Medical & Dental Abbreviations
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Search our Medical & Dental Abbreviations Glossary below. These abbreviations are commonly used in hospital, medical, and dental records.
There are many other abbreviations, rarely used, and some doctors and hospitals create their own. Our glossary is updated weekly. If you cannot find an abbreviation, please contact us for assistance.
We also offer an acronym glossary for groups and organizations.
| Abbreviation | Term |
|---|---|
| A | asthma; artery; acid; aspirin |
| a | assessment also before (Lat. ante) |
| a or AB | abortion or miscarriage |
| a or ART | artery |
| A&E | accident and emergency |
| A&P | auscultation and percussion |
| A&W | alive and well |
| a.c. | before meals (Lat. ante cenam) |
| a.f.g.f. | acidic fibroblast growth factor |
| a.k. | above knee |
| a.p. | before dinner |
| A.S.A. | American Society of Anesthesiologists |
| A.S.A. 1 | normal healthy patient |
| A.S.A. 2 | patient with mild systemic disease |
| A.S.A. 3 | patient with severe systemic disease |
| A.S.A. 4 | patient with incapacitating systemic disease that is constant threat to life |
| A.S.A.S. | Anterior Spinal Artery syndrome |
| A.Z. | Ascheim-Zondek test |
| A/B | acid/base ratio |
| A/BE | acid/base equilibrium |
| A/G | albumin globulin ratio |
| A/O | alert and oriented |
| A2 | aortic second sound |
| AA | affected area |
| aa | equal part of each |
| AAA | abdominal aortic aneurysm |
| AAL | acute lymphoblastic leukemia also anterior axillary line |
| AAP | assume agitation present |
| AAROM | active assisted range of motion |
| AASP | acute atrophic spinal paralysis |
| AAU | acute anterior uveitis |
| AB | Ace Bandage also active bilaterally |
| ab | antibody |
| AB or abd | abdominal |
| Abb | abbreviations |
| ABC | absolute basophil count |
| abd. | abdomen also abduction also abductor |
| ABE | activity before exercise also acute bacterial endocarditis |
| ABG | arterial blood gas |
| ABN | abnormal also active bulimia nervosa also acute bacterial nephritis |
| ABP | arterial blood pressure |
| abs | absent |
| ABW | actual body weight |
| Ac | acute |
| AC | anterior chamber |
| acc | accident |
| Acc.Inc. | accidentally incurred |
| Acc.Inj. | accidental injury |
| accom. | accommodation |
| ACE | angiotensin converting enzyme |
| ACEI | angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors |
| ACh | Acetylcholine |
| AChR | Acetylcholine receptor |
| ACIOL | anterior chamber intraocular lens |
| ACL | anterior cruciate ligament |
| ACM | acute cerebrospinal meningitis |
| ACM or APAP | acetaminophen (paracetamol) |
| ACNP | acute care nurse practitioner |
| ACOP | approved code of practice |
| Acous | acoustic |
| Acr | acrylic |
| ACS | acute cervical sprain |
| Act | actinomycin |
| ACT | active motion also anesthesia care team |
| act | activity |
| Act-C | actinomycin C |
| Act-D | actinomycin D |
| ACTD | Atypical Connective Tissue disease |
| ACTH | adrenocorticotropic hormone |
| ACVD | acute cardiovascular disease |
| AD | advance directive also Alzheimer's disease also right ear (Lat. auris dexter) |
| ad lib | as desired also at liberty |
| ADD | Attention Deficit Disorder |
| ADH | antidiruetic hormone (vasopressin) |
| ADHD | Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder |
| ADL | activities of daily living |
| ADM | acquired dermal melanocytosis also arginine-deficient medium |
| adm. | admission |
| ADR | adverse drug reaction |
| AE | above elbow |
| AEA | above elbow amputation |
| AF | afebrile |
| AF or Afib | atrial fibrillation |
| AFB | acid fast bacilli |
| AFO | ankle-foot orthosis |
| AFP | alpha fetoprotein |
| AGA | appropriate gestational age |
| AgNO3 | silver nitrate |
| AH | abdominal hysterectomy |
| AHCD | acquired hepatocellular degeneration |
| AHD | acquired hepatocerebral degeneration |
| AHF | Argentinian hemorrhagic fever |
| aI | active ingredient |
| AI | Adequate Intake also aortic insufficiency also articulation index |
| AIDS | acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
| AIDS-KS | acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with Kaposi's sarcoma |
| AJ | ankle jerk |
| AKA | above knee amputation |
| aka | alcoholic ketoacidosis |
| alb. | albumin |
| alc. | alcohol |
| ALD | adrenoleukodystrophy |
| alkPhos | alkaline phosphate |
| ALL | acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia |
| ALND | axillary lymph node dissection |
| ALS | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
| ALT | alanine aminotransferase (formerly SGPT) also alternating with |
| AM | before noon (Lat. ante meridiem) |
| AMA | against medical advice |
| amb. | ambulating also ambulatory |
| aMCI | amnestic mild cognitive impairment |
| AMD | age-related macular degeneration |
| AMI | acute myocardial infarction |
| AML | acute myeloid/myeloblastic leukemia |
| amnio | amniocentesis |
| amp. | ampule also amputation |
| AMS | altered mental status |
| ANA see FANA | antinuclear antibody test |
| ANC | absolute neutrophil count |
| AND | allow natural death |
| ANDS | Atypical Neurological Disease syndrome |
| anes. | anesthesia |
| ANF | antinuclear factor |
| ann. fib. | annulus fibrosis |
| ANS | autonomic nervous system |
| ant. | anterior |
| ANUG | acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis |
| Anxty or ANX | anxiety |
| AO | aorta |
| AOB | alcohol on breath |
| AODM | adult onset diabetes mellitus |
| AP | acid phosphatase also active pepsin also ante partum |
| A-P | anteroposterior |
| AP res. | abdominal perineal resection of the rectum |
| A-P&lat or AP&L | anteroposterior and lateral |
| APC | atrial premature contractions |
| aph | aphasia |
| APP | assume pain present |
| aq. | water |
| AR | active-resistance also aortic regurgitation |
| ARC | AIDS Related Complex |
| ARD | acute respiratory distress |
| ARDS | adult respiratory distress syndrome |
| ARE | active-resistance exercise |
| ARF | acute respiratory failure also acute rheumatic fever |
| Arg. | arginine |
| AROM | active range of motion also artificial rupture of membranes |
| art | arterial also articulation |
| AS | aortic stenosis also left ear (Lat. Auris sinistra) also ankylosing spondylitis |
| ASA | aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) |
| ASAP | as soon as possible |
| ASC or ATS | arteriosclerosis |
| ASCVD | atherosclerotic/arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease |
| ASD | atrial septal defect |
| ASHD | arteriosclerotic heart disease |
| ASO | antistreptolysin O |
| AST | aspartate aminotransferase (formerly SGOT) also aspartate transaminase |
| AT | Achilles tendon |
| A-T | ataxia telangiectasia |
| at. flut. | atrial flutter |
| ATN | acute tubular necrosis |
| ATNR | asymmetrical tonic neck reflex |
| ATP | adenosine triphosphate |
| ATR | Achilles tendon reflex |
| ATT | arginine tolerance test |
| AU | according to custom (Lat. ad usum) also both ears (Lat. auris unitas) |
| AUB | abnormal uterine bleeding |
| aud. | auditory |
| Aur. Fib | auricular fibrillation |
| AV | aortic valve also atrioventricular |
| AV or AvV | atrioventricular valves |
| AVD | aortic valve disease |
| AVE | aortic valve echocardiogram |
| AVF | arteriovenous fistula |
| AVHS | acquired valvular heart syndrome |
| AVM | arteriovenous malformation |
| AVO | aortic valve opening |
| AVp | arginine vasopressin |
| AVR | aortic valve replacement |
| AVS | aortic valve stenosis |
| AVt | arginine vasotocin |
| AW | able to work also above waist |
| Ax. | axial also axilla also axillary |
| AXR | abdominal X-ray |
| B | black also born |
| B&C | biopsy and curettage |
| B&J | bone and joint |
| B. | bath |
| b.i.d. or B/D | twice daily (Lat. bis in die) |
| b.i.n. or B/N | twice a night (Lat. bis in nox) |
| B.U.O. | bleeding of undetermined origin also bruising of undetermined origin |
| BA | brachial artery also bronchial asthma |
| Ba.E or BA or BE | barium enema |
| Ba.S | barium swallow |
| Bab. | Babinski sign |
| BAC | blood alcohol concentration |
| BAL | bronchoalveolar lavage |
| BAM | basilar artery migraine |
| BAO | basal acid output also brachial artery output |
| BAO-MAO | basal acid output to maximal acid output |
| BAP | Behavior Activity Profile also brachial artery pressure |
| BAR | bariatrics also barometer also barometric also beta-adrenergic receptor |
| Barb | barbiturate |
| BarbDep | barbiturate dependence |
| BARK | beta-adrenergic receptor kinase |
| BAS | beta-adrenergic stimulation |
| Bas. | basal also basilar |
| baso | basophile also basophilic |
| BAT | basic aid training also blunt abdominal trauma also brown adipose tissue |
| BAV | bicuspid aortic valve |
| BB | beta blocker also both bones |
| BBA | born before arrival |
| BBB | bundle branch block |
| BBBB | bilateral bundle-branch block |
| BBF | bronchial blood flow |
| BBk | blood bank |
| BBS | bashful bladder syndrome also bilateral breath sounds |
| BBT | basal body temperature |
| BBTC | basal body temperature chart |
| BBx or BrBx. | breast biopsy |
| BBx/FS | breast biopsy/frozen section |
| BC | basal cell also birth control also board certified also breast cancer also bronchial carcinoma also buffy coat |
| Bc or HCO3 | bicarbonate |
| BCA | balloon catheter angioplasty also basal cell atypia also breast cancer antigen |
| BCAg | basal cell antigen |
| BCC | basal cell carcinoma also benign cellular changes also birth control clinic |
| BCD | basal cell dysplasia |
| BCE | basal cell epithelioma |
| BCG | bacillus Calmette-Guerin (tuberculosis vaccine) also ballistocardiogram also ballistocardiography also bromcresol green (Dye) |
| BCH | basal cell hyperplasia |
| BCP | birth control pills |
| BCS | breast conservation surgery |
| BCt | blood count |
| BCult or bl cult | blood culture |
| BCyF | breast cyst fluid |
| BCyFP | breast cyst fluid protein |
| BD | band also barbital-dependent also behavioral disorder also bile duct also blood donor also brain damage also brain dead also brain death |
| bd | twice daily |
| BD or D.O.B. | birth date |
| Bd. | board |
| BDC | burn dressing change |
| BdG | bidirectional Glenn shunt |
| BDI | blunt duodenal injury |
| BDil | bronchodilator |
| BE | below elbow |
| BEA | below elbow amputation |
| BET | benign essential tremor |
| BFlo | blood flow |
| BFP | biological false positive |
| BHT | blunt head trauma |
| BI | basilar impression also biological indicator also bodily injury also bone impaction also burn index |
| Bic. | biceps |
| BID | brought in dead |
| BIH | bilateral inguinal hernia |
| bilat. | bilateral also bilaterally |
| bili | bilirubin |
| BInj | brain injury |
| BiW | twice weekly |
| BJ | biceps jerk (reflex) |
| BJM | bones joints muscles |
| BK | below knee |
| bk. | back |
| BKA | below knee amputation |
| BkMD | Becker muscular dystrophy |
| BL | blood loss |
| BL or BsL | baseline |
| Blad. | bladder |
| bld. | blood |
| BLE | both lower extremities |
| BLLF | bilateral lower lung fields |
| BLQ | both lower quadrants |
| BLS | basic life support |
| BLS-D | basic life support and defibrillation |
| BM | basal metabolism also black male also bone marrow also bowel movement |
| BMD | Best's macular dystrophy |
| BMI | body mass index |
| BMR | basal metabolic rate |
| BMT or HDC | bone marrow transplant |
| BN | bulimia nervosa |
| BND | barely noticeable difference |
| BNO | bladder neck obstruction |
| BNP | brain natriuretic peptide |
| BO(R) | bowels open (regularly) |
| BO/Bot. | bottle-feeding |
| BOA | born on arrival |
| BOE | bilateral otitis externa |
| BOIP | bronchiolitis obliterans interstitial pneumonia |
| BOM | bilateral otitis media |
| BOMA | otitis media, both ears, acute |
| BOO | bladder outlet obstruction |
| BOOP | bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia |
| BOP | blood ova parasites |
| BoTox or BT | botulinum toxin |
| BOW | bag of water |
| BP | blood pressure also body part |
| BPC or BPCuff | blood pressure cuff |
| BPD | bronchopulmonary dysplasia |
| BPH | benign prostatic hypertrophy |
| BPM | beats per minute |
| BPP | blood pressure and pulse |
| BPPV | benign paroxysmal positional vertigo |
| BR | bedrest |
| BR or WC | bathroom |
| Br. | breech presentation |
| BRFD | breastfeeding; breastfed |
| brach. | brachial |
| BRBPR | bright red blood per rectum |
| broncho | bronchoscopy |
| BRP | bathroom privileges |
| BS | blood sugar also bowel sounds also breath sounds also bronchial secretion |
| BSA | body surface area |
| BSA or BS+ | bowel sounds active |
| BSB | bedside bag |
| BSC | bedside commode |
| BSD | bedside drainage |
| BSEx | breast self examination |
| BSN | bowel sounds normal |
| BSO | bilateral salpingooophorectomy |
| BSP | bromsulphalein (Dye) |
| BSR | basal skin resistance also blood sedimentation rate also bowel sounds regular |
| BSS | balanced salt solution |
| BST | blood serologic test |
| BT | bladder tumor also blood type also body temperature also brain tumor also breast tumor |
| BT or Bl.T | bleeding time |
| BT or HS | bedtime |
| BTB | bromthymol blue (Dye) |
| BTE | behind the ear |
| BTFS | breast tumor/frozen section |
| BTL | bilateral tubal ligation |
| BTLS | basic trauma life support |
| BTR | biceps tendon reflex |
| BTS | blood transfusion service |
| BTU | British thermal unit |
| BTW | by the way |
| BTx | blood transfusion also brevetoxin |
| BU | Bethesda unit also blood urea also burn unit also Buruli ulcer |
| BUA | blood uric acid |
| Buc or Bucc | buccal |
| BUE | both upper extremities |
| BUN | blood urea nitrogen |
| BUN/CR | blood urea nitrogen/creatine ratio |
| BUQ | both upper quadrants |
| BUR | bilateral ureteral occlusion |
| BUS | Bartholin, urethral, and Skene glands |
| BV | blood vessel |
| BVE | blood vessel endothelium |
| BVO | branch vein occlusion |
| BVP | blood vessel prosthesis |
| BW | bed wetting also below waist also birth weight also black woman |
| BW or body wt. | body weight |
| BWS | battered woman/wife syndrome |
| Bx. | biopsy |
| C | Caucasian also cervical |
| C&S | culture and sensitivity |
| C. | Celsius complement also centigrade also gallon |
| c. | with |
| C.I | color index |
| C.M.M. | Certified Nurse-Midwife |
| c.v. | tomorrow night |
| C/O | care of |
| c/o | complains of also complaints |
| C/S | Cesarean section |
| C1 - C7 | cervical vertebrae |
| Ca | calcium also carcinoma |
| CA | cancer also cardiac arrest also Caucasian adult |
| CA-MRSA | community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus |
| CAA | cerebral amyloid angiopathy |
| CABG | coronary artery bypass graft |
| CaCO3 | calcium carbonate |
| CAD | coronary artery disease |
| CAF | Caucasian adult female also cell adhesion factor |
| Caf. | caffeine |
| CAH | chronic active hepatitis |
| CAHD | coronary atherosclerotic heart disease |
| Cal or Kcal. | calorie |
| CAM | Caucasian adult male |
| CAPD | continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis |
| Caps | capsules |
| car. | carotid |
| Card Cath | cardiac catheterization |
| card. | cardiac |
| CardMyo | cardiomyopathy |
| CaSac | calcium saccharin |
| CAT | computerized axial tomography |
| Cat. | cataract |
| cath | catheter also catheterization |
| CB | Cesarean birth |
| CBC | complete blood count |
| CBD | common bile duct |
| CBF | cerebral blood flow |
| CBG | capillary blood gas |
| CBR | complete bed rest |
| CBV | catheter balloon valvuloplasty also cerebral blood volume |
| CC | Caucasian child also chief complaint |
| cc. | cubic centimeter |
| CCB | calcium channel blocker |
| CCBs | calcium channel blocker class |
| CCF | congestive cardiac failure |
| C-CF | carotid-cavernous fistula |
| CCGC | capillary column gas chromotography |
| CCSVI | chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency |
| CCU | coronary care unit |
| CD | cadaver donor also cardiac disease also contagious disease |
| cd | candela (measurement unit for light) |
| CD or COD or c.m. | cause of death (Lat. causa mortis) |
| CDC | Center for Disease Control |
| CDH | chronic daily headache |
| c. diff or CDI | Clostridium difficile |
| CDys | cardiac dysrhythmia |
| CEA | carcinoembryonic antigen also carcinoembryonic enzyme |
| Cerv. | cervical also cervix |
| CF | cardiac failure also Caucasian female also cystic fibrosis |
| CFS | Chronic Fatigue syndrome |
| cg. | centigram |
| CHB | complete heart block |
| CHD | congenital heart disease also coronary heart disease |
| Chem. | chemotherapy |
| CHF | congestive heart failure |
| CHO | carbohydrate |
| Chol | cholesterol |
| Chr | chronic |
| CI | cardiac index also cardiac insufficiency also cerebral infarction |
| CICU | cardiac intensive care unit |
| CID | carpal instability, dissociative |
| CIDP | chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy |
| CIND | carpal instability, non-dissociative |
| CIS | carcinoma in situ |
| CI-XII | 1st to 12th cranial nerve |
| CJD | Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease |
| C-JF | carotid-jugular fistula |
| CK | creatinine kinase |
| cl | centiliter |
| Cl | chloride also chlorine also clubbing |
| Cl.T | clotting time |
| Clav. or Cl | clavicle |
| cldy | cloudy |
| CLL | chronic lymphocytic leukemia |
| CM | cardiac murmur also cardiac muscle also Caucasian male |
| cm. | centimeter |
| CMal | cerebral malaria |
| CMass | center of mass |
| Cmc | carpometacarpal |
| CMCJ | carpometacarpal joint |
| CME | cystoid macular edema |
| CMem | cell membrane |
| CML | chronic myeloid leukemia |
| CMV | cytomegalovirus |
| CN | cranial nerve |
| CNS | central nervous system |
| cnst. | constipation |
| CO | carbon monoxide also cardiac output |
| Co2 or CD | carbon dioxide |
| COAD | chronic obstructive airway disease |
| COCA | common carotid artery |
| COLD | chronic obstructive lung disease |
| comb. | combination also combine |
| comm. | communicable |
| comp. | compound also compress |
| conc. | concentrated |
| cons. | consultation |
| cont. | continued also contractions |
| COP | center of pressure |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| Cor | heart |
| CP | cerebral palsy also chest pain |
| CPAP | continuous positive airway pressure |
| CpBy | cardiopulmonary bypass |
| CPC | clinicopathological conference |
| CPD | cephalo-pelvic disproportion |
| CPK | creatinine phosphokinase |
| CPM | central pontine myelinolysis |
| CPPB | continuous positive pressure breathing |
| CPR | cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| CPRS | complex regional pain syndrome |
| CPT | chest physical therapy |
| CR | closed reduction |
| cran. | cranial |
| CRD | chronic respiratory disease |
| CRE | Carbapenum-resistant Enterobacteriaceae |
| creat. or Crea | creatinine |
| CRF | case report form also chronic renal failure |
| CRP | C-reactive protein |
| CRPS | Complex Regional Pain syndrome |
| CRS | catheter-related sepsis |
| CRT | capillary refill time also cardiac resuscitation team |
| Crt | critical |
| CRU | cardiac rehabilitation unit |
| CRV | central retinal vein |
| CRVO | central retinal vein occlusion |
| Cs | case |
| CSAVP | cerebral subarachnoid venous pressure |
| CSD | cat scratch disease |
| CSDB | cat scratch disease bacillus |
| CSF | cerebrospinal fluid |
| C-spine | cervical spine |
| CT | chest tube also computed axial tomography |
| CTE | chronic traumatic encephalopathy |
| CThr | cerebral thrombosis |
| CTS | carpal tunnel syndrome |
| CTSP | called to see patient |
| CU | cause unknown |
| CUP | cancer of unknown primary origin |
| CV | cardiac volume also cardiovascular also Curriculum Vitae |
| CVA | cerebrovascular accident (stroke) also costovertebral angle |
| CVC | central venous catheters |
| CvD | cardiovascular disease |
| CVL | central venous line |
| CVP | central venous pressure |
| CvS | cardiovascular system |
| CWP | cell wall protein |
| Cx | cervix also culture |
| CxR | chest x-ray |
| cyath. | glassful |
| Cysto | cystoscopy |
| d | right (Lat. dexter) |
| D&C | dilation and curettage |
| D&E | dilation and evacuation |
| D&R | dilation and radium implant |
| D&V | diarrhoea and vomiting |
| D.P. | dorsal pedia |
| d/c | discontinue |
| D/DW | dextrose in distilled water also distilled water |
| D/L | decilter |
| D/S | discharge summary |
| D/W | dextrose in water also discussed with |
| D5LR | 5% dextrose and lactated ringers |
| D5W | 5% dextrose and sterile water |
| DAH | diffuse alveolar hemorrhage |
| DAP | distal airway pressure |
| db. | decibel |
| DBE | deep breathing exercise |
| DC | discharges also discontinue |
| DCIS | ductal carcinoma in-situ |
| DD | discharge diagnosis |
| DDx | differential diagnosis |
| decr. | decreased |
| decub. | lying down |
| def. | defacation |
| dehyd. | dehydrated |
| Derm. | Dermatology |
| DES | Diethylstilbestrol |
| DFSP | dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans |
| DH | drug history |
| DHT | dihydrotestosterone |
| DI | diabetes insipidus also diagnostic imaging |
| DIAG. | diagnosis |
| diam. | diameter |
| DIC | disseminated coagulopathy also disseminated intravascular coagulation |
| DIEP | deep inferior epigastric perforator |
| diff. | differential blood count |
| dil. | dilute |
| dim. | diminished |
| DIND | delayed ischemic neurologic deficit |
| DIP | distal interphalangeal (joint) |
| DIPG | diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma |
| dis. | disease |
| disch. | discharge |
| disp. | disposition |
| dist. | distal also distilled |
| DIU | death in utero |
| div. | divorced |
| DJD | degenerative joint disease |
| DKA | diabetic ketoacidosis |
| DLE | disseminated lupus erythematosis |
| DM | diabetes mellitus also diastolic murmur |
| DNA | deoxyribonucleic acid |
| DNKA | did not keep appointment |
| DNR | do not recussitate |
| DNRCC | do not recussitate comfort care |
| DOA | dead on arrival |
| DOB | date of birth |
| DOE | dyspnea on exertion |
| Dors | dorsal |
| DPL | diagnostic peritoneal lavage |
| DPN | deep peroneal nerve |
| DPT | diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine |
| DR | delivery room |
| dr. | dram |
| DRE | digital rectal examination |
| drsg. | dressing |
| DSE | debutamine stress echocardiogram |
| DTR | deep tendon reflexes |
| DT's | delirium tremens |
| DU | duodenal ulcer |
| DUB | dysfunctional uterine bleeding |
| DUI | driving under influence |
| Dx | diagnosis |
| e | without |
| E. coli | Escherichia coli |
| e.g. | for example (Lat. exempli gratia) |
| EAR | estimated average requirements |
| EBL | estimated blood loss |
| EBM | expressed breastmilk |
| EBV | Epstein-Barr virus |
| EBV-IM | Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis) |
| ECCL | encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis |
| ECF | extended care facility also extracellular fluid |
| ECHO | echocardiogram also enterocytopathogenic human orphan virus |
| ECMO | extra corporeal membrane oxygenation |
| ECS | endocervical scrape |
| ECT | electroconvulsive therapy |
| ECTR | endoscopic carpal tunnel release |
| ED | emergency department |
| EDC | estimated date of confinement |
| EDOD | estimated date of delivery |
| EDS | excessive daytime sleepiness |
| EEG | electroencephalogram |
| EENT see HEENT | eyes, ears, nose, throat |
| EEX | electrodiagnosis |
| EGA | estimated gestational age |
| EGD | esophago-gastroduodenoscopy |
| EGF | epidermal growth factor |
| EKG or ECG | electrocardiogram |
| elev. | elevated |
| ELF | elective low forceps |
| elix. | elixir |
| EmBx | endometrial biopsy |
| EMG | electromyogram/electromyography |
| EMM | expressed mother's milk |
| EMR | electronic medical records |
| EMS | emergency medical service also endometrial scrape |
| EMTALA | Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act |
| EMU | early morning urine |
| En. | enema |
| ENT | ears, nose, throat |
| Eoc. | eosinophiles |
| EOM | extraocular movement |
| Ep | epilepsy |
| Epis. | episiotomy |
| Epis. LML | left mediolateral episiotomy |
| Epis. Med. | medial episiotomy |
| Epis. RML | right mediolateral episiotomy |
| ER | endoplasmic reticulum |
| ERCP | endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography |
| ERP | endoscopic retrograde pancreatography |
| ES | excessive sleepiness |
| ESR or sed. rate | erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
| ESRD | end-stage renal disease |
| EST | electroshock therapy |
| ESWL | extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy |
| et | and |
| ETIOL. or Etio | etiology |
| ETOH | ethanol (alcohol) |
| ETS | endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy |
| EUA | examine under anesthesia |
| EVAL | evaluation |
| EVRFA | endovenous radio frequency ablation |
| ex. | example also exercise |
| Exp. Lap. | exploratory laparotomy |
| expir | expiration also expiratory |
| ext. | external also extremity |
| EXT | extraction |
| Ext. | extract |
| ext. gen. | external genitalia |
| F | Fahrenheit also female also finger |
| F.A. | first aid |
| F.B. | foreign body |
| f.f. | force fluid |
| FA | fluorescent antibody |
| FANA see ANA | fluorescent antinuclear antibody test |
| FASDs | fetal alcohol spectrum disorders |
| FBC | full blood count |
| FBS | fasting blood sugar |
| FCA | fracture, complete, angulated |
| FCC | fracture, complete, comminuted also fracture, compound, comminuted |
| FCCC | fracture, complete, comminuted, compound |
| FCD | fracture, complete, deviated |
| FD | fully dilated |
| FDA | Food and Drug Administration |
| FDP | fibrin degradation product also flexor digitorum profundus |
| FDS | flexor digitorum superficialis |
| Fe def. | iron deficiency |
| FEC | freestanding emergency center |
| FEF | forced expiratory flow |
| FEKG or FECG | fetal electrocardiogram |
| fem. | femoral |
| fem. pop. | femoral popliteal |
| fet. | fetal |
| FEV | forced expiratory volume |
| FEV1 | forced expiratory volume in 1 second |
| FFP | fresh frozen plasma |
| FGC | full gold crown |
| FH | family history also fetal heart |
| fh | fundal height |
| FHR | fetal heart rate |
| FHR-UC | fetal heart rate - uterine contraction |
| FHS | fetal heart sounds |
| FHT | fetal heart tones |
| FiO2 | faction of inspired oxygen concentration |
| fl. | fluids |
| fl. dr. | fluid dram |
| fl. oz. | fluid ounce |
| flac. | flaccid |
| fld. | fluid |
| flex. | flexion also flexor |
| FM | finger movement |
| FNA | fine needle aspirate |
| FNAB | fine-needle aspiration biopsy |
| FOB | fecal occult blood |
| FOOSH | fell on outstretched hand |
| FOS | full of stool/constipated |
| FPAL | full term premature abortion living |
| FPM | full passive movement |
| FR | fracture also frequency of respiration also full range |
| fract. | fractional |
| FRBB | fracture of both bones |
| FRC | functional residual capacity |
| FRJM | full range of joint movement |
| FROM | full range of motion also full range of movement |
| FS | finger stick |
| FSC | fracture, simple comminuted |
| FSCC | fracture, simple, complete, comminuted |
| FSED | freestanding emergency department |
| FSH | follicle stimulating hormone |
| FT | full term |
| FTD | failure to descend also frontotemporal dementia |
| FTND | full term normal delivery |
| FTSG | full thickness skin graft |
| FTT | failure to thrive |
| FTW | fast-twitch white (skeletal muscle) |
| FU or F/U | follow-up |
| FUB | functional uterine bleeding |
| FUO | fever of unknown/undetermined origin |
| FVC | forced vital capacity |
| FW | fetal weight |
| Fx | fracture |
| FXBB | fracture of both bones |
| g or gm | gram |
| G or GRAV | gravida (Lat. pregnant) |
| G&S | group and save |
| G.A. | general anesthesia |
| G.C. | gonococcus |
| G.H. | growth hormone |
| G/E | gastroenteritis |
| G/M | granulocyte/macrophage |
| g/ml | grams per milliliter |
| G/P | gravida/para |
| G/W | glucose and water |
| GA | gastric analysis also general anaesthetic/anesthesia also general appearance also gestational age |
| GABA | gamma-aminobutyric acid |
| Gal | gallon |
| GB | gallbladder also Guillain-BarrZ (syndrome) |
| GBEF | gallbladder ejection fraction |
| GBM | glioblastoma multiforme |
| GBS | gallbladder series |
| GC | general condition also gonococcal also gonococcus |
| GC/MS | gas chromatography/mass spectrometry |
| GCP | good clinical practice (guidelines) |
| GCRP | good clinical research practice |
| GCS | Glasgow Coma Scale |
| GCT | germ cell tumor |
| GDM | gestational diabetes mellitus |
| GE | gastroenteritis also Gastroenterology also gastroesophageal |
| GED | gastric emptying duration also Graves' eye disease |
| gen | general |
| GER | gastroesophageal reflux |
| GERD | gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| gest. | gestation |
| GFR | glomerulo filtration rate |
| GGT | gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase |
| GI | gastrointestinal |
| GLP | good laboratory practice |
| gluc | glucose |
| Gm- or GN | gram negative |
| gm.% | grams per 100 c.c. |
| Gm+ or GP | gram positive |
| GMA | grand mal attack |
| GN | glomerulonephritis |
| GNC | general nursing care |
| GOT | goal of treatment |
| GP | general paralysis also general practice also General Practitioner also Goodpasture (syndrome) |
| GPA | Goodpasture antigen |
| GPP | good pharmacy practice |
| gr. | grains (dosage) |
| Grav. | pregnancy |
| GSS | Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome |
| GSW | gunshot wound |
| gt. | drop |
| Gt. tr. | gait training |
| GTN | glycerol trininitrate |
| GTT | glucose tolerance test |
| gtt. | drops |
| GU | genitourinary |
| GVH or GvHD | graft versus host disease |
| GYN | Gynecology |
| H | history also hydrogen also hypodermic |
| h | hour |
| H&C | hot and cold |
| H&P | history and physical |
| h.d. | at bedtime |
| H.O. | house officer |
| H.R.S.T. | heat, reddening, swelling, tenderness |
| h/o | history of |
| H+ | hydrogen ion |
| H2O | water |
| H2O2 | hydrogen peroxide |
| HA or H/A | headache |
| HAF | hyperalimentation fluid |
| HASCVD | hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease |
| HB | heart block |
| Hb. or Hgb | hemoglobin |
| HBP | high blood pressure |
| hbse | human behavior and social environment |
| HBV | hepatitis B virus |
| HC | head circumference |
| HCG | human chorionic gonadotropin |
| Hct. | hematocrit |
| HCVD | hypertensive cardiovascular disease |
| Hd | head also Hodgkin's diseasee (lymphoma) |
| HDL | high density lipproteins (cholesterol) |
| HEADS | home, education/employment, activities, drugs, and sexuality (triage technique for adolescent histories) |
| HEENT | head, eyes, ears, nose, throat |
| HEENT see EENT | head, ear, eye, nose and throat |
| HELLP | hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (syndrome) |
| Hem | Hematology |
| Hem Pro | hematology profile |
| Hep. Lock | Heparin lock |
| hern. | hernia |
| hgb | hemoglobin |
| HGO | hepatic glucose output |
| HH | health history |
| HH or HOH | hard of hearing |
| HIDA | hepatobiliary (scan) |
| HIE | hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy |
| hist. | histology also history |
| HIV | human immunodificiency virus |
| HKAFO | hip knee ankle foot orthosis |
| HLA | histocompatibility leukocyte focus also human leukocyte group A |
| HM | hand movement/motion |
| HMD | hyaline membrane disease |
| HMG | human menopausal gonadotropin |
| HNP | herniated nucleus pulposus |
| HNPCC | hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer |
| HOB | head of bed |
| HOCM | hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy |
| horiz. | horizontal |
| HPC | history of presenting complaint |
| hpf | high power field |
| HPI | history of present illness |
| HPL | human placental lactogen |
| HR | heart rate |
| HRT | hormone replacement therapy |
| HS or h.s. | at bedtime (Lat. hora somni) |
| HSDD | hypoactive sexual desire order |
| HSG | hysterosalpingography |
| HSV | herpes simplex virus |
| Ht | heart also height |
| HT or HTN | hypertension |
| HVD | hypertensive vascular disease |
| Hx | history |
| Hyperal. | hyperalimenation |
| hypo | hypodermically |
| Hz | hertz (cycles/second) |
| I | radioactive iodine |
| I&D | incision and drainage |
| I&O | intake and output |
| i.c. | between meals (Lat. inter cenam) also intracutaneous(ly) |
| i.d. | during the day |
| I.U. | International Unit |
| I/E | expiratory also inspiratory |
| IA | Inferior Alveolar (oral injection site) also intra-arterially |
| IABP | intra-aortic balloon pump |
| IBD | inflammatory bowel disease |
| ICCU | intensive coronary care unit |
| ICD | implantable cardioverter defibrillator |
| ICF | intracellular fluid |
| ICP | intracranial pressure |
| ICS | intercostal space |
| ICT | insulin coma therapy |
| ICU | intensive care unit |
| ID | identification also Infectious Disease also intradermal |
| IDDM | insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, type I |
| IDET | intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty |
| IDL | intermediate density lipoprotein |
| Ig | immunoglobulin |
| IgA | immunoglobulin A |
| IgE | immunoglobulin E |
| IgG | immunoglobulin G (Gamma Globulin) |
| IgM | immunoglobulin M |
| IH | infectious hepatitis |
| IHD | ischemic heart disease |
| ILVEN | inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (naevus) |
| IM | infectious mononucleosis also intramedullary also intramuscular |
| IMCU | intermediate medical care unit |
| IMP | inpatient multidimensional psych scale |
| imp. | impression |
| IMV | intermittent mandatory ventilation |
| In. | inches |
| Inc. AB | incomplete abortion |
| incr. | increased(ing) |
| Inev. AB | inevitable abortion |
| inf | inferior also infusion |
| inhal. | inhalation |
| inj | injection also injured |
| INR | coagulant response time also International Normalization Rate |
| inspir | inspiration also inspiratory |
| instill | instillation |
| int. | internal |
| INTHC | intrathecally |
| IO | inferior oblique |
| ION | ischemic optic neuropathy |
| IOP | intraocular pressure |
| IP | intraperitoneal |
| IPC | intermittent pneumatic compression |
| IPJ | interphalangeal joint |
| IPPB | intermittent positive pressure breathing |
| IQ | intelligence quota |
| IRDS | idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome |
| irreg. | Irregular |
| IS | intercostal space |
| IST | insulin shock therapy |
| ITP | idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura |
| IUC | intrauterine catheter |
| IUCD | intrauterine contraceptive device |
| IUD | intrauterine device |
| IUFD | intrauterine fetal death |
| IUGR | intrauterine growth retardation |
| IUP | intrauterine pregnancy |
| IUTP | intrauterine term pregnancy |
| IV | intravenous also intravenously |
| IVC | inferior vena cava also intravenous cholangiogram |
| IVD | intervertebral disc |
| IVI | intravenous infusion |
| IVP | intravenous pyelogram |
| IVPB | intravenous piggy back |
| IVU | intravenous urogram |
| IVUS | intravascular ultrasound |
| J | joint |
| J-P | Jackson Pratt drain |
| JRA | juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
| jt. | joint |
| JVP | jugular venous pulse |
| K | kidney also potassium |
| KC1 | potassium chloride |
| Kcal. | Kilocalorie |
| KCO | transfer factor for carbon monoxide |
| Kg. | kilogram |
| KJ | knee jerk |
| KK | knee kick |
| KS(17-) or 17KS | 17 ketosteroids |
| KSS | Kearns-Sayre syndrome |
| KUB | kidney, ureter, bladder (x-ray) |
| KVO | keep vein open |
| L | left also light also liter also liver also lower also syphillis (Lat. lues) also lumbar |
| L & W | living and well |
| L&D | labor and delivery |
| L.E. | lower extremities |
| L.N. | lymph node |
| L.O.C. | laxative of choice also level of consciousness also loss of consciousness |
| L.S. | lumbosacral |
| l/min | liter per minute |
| L2, L3 | second, third lumbar vertebrae |
| LA | left antrum |
| lab. | laboratory |
| lac. | laceration |
| lacr. | lacrimal |
| lact. | lactic |
| LAD | left anterior descending (coronary artery) also left axis deviation also lymphadenopathy |
| LAE | left atrial enlargement |
| lam. | laminectomy |
| LAN | lymphadenopaty |
| lap. | laparotomy |
| lat. | lateral |
| LAVH | laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy |
| lax | laxative |
| LB | large bowel |
| lb. | pound |
| LBBB | left bundle branch block |
| LBP | lower back pain |
| LBW | low birth weight |
| LCA | left coronary artery |
| LD | lethal dose |
| LDH | lactic dehydrogenase |
| LDL | low density lipoprotein (cholesterol) |
| LE | lupus erythematosus |
| leuc. | leukocytes |
| LF | low flap also low forceps |
| LFA | left frontoanterior |
| LFD | low forceps delivery |
| LFP | left frontoposterior |
| LFT | left frontotransverse also liver function test |
| lg | large also leg |
| LGA | large for gestational age |
| LGV | lymphogranuloma venereum |
| LH | luteinizing hormone |
| LHRH | luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone |
| LHT | left hypertrophia |
| LICS | left intercostal space |
| lig. | ligament |
| LIH | left inguinal hernia |
| liq. | liquid |
| LKS see LSK | liver, kidneys, spleen |
| LL | lower lid |
| LLE | lower left extremity |
| LLG | left lateral gaze |
| LLL | lower left lobe (lung) |
| LLQ | lower left quadrant (abdomen) |
| LMA | left mentoanterior |
| LMD | family doctor |
| LML | left mediolateral |
| LMP | last menstrual period also left mentoposterior |
| LMT | left mentotransverse |
| LNMP | last normal menstrual period |
| LOA | left occiput anterior |
| LOM | left otitis media |
| LOP | left occipital posterior |
| LOS | length of stay |
| LOT | left occiput anterior |
| LP | light perception also lumbar puncture |
| lpf | low power field |
| LPN | licensed practical nurse |
| LR | labor room also lateral rectus also light reflex |
| LRI | Limbal relaxing incisions |
| LRQ | lower right quadrant |
| Ls. | loose |
| LSA | lateral sacrum anterior |
| LSB | left sternal border |
| LSCS | lower segment Cesarean section |
| LSO | left salpingo-oophorectomy |
| LSP | left sacrum posterior |
| LST | left sacrum transverse |
| Lt. | left also light |
| LTCS | low transverse Cesarean section |
| LUE | left upper extremity |
| LUL | left upper lobe |
| LUQ | left upper quadrant |
| LUTS | lower urinary tract symptoms |
| LV | left ventricle |
| LVEDP | left ventricular end diastolic pressure |
| LVF | left ventricular failure |
| LVH | left ventricular hypertrophy |
| LWCT | coagulation time also Lee-White Clotting Time |
| Lymphs | lymphocytes |
| lytes | electrolytes |
| m | male also married also mass also meter also molar also mother also murmur |
| m. | minim |
| m.a.s. | patient is disagreeable and uncooperative |
| m.b. | mix well |
| m.g.r. | murmurs, gallops, or rubs |
| M.R.D. | medical records department |
| M.R.L. | medical record librarian |
| M.T. | medical technologist/technician also muscles and tendons |
| MA | mental age |
| MAC | microcytic adnexal carcinoma |
| mac. | macerated |
| MACE | major adverse clinical event |
| macro. | macrocytic also macroscopic |
| MAE | major arrhythmic events |
| MAL | malignant |
| MAP | mean arterial pressure |
| max. | maxillary also maximum |
| MBC | maximum breathing capacity |
| mcg. | microgram |
| MCH | mean corpuscular hemoglobin |
| MCHC | mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration |
| MCI | mild cognitive impairment |
| MCL | midclavicular line |
| MCP | metacarpophalangeal joint |
| mCRPC | metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer |
| MCS | multiple chemical sensitivity |
| MCV | mean corpuscular volume |
| MD | muscular dystrophy |
| MDI | metered dose inhaler |
| Mdnt. | midnight |
| MDS | myelodysplastic syndrome |
| ME | medical examiner also middle ear |
| MEC | medical emergency clinic |
| mec | meconium |
| MED | minimum effective dose |
| Med. | medicine |
| MEN | multiple endocrine neoplasia |
| mEq./l | milliequivalents per liter |
| MERRF | myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red muscle fibers |
| MERS | Middle East respiratory syndrome |
| MET | metabolic equivalent |
| Mets. | metastasis |
| MG | myasthenia gravis |
| Mg. | magnesium |
| mg. | milligram |
| mg.%; | milligrams per 100 cc |
| mg/dl | milligrams per deciliter |
| MGCT | malignant granular cell tumor |
| MGF | maternal grandfather |
| MGGF | maternal great grandfather |
| MGJ | mucogingival Junction |
| MH | marital history |
| MHC or HLA | major histocompatibility complex |
| micro | microcytic also microscopic |
| MICU | medical intensive care unit |
| min | minute |
| Mitr.I | mitral insufficiency |
| Ml | mitral insufficiency also myocardial infarction |
| ml. | milliliter |
| MLF | medial longitudinal fasciculus |
| MM | mucous membrane |
| mm | muscles |
| mm. | millimeter |
| MMPI | Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory |
| MmR | Mumps, measles, Rubella |
| Mn. | manganese also midnight |
| MNeo or MNpl | malignant neoplasm |
| MOC | maintenance of certification |
| mod | moderate |
| mods | multiple organ dysfunction syndrome |
| mol. wt. | molecular weight |
| MOM | milk of magnesia |
| mono. | monocyte |
| MP | metacarpophalangea also metacarpophalangeal |
| MPA | malpractice attorney |
| MPS | mononuclear phagocytic system |
| Mr. | medial rectus also mental retardation also mitral regurgitation |
| MRA | magnetic resonance angiography |
| MRCP | magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography |
| MRI | magnetic resonance imaging |
| MRM | modified radical mastectomy |
| MRN | magnetic resonance neurography |
| mRNA | messenger RNA |
| MRSA | Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus |
| MRV | magnetic resonance venography |
| ms | mitral stenosis |
| MS | morphine sulfate also multiple sclerosis |
| Ms | murmurs |
| MSL | midsternal line |
| mss | massage |
| MSU | midstream urine |
| MT | metacarpophalangeal joint |
| MTBI | mild traumatic brain injury |
| mtDNA | mitochondrial DNA |
| MVA | motor vehicle accident |
| MVD | microvascular decompression |
| MVP | mitral valve prolapse |
| MVR | mitral valve replacement |
| MVV | maximum voluntary ventilation |
| N | normal |
| N&V | nausea and vomiting |
| N&W | normal and well |
| n. | nerve |
| N.P. | Neuropsychiatry |
| N.S. | nervous system |
| N/A | not applicable |
| N/T | numbness & tingling |
| N2 | nitrogen |
| N2O | nitrous oxide (anesthetic) |
| NA | not available |
| Na | sodium |
| NaCl | sodium chloride |
| NAD | no abnormality detected also no apparent distress |
| NAP | neutrophil alkaline phosphatase |
| NB | newborn |
| nb | note well |
| NBM or n.p.o. | nothing by mouth (Lat. nil per oris) |
| NBS | normal bowel sounds also normal breath sounds |
| NCT | nerve conduction test |
| NEC | necrotising enterocolitis |
| NED | no evidence of disease |
| neg. | negative |
| NER | no evidence of recurrence |
| NERD | no evidence of recurrent disease |
| Neur. | Neurology |
| NGT | nasogastric tube |
| NI | no insurance |
| NIC | neonatal intensive care |
| NICU | neonatal intensive care unit |
| NIDDM | non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, type II |
| NIP | no infection present also no inflammation present |
| NKA | no known allergies |
| NM | neuromuscular |
| NMR | nuclear magnetic resonance (scan) |
| noct. | nocturnal |
| NOS | not otherwise specified |
| NP | neuropsychiatric |
| NPD | narcissistic personality disorder |
| NPH | normal pressure hydrocephalus also NPH insulin (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn/Zinc) |
| NPN | nonprotein nitrogen (BUN and creatinine) |
| NS | Neurosurgery also nonspecific |
| Ns. | nerves |
| NSA | no significant abnormality |
| NSAID | non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drug |
| NSCLC | non-small cell lung cancer |
| NSD | normal spontaneous delivery |
| NSR | normal sinus rhythm |
| NST | non-stress test |
| NSVD | normal spontaneous vaginal delivery |
| NTG | nitroglycerine |
| NTP | normal temperature and pressure |
| nullip | never gave birth |
| NV | next visit |
| NVD | nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| NVDE | neuro-vascular intact, distal extremity |
| NWB | non-weight bearing |
| NYD | not yet diagnosed |
| o | none also without |
| O | oedema also oral |
| O&P | ova and parasites (stool exam) |
| O. | pint |
| O.D. | right eye (Lat. oculus dexter) |
| O.L. | left eye (Lat. oculus sinister) |
| O.M. | otitis media |
| O.S. | left eye |
| O.T. | occupational therapy also old tuberculin |
| O/D | overdose |
| O/E | on examination |
| O2 | oxygen |
| O2 cap. | oxygen capacity |
| O2 sat. | oxygen saturation |
| OA | osteoarthritis |
| OB or OBG | Obstetrics |
| OB/GYN | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Obs | observation |
| OBS | organic brain syndrome |
| OC | on call also oral contraceptive |
| OCC. | occasional also occipital |
| OCD | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder |
| OCP | oral contraceptive pill |
| od | once daily |
| OGTT | oral glucose tolerance test |
| OH | occupational history also overhang (dental restoration) |
| OH(17-) or 17 OH | 17 hydroxy steroid |
| OHD | organic heart disease |
| OHI | oral hygiene instruction |
| oint. | ointment |
| OMS | organic mental syndrome |
| OOB | out of bed |
| Op. | operation |
| OPC | outpatient clinic |
| OPD | outpatient department |
| Ophth. | Ophthalmology |
| opt. | best (Lat. optimus) |
| OR | open reduction also operating room |
| OR-IF or ORIF | open reduction with internal fixation |
| ORT | operating room technician |
| Ortho. | Orthopaedic Surgery |
| os | bone (Lat. ossa) also mouth (Lat. oris) also opening |
| OSA | obstructive sleep apnea |
| ot. | ear |
| OTC | over-the-counter (pharmaceuticals) |
| Oto | Otolaryngology |
| OU | both eyes also each eye (Lat. oculus uterqie) |
| OV | office visit |
| OXPHOS | oxidative phosphorylation |
| oz. | ounce |
| P | after also phosphorus also pulse |
| p & a | percussion and auscultation |
| P&N | Psychiatry and Neurology |
| p.c. | after meals (Lat. post cenam) |
| P.M. | afternoon (Lat. post meridiem) also post-mortem |
| p.o. or per/os | by mouth (Lat. per oris) |
| p.o.d. | postoperative day |
| p.r. | per rectum |
| p.r.m. | according to circumstances |
| p.r.n. | as often as necessary (Lat. pro re nata) |
| P.T. | physical therapy also posterior tibial artery also pulse |
| p/c | presenting complaint |
| P2 | pulmonic second heart sound |
| PA | physician's assistant |
| P-A | posteroanterior |
| PA view | posterioranterior view on x-ray |
| PA(S)P | pulmonary artery (systolic) pressure |
| PABA | para-aminobenzoic acid |
| PAC | premature atrial, auricular contraction |
| PaCO2 | arterial carbon dioxide tension pressure |
| PACU | post anesthesia care unit |
| PAF | paroxysmal atrial fibrillation |
| palp. | palpable also palpate also palpated |
| PANDAS | pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococci |
| PaO2 | alveolar oxygen pressure |
| Pap | Papanicolaou test (pap smear) |
| PAP | pulmonary artery pressure |
| Para | paraplegic also prior births |
| paren. | parenterally |
| PARU | post anesthesia recovery unit |
| PAS | p-aminosalicylic acid also pulmonary artery systolic pressure also parental alienation syndrome |
| PAT | paroxysm atrial tachycardia also pregnancy at term |
| Path. | Pathology |
| PAWP | pulmonary artery wedge pressure |
| Pb | lead |
| PB | peripheral blood |
| PBC | primary biliary cirrhosis |
| PBI | protein bound iodine |
| PBPs | Penicillin-binding Proteins |
| PCA | patient controlled anesthesia pump |
| PCL | posterior cruciate ligament |
| PCO2 | carbon dioxide concentration |
| PCP | pneumocystis carinii pneumonia also primary care physician |
| PCR | polymerase chain reaction |
| PCV | packed cell volume (of blood) |
| PD | perinatal death also peritoneal dialysis also pupillary distance |
| PDA | patent ductus arteriosus |
| PDN | private duty nurse |
| PDR | Physician's Desk Reference |
| pdr. | powder |
| PE | pelvic examination also physical examination also pulmonary embolism |
| PEA | pelvic examination under anesthesia also pulseless electrical activity |
| Ped. | Pediatrics |
| PEEP | positive end expiratory pressure |
| PEFR | peek expiratory flow rate |
| PEG | pneumoencephalogram |
| PEN | Penicillin |
| per | through also by |
| peri | perineal |
| PERLA | pupils equal and responding to light & accomodation |
| PERRLA | pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation (normal) |
| PET | positron emission tomography |
| PF | push fluids |
| PFC | persistent fetal circulation |
| PFM | porcelain fused to metal |
| PFT | pulmonary function test |
| PG | pseudogout (chondrocalcinosis) |
| PGF | paternal grandfather |
| pH | hydrogen ion concentration also potential of hydrogen |
| PH | past history also pulomnary hypertension |
| pharm | pharmacy |
| PHN | postherpetic neuralgia |
| PHYS. | physical also physiology |
| PI | present illness also pulmonary insufficiency |
| PICA | posterior inferior coronary artery |
| PICC | peripherially inserted central catheter |
| PICU | pulmonary intensive care unit |
| PICVA | percutaneous in situ coronary venous arterialization |
| PID | pelvic inflammatory disease |
| PIH | pregnancy-induced hypertension |
| PIL | peripheral intravenous line |
| PIP | proximal interphalangeal (joint) |
| Pit. | Pitocin |
| PJI | prosthetic joint infection |
| PKU | phenylkentonuria |
| Plac. | placenta |
| plts. | platelets |
| PM | petit mal |
| PM&R | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| PMD | private medical doctor |
| PMH | past medical history |
| pml | progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy |
| PMN | polymorphonuclear |
| PMT | premenstrual tension |
| PN | poorly nourished also practical nurse also peripheral neuropathy |
| PNC | premature nodal contraction also prenatal clinic |
| PND | paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea also post nasal drip |
| PNDD | postnatal developmental delay |
| pneu. | pneumo also pneumonia |
| PNI | peripheral nerve injury |
| PNL | prenatal labs |
| PNS | peripheral nervous system |
| PNX | pneumothorax |
| PO2 | oxygen pressure (or tension) |
| POC | product of conception |
| pof | pillow on face |
| POI | post operative instructions |
| polys | polymorphonuclear leukocytes |
| POMR | problem oriented medical record |
| PONV | postoperative nausea and vomiting |
| POP | pelvic organ prolapse |
| poplit. | popliteal |
| pos. | positive |
| post. | posterior |
| POSTOP. | postoperative |
| pot. or K | potassium |
| PP | per protocol |
| pp | post partum also post prandial |
| PPBS | post prandial blood sugar |
| PPD | purified protein derivative (of tuberculin) |
| PPF | protein plasma fractional |
| PPH | post partum hemorrhage also primary pulmonary hypertension |
| ppm | parts per million |
| PPP | peripheral pulses palpable |
| PPPG | post prandial plasma glucose |
| PPS | plasma protein solution |
| ppt | part per trillion |
| PR | Proctology |
| PRBC | packed red blood cells |
| PRE | progressive resistive exercise |
| pre-op | preoperative |
| prem | premature |
| PRES | Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy syndrome |
| prep. | prepare for/as |
| PRICE | protection, relative rest, ice, compression, elevation |
| primip. | first pregnancy |
| PRK | photorefractive keratectomy |
| pro. time | prothrombin time |
| prod. | productive |
| Prog. | prognosis |
| PROM | passive range of motion also premature rupture of membranes |
| pron. | pronation also pronator |
| pros. | prostate also prostatic |
| prosth. | prosthesis |
| prot. | protein also Protestant |
| PrP | prion protein |
| PRV | polycythaemia rubra vera |
| PS | Plastic Surgery also psychotic also pulmonary stenosis |
| PSA | Posterior Superior Alveolar (oral injection site) also prostate-specific antigen |
| PSH | past surgical history |
| psi | pounds per square inch |
| PSMA | progressive spinal muscular atrophy |
| PSS | progressive systemic sclerosis |
| PSV | pressure support ventilation |
| PSVT | paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia |
| Psych. | Psychiatry |
| PT | physical therapy also prothrombin time |
| pt. | patient |
| PTA | percutaneous, transluminal angioplasty also prior to admission/arrival |
| PTB | patellar tendon bearing |
| PTC | percutaneous transhepatic, cholangiography |
| PTCA | percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography |
| PTH | parathyroid hormone |
| PTT | partial thromboplastin time |
| PTTK | partial thromboplastin time with kaolin |
| PTX | pneumothorax |
| PU | pregnancy urine |
| PUD | peptic ulcer disease |
| PUO | pyrexia of unknown origin |
| PUPPP | pruritic urticarial papules & plaques of pregnancy |
| PUVA | psoralen ultraviolet A |
| PV | per vaginam also peripheral vascular also plasma volume |
| PV bleed | per vagina bleed |
| PVASI | pelvic vascular injury |
| PVC | premature ventricular contraction |
| PVD | peripheral vascular disease |
| PVL | postoperative visual loss |
| PVR | Proliferative Vitreal Retinopathy also pulmonary vascular resistance |
| PVT | previous trouble |
| PWB% | partial weight bearing with percent |
| PWS | Prader-Willi syndrome |
| Px | physical examination |
| q | each/every (Lat. quaque) |
| q.d. | once a day also every day (Lat. quaque in die) |
| q.h. | every hour |
| q.h.s. | every bedtime |
| q.i.d. | four times a day |
| q.i.w. | four times a week |
| q.l. | as much as desired |
| q.n.s. or QNS | quantity not sufficient |
| q.o.d. | every other day |
| q.o.n. | every other night |
| q.p. | as much as you please |
| q.q. | each also every (Lat. quaque) |
| q.q.h. or qqh or q4H | every four hours (Lat. quaque quarta hora) |
| q.s. | quantity sufficient |
| q.v. | as much as you wish |
| q.w. | every week |
| q2H | every two hours |
| qhs | once in the evening (drug dosing) |
| qn | every night (Lat. quaque nox) |
| qt. | quart |
| qts. | drops |
| quad. | quadriplegic |
| quant. | quantitative also quantity |
| R to L&A | react to light and accommodation |
| r. | rectal also rectal temperature also right also roentgen also x-ray |
| R. | rub |
| r.a.m. | rapid alternating movements |
| R.A.S. | right arm sitting |
| R.S.V. | respiratory syncytial virus |
| Ra | radium |
| RA | refractory anemia also rheumatoid arthritis also right atrium |
| rad | radiation absorbed dose also right axis deviation |
| rad. | radial |
| RADS | reactive airays dysfunction syndrome |
| RAI | radioactive iodine |
| RAP | recurrent abdominal pain |
| RAS | renal artery stenosis |
| RAST | radio-allergosorbent test |
| RAtx | radiation therapy |
| RBBB | right bundle branch block |
| RBC | red blood cell also red blood count |
| RCA | right coronary artery |
| RCS | reticulum cell sarcoma |
| RCT | root canal therapy also root canal treatment |
| RCU | respiratory care unit |
| RD | reaction to degeneration also respiratory disease also respiratory distress |
| RDS | respiratory distress syndrome |
| RE | reconditioning exercise |
| rect. | rectal also rectally also rectum also rectus muscle |
| reg. | regular |
| rehab. | rehabilitation |
| resp. | respirations also respiratory |
| RF | rheumatic fever also rheumatoid factor |
| RFA | right frontoanterior |
| RFP | right frontoposterior |
| RFT | right frontotransverse |
| Rh | rhesus blood factor |
| RH | right hyperphoria |
| RHD | rheumatic heart disease |
| RHF | right heart failure |
| RHT | right hypertrophia |
| RIH | right inguinal hernia |
| RLA | Rancho Los Amigo Scale |
| RLE | right lower extremity |
| RLF | retrolental fibroplasia |
| RLL | right lower lobe (lung) |
| RLN | recurrent laryngeal nerve |
| RLQ | right lower quadrant (abdomen) |
| RLS | Restless Leg Syndrome |
| RMA | right mentoanterior |
| RML | right mediolateral also right middle lobe (lung) |
| RMP | right mentoposterior |
| RMSF | Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever |
| RMT | right mentotransverse |
| RNA | ribonucleic acid |
| RO or R/O | rule out |
| ROA | right occipital anterior |
| ROM | range of motion (joint) also right otitis media also rupture of membranes |
| ROP | right occipital posterior |
| ROS | review of systems |
| ROT | right occipital transverse |
| RP | retrograde pyelogram |
| RQ | respiratory quotient |
| RR | recovery room also respiratory rate |
| RRE or RR&E | round, regular, and equal |
| rRNA | ribosomal RNA |
| RRP | radical retropubic prostatectomy |
| RRR | Regular Rate & Rhythm |
| RSA | right sacrum anterior (fetal position) |
| RSD | reflex sympathetic dystrophy |
| RSO | right salpingo-oophorectomy |
| RSP | right sacrum posterior (fetal position) |
| RSR | regular sinus rhythm |
| RST | right sacrum transverse (fetal position) |
| RT | radiation therapy also respiratory therapy |
| Rt. | right |
| RTA | renal tubular acidosis also road traffic accident |
| RTC | return to clinic |
| RUC | regular uterine contraction |
| RUE | right upper extremity |
| RUL | right upper lobe (lung) |
| RUQ | right upper quadrant (abdomen) |
| RV | residual volume (lung capacity) |
| RVF | right ventricular failure |
| RVH | right ventricular hypertrophy |
| Rx | prescription also therapy |
| S | sensation also sensitive also serum |
| s | without (Lat. sans) |
| S & RP | scaling and root planning |
| S&A | sugar and acetone |
| s.c. | subcutaneous |
| s.gl. | without correction (sans glasses) |
| S.O.A.P. | subjective, objective assessment plan |
| S.O.S. | repeat once if urgent |
| S.T.S. | serological test for syphilis |
| S/B | seen by |
| S/E | systemic enquiry |
| S/P | status post (previous condition) |
| Sa. | Saline |
| SACD | subacute combined degeneration |
| SAH | systemic arterial hypertension |
| SaO2 | arterial oxygen saturation |
| SB | stillborn |
| SBE | subacute bacterial endocarditis |
| SBFT | small bowel follow through (x-ray) |
| SBO | small bowel obstruction |
| SC | sickle cell |
| SCA | subclavian artery |
| SCC | sickle cell crisis |
| SCD | sudden cardiac death |
| schiz | schizophrenia |
| SCID | severe combined immunodeficiency disease |
| SCU | special care unit |
| SDH | subdural hematoma |
| sec | second |
| sem. ves | seminal vesicles |
| Sens. | sensation also sensory |
| sep. | separated |
| Sept. AB | septic abortion |
| Serol. | serological test |
| Serol. | serology |
| SGA | small for gestational age |
| SGOT | serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase |
| SH | serum hepatitis also social history |
| SI | sacroiliac joint also stroke index |
| SIADH | Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion |
| sib. | sibling |
| SICU | surgical intensive care unit |
| SIDS | sudden infant death syndrome |
| SIJ | sacroiliac joint |
| SIRS | systemic inflammatory response syndrome |
| skel. | skeletal |
| SL | under the tongue (Lat. sub lingua) |
| sl or s.l. | in a broad sense (Lat. sensu lato) |
| Sl. | slightly |
| SLA | left sacroanterior (fetal position) (Lat. sacrolaeva anterior) |
| SLAP | superior labrum anterior and posterior |
| SLE | systemic lupus erythematosus |
| SLP | left sacroposterior (fetal position) (Lat. sacrolaeva posterior) |
| SLR | straight leg raising |
| SLT | left sacrotransverse (fetal position) (Lat. sacrolaeva transversa) |
| sm | small |
| SMA-14 | routine admission chemistry |
| SNS | sympathetic nervous system |
| SO | superior oblique |
| SO4 | sulfate |
| SOA | swelling of ankles |
| SOB | shortness of breath |
| SOB(OE) | shortness of breath (on exercise) |
| sod. | sodium |
| SOI | sign of infection |
| SOL | space occupying lesion |
| Sol. | solution |
| sono. | sonogram |
| sp&H | speech and hearing |
| sp. | spinal also spine |
| sp.cd. | spinal cord |
| sp.fl. | spinal fluid |
| sp.gr | specific gravity |
| spec. | specimen |
| spg. | sponge |
| spin. | spinal also spine |
| SPN | superficial peroneal nerve |
| spont. | spontaneous |
| SR | sedimentation rate also stimulus response also superior rectus muscle also system review |
| SROM | spontaneous rupture of membranes |
| SS | social service |
| SSC | stainless steel crown |
| SSE | soap suds enema |
| SSNHL | sudden sensorineural hearing loss |
| SSS | sick sinus syndrome |
| st | stage (of disease) |
| st. | stomach |
| Staph | staphylococcus |
| stat. | immediately |
| STD | sexually transmitted disease |
| stom or st. | stomach |
| strep. | streptococcus |
| STSG | split thickness skin graft |
| subcut. | subcutaneous |
| subling. | sublingual |
| SUI | stress urinary incontinence |
| sulf. | sulfate |
| sup. | superior |
| supin. | supination |
| supp | suppository |
| surg. | surgery also surgical |
| SVC | superior vena cava |
| SVD | spontaneous vaginaldelivery |
| SVR | systemic vascular resistance |
| SVT | supra ventricular tachycardia |
| SWD | short wave diathermy |
| Sx | symptoms |
| sys. | system |
| syst. | systolic |
| T | temperature also thoracic |
| T of F | tetralogy of Fallot |
| T&A | tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy also tonsils and adenoids |
| T&C | type and crossmatch |
| T, OD | tension, right eye (Lat. oculus dexter) |
| T.A.T. | tetanus antitoxin |
| T.F. | tuning fork |
| t.i.d. | three times a day |
| t.i.w. | three times per week |
| T.M. | ear drum (Lat. tympanum membrani) |
| T.R. | Therapeutic recreation |
| T3 | triodothyronine |
| T4 | total serum thyroxine |
| TA | tendon Achilles |
| TAB | therapeutic abortion |
| tab. | tablet |
| TAH | total abdominal hysterectomy |
| TAV | transcatheter aortic valve |
| TB | tuberculosis |
| TBI | total body irradiation also traumatic brain injury |
| TBLC | term birth living child |
| tbsp. | tablespoon |
| TCDB | turn, cough, deep breath |
| TCI | to come in |
| tds | three times daily |
| TEE | transesophageal echocardiography |
| temp | temperature |
| TEN | toxic epidermal necrolysis |
| TENS | transient electric nerve stimulation |
| TESD | total end systolic diameter |
| TFT | thyroid function test |
| TGA | transposition great vessels |
| THERAP. | therapeutic |
| THERAP. | therapy |
| thor. | thoracic also thorax |
| THR | total hip replacement/revision |
| TI | tricuspid insufficiency |
| TIA | transient ischemic attack also transient ischemic shock |
| TIBC | total iron binding capacity |
| TIP | terminal interphalangeal (joint) |
| TIUP | term intrauterine pregnancy |
| TJ | triceps jerk (reflex) |
| TKR | total knee replacement/revision |
| TLC | tender loving care also total lung capacity also triple lumen catheter |
| TMJ | temporomandibular joint (Lat. temporalist mandibulae junction) |
| TNF | tumor necrosis factor |
| TNI | total nodal irradiation |
| TNM | tumor, nodes, and metastases |
| TO | telephone order |
| to AA | to affected areas |
| TOA | tubo-ovarian abscess |
| TORCH (titer) | toxoplamosis, others (hepatitis, beta strep, flu, mumps, etc.) rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes virus II |
| TOS | thoracic outlet syndrome |
| TP | term pregnancy |
| TPA | thrombo proteolytic activity |
| TPHA | treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| TPR | temperature, pulse, respiration |
| tr | trace |
| trach | tracheostomy |
| TRH | thyroid releasing hormone |
| tRNA | transfer RNA |
| TS | tricuspid stenosis |
| TSH | thyroid stimulating hormone |
| tsp. | teaspoon |
| TSS | toxic shock syndrome |
| TTI | total thromboplastin index |
| TTO | to take outs (discharge drugs) |
| TTP | thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura |
| T-Tube | cholangiogram |
| TUNA | transurethral needle ablation (prostatic) |
| TUR | transurethral resection |
| TURB | transurethral resection of the bladder |
| TURP | transurethral resection of the prostate |
| TV | tidal volume |
| TVH | total vaginal hysterectomy |
| TVR | tricuspid valve replacement |
| Tx | traction also treatment |
| U. | unit |
| U.H. | until healed |
| U/A | urinalysis |
| U/E | urea and electrolytes |
| u/o | under observation for also urine output |
| u/s or US | ultrasound |
| UC | ulcerative colitis also uterine contractions |
| UCD | usual childhood diseases |
| UCG | urinary chorionic gonadotropin |
| UCHD | usual childhood diseases |
| UE | upper extremity (Lat. extremitas) |
| UFE | uterine fibroid embolization |
| UG | upward gaze |
| UGI | upper gastrointestinal also upper gastrointestinal series (x-ray) |
| UL | upper lid |
| uln | ulnar |
| ULQ | upper left quadrant |
| umb. | navel/umbilical cord (Lat. umbilicus) |
| ung. | ointment |
| unilat. | unilateral |
| UOP | urine output |
| Ur. | urine |
| URD | upper respiratory disease |
| URI | upper respiratory infection |
| Urol. | Urology |
| URQ | upper right quadrant |
| URTI | upper respiratory tract infection |
| USA. | unstable angina |
| USI | urinary stress incontinence |
| USN | ultrasonic nebulizer |
| USP. | United States Pharmacy |
| USPHA | United States Public Health Administration |
| ut. | uterine also uterus |
| UTI | urinary tract infection |
| UVL | ultraviolet light |
| V | vein |
| V & T | volume and tension (pulse) |
| V.I. | vaginal irrigation |
| v.i.r. | vascular interventional radiology |
| V.R. | right vision also ventilation rate also vocal resonance |
| VA | visual acuity |
| vag | vagina also vaginal |
| VC or vit.cap. | vital capacity |
| VCS | vasoconstrictor substance |
| VCU | voiding cystourethrogram |
| VD | venereal disease |
| Vd | void |
| VDRL | venereal disease research laboratory (syphilis test) |
| vent. | ventilator |
| vert. | vertical |
| VF | ventricular fibrillation also visual fields |
| VG | vein graft |
| VHD | valvular heart disease |
| VI | volume index |
| Via | by way of |
| VIPS | voluntary interruption of pregnancy and sterilization service |
| vit. | vitamin |
| VLDL | very low density lipoproteins |
| VM | vestibular membrane |
| VN | visiting nurse |
| VO | verbal order |
| VOD | vision right eye |
| vol | volume |
| VOS | vision left eye |
| VP | venous pressure also venticulo-peritoneal |
| VPC | ventricular premature contraction |
| VQ scan | ventilation-perfusion scan |
| VRE | Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci |
| VS | vesicular sound also volumetric solution |
| VS or V.S. | vital signs |
| VSA | vital signs absent |
| VSD | ventricular septal defect |
| VSS | vital signs stable |
| VT or V Tach | ventricular tachycardia |
| VTX | vertex |
| VWF | von Willebrand factor |
| Vx. | vertex presentation |
| W | white also widowed |
| W/A | while awake |
| w/c or wh.ch. | wheelchair |
| w/n | within |
| W/R | ward round |
| w/u | workup |
| Wass. | Wasserman |
| WB | whole blood |
| WBC | white blood count |
| WBC or w.b.c. | white blood cells |
| WBT | weight bearing to tolerance |
| WDWN | well developed, well nourished |
| WE | wide excision |
| WF | white female |
| wk | week |
| WM | white male |
| WN | well nourished |
| WNL | within normal limits |
| WNV | West Nile Virus |
| WP | whirlpool |
| WPW | Wolff-Parkinson-White |
| wt. | weight |
| X | exophoria distance |
| x | times |
| x/12 | number of months |
| x/52 | number of weeks |
| x/7 | number of days |
| X-match | cross-match |
| XT | exotrophia distance |
| XY | male sex chromosome |
| y.o. | years old |
| yrs. | years |
| ZDV | Zidovudine |
| zeep | zero end-expiratory pressure |
| zif | zero insertion force |
| zift | Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer |
| zig | zoster immune globulin |
| zip | zoster-immune plasma |
| ZOE | zinc oxide eugenol |
| zsr | zeta sedimentation rate |
OFFICE
1.800.225.JDMD (5363)
FAX
601.487.1116
OFFICE HOURS
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OFFICE
1.800.225.JDMD (5363)
FAX
601.487.1116
OFFICE HOURS