
ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic
CVA
Cerebrovascular accident
CVC
Central venous catheter
CVD
Cardiovascular disease
CVP
Central venous pressure
CVS
Chorionic villus sampling
CVID
Common variable 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
DIC
Disseminated intravascular 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
DOSS
Docusate sodium; from the chemical name dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
DT
Diphtheria Tetanus
DTP
Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis
DUB
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
DVT
Deep vein thrombosis
Dx
Diagnosis
[edit] E
E
Ecstacy
E
Electrolytes
EACA
Epsilon-aminocaproic acid
EBM
Evidence-based medicine
EBM
Expressed Breast Milk
EBV
Epstein-Barr virus
EC
Enterically Coated
ECG
Electrocardiogram
ECMO
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
ED
Emergency department
ED
Erectile Dysfunction
ED
Ectodermal dysplasia
EDC
Estimated Date of Confinement (at 40/40 weeks of pregnancy)
EDD
Estimated Date of Delivery (at 40/40 weeks of pregnancy)
EDD
Estimated date of discharge
EDRF
Endothelium-derived relaxing factor aka Nitric oxide
EEG
Electroencephalogram
EF
Ejection Fraction
EGF
Epidermal Growth Factor
EKG
Electrocardiogram
ELLSCS
Elective Lower Segment Caesarian Section
ELISA
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
EMC
Encephalomyocarditis
EMD
Early Morning Discovery
EMD
ElectroMechanical Dissociation
EMF
Endomyocardial fibrosis
EMG
Electromyography
EMLSCS
Emergency Lower Segment Caesarian Section
EMU
Early Morning Urine sample (being the most concentrated generally used for pregnancy testing)
ENT
Ear Nose and Throat. (Otolaryngology)
EENT
eyes, ears, nose, throat
EOM
Extra ocular muscles
EOMI
Extra ocular movements intact
EPH
Edema Proteinuria Hypertension
EPO
Erythropoietin
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
ESWL
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (also ESL) - see 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
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
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")
FNA
Fine Needle Aspirate
FNC
Full nursing care
FOF
Found on Floor (Patient fell out of bed)
FOS
Full of Stool
FPG
Fasting plasma glucose
FSE
Fetal Scalp Electrode
FSH
Follicle stimulating hormone
FTA-ABS
Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption
FTA
Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
FUBAR
F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition, originally used to refer to corpses after horrendous (typically battlefield) trauma, but "FUBAR" is now sometimes used to describe very ill patients with little hope of recovery, including those that have not necessarily suffered trauma. Not very politically correct!
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
[edit] G
G
Gravida (total number of pregnancies, successful or not)
G6PD
Glucose-6-phosphate-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
GI
Gastrointestinal
GITS
Gastrointestinal therapeutic system
GIFT
Gamete intrafallopian transfer
GOA
Gone on Arrival (i.e., DOA)
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.
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
GUM
Genitourinary medicine (often used more restrictively as alternative to sexually transmitted disease clinic)
GvH
Graft-versus-host
GvHD
Graft-versus-host disease
[edit] H
HA
Hypertonia arterialis
HAD
HIV-associated dementia
H/A
headache
H&E
Hematoxlyn and Eosin standard tissue stain. Sometimes used as noun referring to stained 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
HDL-C
High Density Lipoprotein 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
HOCM
Hypertrophic obstructive 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
HVLT
High-velocity Lead Therapy, also 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
ICD
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
ICD-10
International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision
ICH
Intracerebral hemorrhage
ICP
Intracranial pressure
ICU
Intensive care unit
I&D
Incision and drainage (how to treat an abscess}
IDA
Iron deficiency anemia
IDC
Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
IDC
Indwelling catheter
IDDM
Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
IDL
Intermediate density lipoprotein
IDP
Infectious Disease Precautions/ Process
IFG
Impaired fasting glycaemia
Ig
Immunoglobulin
IGT
Impaired glucose tolerance
IHD
Ischaemic heart disease
i.m.
intramuscular
IMB
InterMenstrual Bleed (bleeding 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
IPPV
Intermittent positive pressure ventilation
IQ
Intelligence Quotient
ISA
Intrinsic Sympathomimetic Activity
ISDN
Isosorbide dinitrate
ISH
Isolated systolic hypertension
ISMN
Isosorbide mononitrate
i.s.q.
no change (from Latin, in status quo)
IT
Intrathecal
ITP
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
ITU
Intensive Treatment Unit (or Intensive Therapy Unit)
IUCD
intrauterine contraceptive device
IU
International units
IUD
Intrauterine Death - sometimes confused with intrauterine contraceptive device. Use FDIU or IUFD
IUD
intrauterine device - sometimes confused with intrauterine death. We now use IUCD
IUFD
IntraUterine Foetal Demise
IUI
Intrauterine insemination
IUS
IntraUterine System
i.v.
Intravenous
IV-DSA
Intravenous digital subtraction angiography
IVDU
Intravenous drug user
IVF
In vitro fertilization
IVP
Intravenous pyelogram
IVU
Intravenous urogram
[edit] J
JMS
"Junior Medical Student" AKA "MS-3" Also see "TOBASH"
JVD
Jugular vein distension
JVP
Jugular venous pressure
[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
LABBB
Left anterior bundle branch block
LAD
Left Anterior Descending coronary artery
LAP
Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
LAR
Low Anterior Resection
LAS
Lymphadenopathy syndrome
LBBB
Left bundle branch block
LCM
Lymphocytic meningitis
LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase
LDL
Low density lipoprotein
LDL-C
Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
L-DOPA
Levo-DihydrOxyPhenylAlanine
LES
Lower esophageal sphincter
LES
Lupus erythematosus systemicus
LE
Lupus erythematosus (in German Lupus erythematodes)
leu
Leukocytes
LFT
Liver function test
LGL
Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome
LGM
Lymphogranulomatosis maligna
LGV
Lymphogranuloma venereum
LH
Luteinizing hormone
LIH
left inguinal hernia
LLL
left lower lobe
LLQ
left lower quadrant
LM
Left Main
LMP
Last Menstrual period (prior to pregnancy and in woman with regular 28 day cycle taken as 0/40 weeks of pregnancy)
LOL
Little old lady ... often LOL in NAD
LORTA
Loss Of Resistance To Air (in anesthesiology; when placing epidural, LORTA indicates entrance of needle to epidural space)
LOS
Length of stay
Lp
Lipoprotein
LP
Lumbar puncture
LPL
Lipoprotein lipase
LUL
Left upper lobe
LUQ
Left upper quadrant
LVEDP
Left ventricular end diastolic 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
MARSA
Methicillin and aminoglycoside resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MAS
Morgani-Adams-Stokes
MC
Metacarpal bone
MCP
Metacarpophalangeal joint
MCHC
Mean cell hemoglobin concentration
MCH
Mean cell hemoglobin
MC&S
Microscopy, Culture & Sensitivity, the investigation steps in processing microbiology samples
MCV
Mean cell volume
MDS
Myelodysplastic syndrome
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
MLA
Myelosis Leucemica Acuta
MM
Myeloma multiplex
mod
Moderate
MODY
Maturity onset diabetes of the young
Mo
Monocytes
MOM
Milk of magnesia
MOPP
Mechlorethamine, Vincristine, Procarbazine, and Prednisone in combination, older treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma.
MPV
Mean platelet volume
MRA
Magnetic resonance angiogram or angiogrphy
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging
MR
Mitral regurgitation
MR
Modified release
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MS
Mitral stenosis
MS
Multiple sclerosis
MS
Medical student MS-1, MS-2, MS-3, MS-4 respectively
MSH
Melanocyte stimulating hormone
MSO4
Morphine or Morphine Sulfate
MSU
Mid Stream Urine sample (used in testing for presence of urine infections)
MT
Metatarsal bone
MTP
Metatarsalphalangeal joint
MTX
Methotrexate
MVP
Mitral valve prolapse
MVPS
Mitral valve prolapse syndrome
[edit] N
Na
Sodium (in German Natrium)
NAD
No Abnormality Detected, i.e. the absence of abnormal signs on examination
NAD
No apparent distress.
NE
Norepinephrine
Ne
Neutrophil granulocytes
Neo
Neoplasm
NFR
Not For Resuscitation
NGU
Non-gonococcal urethritis
NHL
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
NIDDM
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
NK
Natural killer cells
NKA
no known allergies
NKDA
no known drug allergies. This abbreviation is also used in the military of the United States and may be printed on dog tags or a uniform.
NMR
Nuclear magnetic resonance
NNH
Number needed to harm
NNT
Number needed to treat
NO
Nitric oxide
NOF
Neck of Femur Fracture (refers to Hip fracture)
NOS
Nitric oxide synthase
Npl
Neoplasm
NPO
nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NREM
non-Rapid Eye Movement
n.s.
not significant
NS
Normal Saline
NSAID
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
NSCC
Non Squamous Cell Carcinoma
NSE
Neurospecific enolase
NSR
normal sinus rhythm
NSRI
Noradrenaline-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
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
od
every day, usually regarded as once daily, from the Latin, omni die. Generally written in lower case.
O/E
on examination
OGTT
Oral glucose tolerance test
om
every morning, from the Latin, omni mane. Generally written in lower case.
OME
Otitis Media with Effusion - fluid in the inner ear without other symptoms.
on
every night, from the Latin, omni nocte. Generally written in lower case.
OP
outpatient department
OPPT
Oriented to Person Place and Time
OS
left eye from Latin, oculus sinister
OS
Orthopedic surgery
OSA
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSH
outside hospital
OTC
Over-the-counter drug
OTD
Out the Door (discharged)
OTPP
Oriented to Time Place and Person
OU
Both eyes, from Latin, oculi uterque
[edit] P
p
(p with a bar over it) after, from Latin, post
P
Parturition (total number of live births)
P
Phosphorus
P
Pulse
PA
posterior-anterior
PA
Pulmonary artery
PAF
Platelet activating factor
PAF
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (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
PCI
Percutaneous coronary intervention
PCL
Posterior cruciate ligament
PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCP
Pneumocystis pneumonia (formerly Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia)
PCP
Primary Care Physician/Primary Care Provider
PCR
Polymerase chain reaction
PCWP
Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
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
PERLA
Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light and Accommodation
PERRLA
Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation
PET
Positron-emission tomography
PFO
Patent foramen ovale
PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease
PIH
Pregnancy induced hypertension
PIP
Proximal interphalangeal joint
PKA
Protein kinase A
PKD
Polycystic kidney disease
PKU
Phenylketonuria
PLT
platelets
PMB
Post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after menopause)
PMH
[past medical history] or Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage
PMN
Polymorphonuclear cells, ie Neutrophils
PMR
Percutaneous Myocardial Revascularisation
PMR
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
PND
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
p.o.
By mouth (orally), from Latin, per os
poly
Polymorphonuclear cells, ie Neutrophils
POX
Peroxidase
PPH
Post partum haemorrhage
PPH
Primary Pulmonary hypertension
PPROM
Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
PPTL
Post-Partum Tubal Ligation
p.r.
per rectum (as noun: rectal examination)
PRA
Plasma renin activity
PRIND
Prolonged Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Deficit
prn
as necessary, from Latin, pro re nata (if used in chronic pain control disparagingly termed "pain relief nil")
PROM
Premature Rupture of Membranes
PRP
PanRetinal Photocoagulation
PSA
Prostatic specific antigen
PSP
Phenylsulphtalein
PTM
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Pt.
Patient, from Latin patiens, meaning "one who endures" or "one who suffers"
PTA
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty
PTCA
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PT
Prothrombin time
PTH
Parathyroid hormone
PTx
Pneumothorax
PTT
Partial thromboplastin time
PUD
peptic ulcer disease
PUVA
Psoralen UV A
p.v.
per vagina (as noun: vaginal examination with manual examination and speculum 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}
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.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
RFLP
Restriction fragment length polymorphism
RFT
Renal function test
Rh
Rhesus factor
RhF
Rheumatoid factor
RIA
Radioimmune assay
RIBA
Radioimmunoblotting assay
RIMA
Reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A
RIND
Reversible ischemic neurologic 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
Rx
medical prescription or Prescription drug
[edit] S
s
(s with a bar over it) without from Middle English sans, borrowed from Old French sans
SAH
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
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 carciona
SCID
Severe combined immunodeficiency
SD
Standard deviation
SGA
Small for gestational age
SGOT
Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase
SGPT
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SH
Social history (personal habits, living situation, job)
SHBG
Sex Hormone Binding Globuline
SHx
Surgical History
SI
International System of Units, Suicidal ideation
SIADH
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
SIMV
Synchronized Intermittent Mechanical Ventilation
SK
Streptokinase
SLE
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
SM
Multiple sclerosis from Latin, Sclerosis multiplex
SMA
Sequential Multiple Analysis
SMA-7
Serum Metabolic Assay
SMS
Senior medical student
SMT
Spinal Manipulative Therapy
SNP
Sodium Nitroprusside
SNRI
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
SOAP
Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (How Doctors notes are organized)
SOB
Shortness of breath
SOBOE
Dyspnoea
SOL
Space Occupying Lesion
SOS
Save Our Souls, meaning "in case of emergency"
SP
Status post
SPET
Single photon emission tomography
SQ
Subcutaneous
SR
Slow Release
SROM
Spontaneous rupture of membranes
SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSSS
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
SSS
Sick Sinus Syndrome
STD
Sexually transmitted disease
STH
Somatotropic hormone
STI
Sexually transmitted infection
STI
Soft tissue injury
STOP
Surgical Termination Of Pregnancy (sometimes Suction Termination of 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
SXA
Single energy X-ray absorptiometer
SXR
skull x-ray
[edit] T
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
Td
Tetanus and Diphtheria
TdP
Torsades de pointes
TBI
Total body irradiation
t.d.s.
Three times a day, from Latin, ter die sumendus
TEE or TOE
Transesophageal echocardiogram
TENS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve 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
t.i.d.
Three times a day, from Latin, ter in die
TIPS
transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
TKR
Total knee replacement
TKVO
to keep vein open
TLC
Total lung capacity
TMB
"Too Many Birthdays" Very frail elderly patient
TNF
Tumor necrosis factors
TNM
Tumor-Nodes-Metastases
TOE
Transoesophageal echocardiogram
TOP
Termination of Pregnancy
TPa
Tissue plasminogen activator
TPN
Total parenteral nutrition
TR
Tricuspid regurgitation
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
TTS
Transdermal therapeutic system
Tu
Tumor
TUR
Transurethral resection
TURBT
Transurethral resection of bladder tumour
TURP
Transurethral resection of the prostate
Tx
Transplant
Tx
treatment
[edit] U
UBT
Urea Breath Test
U & E
urea and electrolytes (sodium and 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
VAD
vincristine adriblastine dexamethasone
VAMP
vincristine adriblastine methylprednisone
V-BAC
Vaginal Birth After Caesarian
VC
Vital capacity
vCJD
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
VD
Vaginal Delivery
VDRL
Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory (old test for syphilis}
VE
vaginal examination (manual 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
WNL
Within Normal Limits (Also: We Never 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
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.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