In hospitals, time is short. We use medical abbreviations to write and read fast. This A–Z list helps you find meanings at a glance. When in doubt, write the term in full and follow your hospital’s approved list.
Medical Abbreviations A–Z List
Medical Abbreviations With A
- AJ for ankle jerk
- Abd for abdomen
- ABE for acute bacterial endocarditis
- ADR for adverse drug reaction
- AKA for above knee amputation
- AD for Alzheimer’s disease
- ANA for antinuclear antibody
- ADHD for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- AP for anteroposterior
- ADL for activities of daily living
- AST for aspartate transaminase
- AGL for acute granulocytic leukaemia
- A-R for apical–radial pulse
- APTT for activated partial thromboplastin time
- AV for atrioventricular
- A & W for alive and well
- ASD for atrial septal defect
- AL for acute leukaemia
- AI for aortic incompetence
- AHD for autoimmune haemolytic disease
- AMA for against medical advice
- ABR for absolute bed rest
- AS for anal sphincter
- ACTH for adrenocorticotrophic hormone
- A & E for accident and emergency
- AED for antiepileptic drug
- ALL for acute lymphocytic leukaemia
- ARDS for adult respiratory distress syndrome
- AFP for alpha-fetoprotein
- AAA for abdominal aortic aneurysm
- ABG for arterial blood gases
- ALT for alanine transaminase
- ADH for antidiuretic hormone
- ATN for acute tubular necrosis
- AOB for alcohol on breath
- ASB for asymptomatic bacteriuria
- ARF for acute renal failure
- ASAP for as soon as possible
- AIDS for acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- AFB for acid-fast bacillus
- ACE for angiotensin-converting enzyme
- AMI for acute myocardial infarction
- AF for atrial fibrillation
- APSAC for anisoylated plasminogen
- AGN for acute glomerular nephritis
- Ab for antibody
- Ag for antigen
- AB for apex beat
- ab for abdomen, abdominal
- ABD for abdominal
- Aag for abdominal aortic aneurysm
- AXR for abdominal X-ray
- APR for abdominoperineal resection
- ANDI for aberrations of normal development and involution
- Abn for abnormal
- ARD for absolute risk difference
- AK for acanthamoeba keratitis
- A+E for Accident and Emergency
- Acc for accommodation
- Ace for acetone
- ACh for acetylcholine
- AChE for acetylcholine esterase
- ASA for acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
- A/B for acid-base ratio
- ABI for acquired brain injury
- aPTT for activated partial thromboplastin time
- AROM for active range of motion
- ADLs for activities of daily living
- ABLA for acute blood loss anemia
- ACPO for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction
- ADHF for acute decompensated heart failure
- AFNTR for acute febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction
- AIPD for acute infectious and parasitical diseases
- AKI for acute kidney injury
- ALI for acute limb injury
- AMS for acute mountain sickness
- AML for acute myeloid leukemia
- ANUG for acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
- AOE for acute otitis externa
- APACHE II for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II
- APMPPE for acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy
- AAI for acute arterial insufficiency
- ACCU for acute coronary care unit
- AGN for acute glomerulonephritis
- AOM for acute otitis media
- ATP for acute thrombocytopenic purpura
- AIS for adenocarcinoma in situ
- ADP for adenosine diphosphate
- AMP for adenosine monophosphate
- adm for admission
- Adn for adnexae
- AYA for adolescents and young adults
- APD for adult polycystic disease
- APKD for adult polycystic kidney disease
- AODM for adult-onset diabetes mellitus
- ACP for advance care planning
- ACLS for advanced cardiac life support
- AMO for advanced medical optics
- ATLS for advanced trauma life support
- ADE for adverse drug event
- AVSS for afebrile, vital signs stable
- AGES for age, grade, extent, size
- ARMD for age-related macular degeneration
- ADC for AIDS dementia complex
- ARC for AIDS-related complex
- ADW for ain’t doin’ well
- AC&BC for air conduction and bone conduction
- A/E for air entry
- AHR for airway hyper-reactivity
- ABC for airway, breathing, circulation
- ABCD for airway, breathing, circulation, disability
- ABCs for airway, breathing, circulation, etc.
- ASPECTS for Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score
- Alc for alcohol
- ASH for alcoholic steatohepatitis
- ARBI for alcohol-related brain injury
- A&Ox3 for alert and oriented, times 3
- A&Ox4 for alert and oriented, times 4
- ALP for alkaline phosphatase
- Alk phos for alkaline phosphatase
- ABPA for allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis
- ACD for allergic contact dermatitis
- AIN for allergic interstitial nephritis
- AND for allowing natural death
- ATRA for all-trans retinoic acid
- AMPA receptor for alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor
- aka for also known as
- ACS for altered conscious state
- ARMS for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma
- Amb for ambulate
- ACU for ambulatory care unit
- AEM for ambulatory ECG monitoring
- ASC for ambulatory surgery center
- ADA for American Dental Association
- AJCC for American Joint Committee on Cancer
- ATCC for American Type Culture Collection
- ALA for aminolevulinic acid
- AF-AFP for amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein
- AFI for amniotic fluid index
- Amt for amount
- Amp for ampule
- ampere for unit of electric current
- ALS for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- A/P for anatomy and physiology
- ARB for angiotensin II receptor antagonist
- ACEI for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
- ABPI for ankle–brachial pressure index
- AFO for ankle–foot orthosis
- ALCAPA for anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery
- APH for antepartum haemorrhage
- Ant for anterior
- AAL for anterior axillary line
- ACA for anterior cerebral artery
- ACDF for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
- ACL for anterior cruciate ligament
- AFSOF for anterior fontanelle soft, open, flat
- AIR for anterior interval release
- ASIS for anterior superior iliac spine
- ATB for antibiotic
- ABT for antibiotic therapy
- AAD for antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- AAPMC for antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis
- ABX for antibiotics
- ADCC for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
- AGA for anti-gliadin antibodies
- AHF for antihemophilic factor
- AHG for antihemophilic globulin
- AHT for antihyaluronic acid test
- ALG for antilymphocytic globulin
- ANCA for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
- APLS for antiphospholipid syndrome
- ART for antiretroviral therapy
- ASCA for anti–Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies
- ASO for antistreptolysin-O
- ASOT for antistreptolysin-O titre
- ATS for antitetanus serum
- AT for antithrombin
- AT-III for antithrombin III
- ATG for anti-thymocyte globulin
- ATA for antitransglutaminase antibodies
- AR for aortic regurgitation
- AS for aortic stenosis
- AVR for aortic valve replacement
- ACB for aortocoronary bypass
- ap for apical; anteroposterior
- AHI for apnea–hypopnea index
- APGAR for appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration
- appy for appendectomy
- applic. for applicandus
- AUC for area under the curve
- Arg for arginine
- ARVC for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
- ARVD for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
- Aa. for arteria (artery)
- ASCAD for arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease
- AHD for arteriosclerotic heart disease
- ASHD for arteriosclerotic heart disease
- ASCVD for arteriosclerotic vascular disease
- AV for arteriovenous
- AVF for arteriovenous fistula
- AVM for arteriovenous malformation
- AMC for arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
- AI for artificial insemination
- AID for artificial insemination by donor
- AIH for artificial insemination by husband
- AIHD for artificial insemination by pooled husband and donor semen
- ARM for artificial rupture of membranes
- AUS for artificial urinary sphincter
- AHH for aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase
- ad lib for as desired
- AEB for as evidenced by
- APP for as per protocol
- A for assessment
- Ass for assessment
- AC for assisted controlled ventilation
- ALF for assisted living facility
- ANTR for asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
- ATNR for asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
- ASX for asymptomatic
- A-T for ataxia-telangiectasia
- AFib for atrial fibrillation
- AFL for atrial flutter
- ANF for atrial natriuretic factor
- ANP for atrial natriuretic peptide
- APC for atrial premature contraction
- AVSD for atrioventricular septal defect
- ADD for attention deficit disorder
- Atp for atypical
- AAT for atypical antibody test
- ATCP for atypical chest pain
- AGC for atypical glandular cells
- ASCUS for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
- ASC-H for atypical squamous cells—cannot exclude HSIL
- ASGUS for atypical squamous glandular cells of undetermined significance
- A&P for auscultation and percussion
- AIHA for autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- ALPS for autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
- APS for autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome
- APECED for autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy
- ABMT for autologous bone marrow transplantation
- AICD for automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
- APAP for automatic positive airway pressure
- ANS for autonomic nervous system
- ADHR for autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets
- AVN for avascular necrosis
- AAOx3 for awake, alert, and oriented, times 3
- AAOx4 for awake, alert, and oriented, times 4
- A&O / A/O for aware and oriented / alert and oriented
- Ax for axillary
- AZT for azidothymidine
- ā for before
- a.c. for before a meal
- a.p. for before a meal
- aq. bull. for boiling water
- aq. gel. for cold water
- aq. dist. for distilled water
- ABVD for doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine
- AU for each ear
- aur. for ear
- aurist. for ear drops
- altern. d. for every other day
- a.h. for every other hour
- A1C for glycated hemoglobin
- ABO for Landsteiner’s blood grouping system
- Anti- for refers to an antibody to the suffixed antigen
- ad. for right ear
- aur. laev for to left ear
- aur. dextro. for to right ear
- ad part. dolent for to the painful parts
- aq. calid. for warm or hot water
- aq. for water
Medical Abbreviations With B
- Bx for biopsy
- BR for bed rest
- BKA for below knee amputation
- BMR for basal metabolic rate
- BE for barium enema
- BCC for basal cell carcinoma
- BBA for born before arrival
- BBT for basal body temperature
- BBB for blood–brain barrier
- BJ for biceps jerk
- BM for bone marrow
- BID for twice a day
- BNO for bowels not open
- BMI for body mass index
- BP for blood pressure
- BB for bed bath
- BPH for benign prostatic hypertrophy
- BS for bowel sounds
- BaE for barium enema
- BOR for bowels open regularly
- BCG for Bacille Calmette–Guérin
- BT for bed time
- BUN for blood urea nitrogen
- BWO for bowels well open
- BSA for body surface area
- BW for body water
- BF for breastfeeding
- BGL for blood glucose level
- BIBA for brought in by ambulance
- BD for bipolar disorder
- BDS for two times a day
- BC for bone conduction
- BAO for basic acid output
- BAD for bipolar affective disorder
- BCX for blood culture
- BCP for blood chemistry profile
- BAT for brown adipose tissue
- BBMF for “bone break, me fix”
- Ba for barium
- BAC for blood alcohol content
- BDD for body dysmorphic disorder
- BBPS for Boston Bowel Preparation Scale
- BDR for background diabetic retinopathy
- BBB L for left bundle branch block
- BADLs for basic activities of daily living
- BDI for Beck Depression Inventory
- BBB R for right bundle branch block
- BCP for birth control pill
- BAL for bronchoalveolar lavage
- BAV for bicuspid aortic valve
- BEP for bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin
- BFP for bundle forming pilus
- BG for blood glucose
- BGAT for blood glucose awareness training
- BIB for brought in by
- Bilat eq for bilaterally equal
- BiPAP for bilevel positive airway pressure
- BIS for bispectral index
- BiVAD for bilateral ventricular assist device
- BK for bradykinin
- b/l for bilateral
- BL for Burkitt’s lymphoma
- bl.cult for blood culture
- bld for blood
- BLE for bilateral lower extremity
- BLS for basic life support
- BMBx for bone marrow biopsy
- BMC for bone mineral content
- BMD for bone mineral density
- BMP for basic metabolic panel
- BMS for bare-metal stent
- BMT for bone marrow transplantation
- BNP for brain natriuretic peptide
- BO for bowel open
- B/O for because of
- BOA for born out of asepsis
- BOI for born on island
- BOLT for bilateral orthotopic lung transplant
- BOM for bilateral otitis media
- BOOP for bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia
- BPAD for bipolar affective disorder
- BPCA for Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act
- BPD for biparietal diameter
- BPM for beats per minute
- BPP for biophysical profile
- BPPV for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- BPSD for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
- BRA for bilateral renal agenesis
- BRAT for bananas, rice, applesauce, toast (diet)
- BRATY for bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, yogurt
- BRB for bright red blood
- BRBPR for bright red blood per rectum
- BRCA1 for breast cancer 1
- BRCA2 for breast cancer 2
- BRP for bathroom privileges
- BRTO for balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration
- BRVO for branch retinal vein occlusion
- BS x 4 quads for bowel signs in all 4 quadrants
- BSx for B-symptoms
- BSC for bedside commode
- BSE for bovine spongiform encephalopathy
- BSL for blood sugar level
- BSO for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- BSP for bromsulphthalein
- BSU for Bartholin, Skene and urethra
- BTB for breakthrough bleeding (menstrual)
- BTL for bilateral tubal ligation
- BTP for breakthrough pain
- BTT for bridge to transplantation
- BV for bacterial vaginosis
- BVM for bag valve mask
- BVP for biventricular pacing
- BZDs for benzodiazepines
Medical Abbreviations With C
- CVA for cerebrovascular accident
- CPK for creatine phosphokinase
- COAD for chronic obstructive airways disease
- CHD for coronary heart disease
- CGN for chronic glomerulonephritis
- CT for computed tomography, circulation time (context)
- CGL for chronic granulocytic leukaemia
- CHF for congestive heart failure
- CPAP for continuous positive airway pressure
- CRD for chronic renal disease
- COD for cause of death
- CV for cardiovascular
- CHB for complete heart block
- CVP for central venous pressure
- CEA for carcinoembryonic antigen
- CRF for chronic renal failure
- CAT for computer-assisted tomography
- CCF for congestive cardiac failure
- CMV for cytomegalovirus
- CXR for chest X-ray
- CABG for coronary artery bypass graft
- CBC for complete blood count
- CPR for cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- C&S for culture and sensitivity
- CN for cranial nerves
- CaOx for calcium oxalate
- CTU for cancer treatment unit
- COX-2 for cyclooxygenase-2
- Cr for creatinine
- CIWA for Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (Alcohol)
- CCK-PZ for cholecystokinin-pancreozymin
- c̅ for means with
- CAH for chronic active hepatitis
- CD for celiac disease
- CSPC for community specialist palliative care
- CFIDS for chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome
- CTD for connective tissue disease
- CM for Chirurgiae Magister, Master of Surgery
- CDC for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- CSR for cumulative survival rate
- Cath for catheter
- CRI for chronic renal insufficiency
- COP for cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis
- COLD for chronic obstructive lung disease
- CLND for cervical lymph node dissection
- CBI for continuous bladder irrigation, as in Hematuria
- CRP for C-reactive protein
- CRPS for complex regional pain syndrome
- CC for cubic centimeter
- CNVM for choroidal neovascular membranes
- CR for complete remission
- cAMP for cyclic adenosine monophosphate
- CTO for chronic total occlusion
- CFT for complement fixation test
- CPD for cephalopelvic disproportion
- CAA for coronary artery aneurysm
- CMD for cystic medial degeneration
- CTR for carpal tunnel release
- CGI for Clinical Global Impression
- CWP for coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
- CIN for contrast-induced nephropathy
- C2 for second cervical vertebra of the spine
- CK for creatine kinase
- CKMB for MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase
- CDMR for caesarean delivery on maternal request
- CST for contraction stress test
- CO2 for carbon dioxide
- C-SSRS for Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
- CDH for congenital dislocated hip
- CTCAE for Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
- CF for cystic fibrosis
- CMP for complete metabolic profile
- CRE for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
- CAP for community-acquired pneumonia
- COX-1 for cyclooxygenase 1
- CCB for calcium channel blocker
- CRS for congenital rubella syndrome
- CCNS for cell cycle–nonspecific
- CsA for cyclosporin A
- CAMP for cyclic adenosine monophosphate
- CPE for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin
- c/b for complicated by
- CSU for catheter specimen of urine
- CDI for central diabetes insipidus
- CCR for cardiocerebral resuscitation
- CSME for clinically significant macular edema
- CRPC for castration-resistant prostate cancer
- CBS for chronic brain syndrome
- COVID for coronavirus disease
- ChE for cholinesterase
- CUC for chronic ulcerative colitis
- CLL for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- CIVI for continuous intravenous infusion
- CIS for carcinoma in situ
- Cx for cervix
- C/O or c/o for complains of…
- CRT for cardiac resynchronization therapy
- CCE for clubbing, cyanosis, and edema
- CME for continuing medical education
- CRC for colorectal cancer
- CALLA for common acute lymphocytic leukemia antigen
- CREST for calcinosis, Raynaud esophagus, sclerosis, teleangiectasiae
- CAO for conscious, alert, and oriented
- CTx for chemotherapy
- CH for congenital hypothyroidism
- CGD for chronic granulomatous disease
- CTPE for CT scan for pulmonary embolii
- COX-3 for cyclooxygenase 3
- C for cytosine
- Comp for compound
- CP for cerebral palsy
- C1 for first cervical vertebra of the spine
- COCP for combined oral contraceptive pill
- CICU for cardiac intensive care unit
- CVT for cerebral venous thrombosis
- CLARE for contact lens acute red eye
- CVS for chorionic villus sampling
- CI for confidence interval
- CHO for carbohydrate
- CVC for central venous catheter
- CMT for cervical motion tenderness
- CDR for cutaneous drug reaction
- Crit for hematocrit
- CCOT for calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor
- C-section for cesarean section
- CABP for coronary artery bypass procedure
- CAUTI for catheter-associated urinary tract infection
- Crike for cricothyrotomy
- CEIOL for cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement
- CTAP for CT during arterial portography
- CRNA for certified registered nurse anesthetist
- CBE for clinical breast examination
- COH for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
- Cl for chlorine
- CIDP for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
- CVVH for continuous veno-venous hemofiltration
- Caps for capsule
- CrGN for crescentic glomerulonephritis
- CAGE for cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye opener
- CIMF for chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis
- c/w for consistent with
- CFS for chronic fatigue syndrome
- CTEPH for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
- CJD for Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
- CRISPR for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
- CBA for cost–benefit analysis
- CAD for coronary artery disease
- CPKMB for creatine phosphokinase heart
- CTZ for chemoreceptor trigger zone
- CAPD for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
- Creat for creatinine
- CVD for cardiovascular disease
- CHOP for cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin
- CVAD for central venous access device
- CHE for cholinesterase
- CRSD for circadian rhythm sleep disorder
- CCCU for critical coronary care unit
- CMML for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
- CDP for cytosine diphosphate
- CML for chronic myelogenous leukemia
- CHEM-20 for a group of blood tests (albumin, alanine transaminase, total protein, uric acid, etc.)
- CFA for complement-fixing antibody
- CT c/a/p for CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis
- CFU for colony-forming unit
- CTPA for computed tomographic pulmonary angiography
- CNS for central nervous system
- C/S for Caesarean section
- CCK for cholecystokinin
- CLS for capillary leak syndrome
- CCOC for clear cell odontogenic carcinoma
- CSA for Controlled Substances Act
- CBF for cerebral blood flow
- CRO for contract research organization
- CTX for ceftriaxone
- CHC for combined hormonal contraceptive
- CCA for clear cell adenocarcinoma
- CRRT for continuous renal replacement therapy
- CADAS for cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy
- CPP for cerebral perfusion pressure
- CO for cardiac output
- CTS for computed tomography scan
- cGMP for cyclic guanosine monophosphate
- CFR for case fatality rate
- CTE for chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- CVI for cerebrovascular incident
- Chol for cholesterol
- Conj for conjunctiva
- CTAB for clear to auscultation bilaterally
- C-spine for cervical spine
- CDAD for Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhoea
- CHEM-7 for a group of blood tests
- CINV for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- Cx for microbiological culture
- CMO for comfort measures only
- CIB for cibus
- CVID for common variable immunodeficiency
- CA for carcinoma
- CPC for clinical–pathological conference
- CKD for chronic kidney disease
- CLN for cervical lymph node
- CSOM for chronic suppurative otitis media
- CCU for coronary care unit
- CLP for cleft lip and palate
- CRH for corticotropin-releasing hormone
- CSF for cerebrospinal fluid
- colony-stimulating factor for (no abbreviation, just explanation)
- CCP for cyclic citrullinated peptide
- CoNS for coagulase-negative staphylococci
- CPPD for calcium pyrophosphate
- CAG for coronary artery graft
- CVAT for costovertebral angle tenderness
- CHS for cannulated hip screw
- CVL for central venous line
- CBD for common bile duct
- CRL for crown-rump length
- CRTx for chemoradiotherapy
- CCG for Clinical commissioning group
- CAM for cell adhesion molecule
- CrCl for creatinine clearance
- Ca for calcium
- CPCR for cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation
- Circ for circumcision
- Cx for complication
- CAGS for coronary artery graft surgery
- CPT for Current Procedural Terminology
- CHT for congenital hypothyroidism
- CFTR for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
- CTP for cytosine triphosphate
- CMS for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- CPG for clinical practice guideline
- COPD for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- CS for caesarean section
Medical Abbreviations With D
- D & E for dilation and evacuation
- DJD for degenerative joint disease
- DM for diabetes mellitus
- Dx for diagnosis
- DTNT for door to needle time
- DBP for diastolic blood pressure
- DST for dexamethasone suppression test
- DNA for did not attend (outpatients)
- D & C for dilatation and curettage
- DNC for did not come
- D/W for discussed with
- DH for drug history
- DUB for dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- DU for duodenal ulcer
- DI for drug information
- DOA for dead on arrival
- DDU for drug dependency unit
- DVT for deep vein thrombosis
- DOE for dyspnoea on exertion
- DT for delirium tremens
- DNR for do not resuscitate
- D & V for diarrhoea and vomiting
- DOB for date of birth
- D for diagnosis
- d for dead
- DIC for disseminated intravascular coagulation
- DKA for diabetic ketoacidosis
- DXT for deep X-ray therapy
- DCP for Dynamic compression plate
- DNACPR for do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- DS for diagnosis / disease
- D/C for discharge
- Dis for dislocation
- DSD for dry sterile dressing
- DiTe for diphtheria-tetanus
- DDC for zalcitabine
- DTR for deep tendon reflex
- DEXA / DXA for Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
- DHE for dihydroergotamine
- D&C / D&E for dilatation and curettage / dilatation and evacuation
- DMD for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- DA for dopamine
- DMT for dimethyltryptamine
- DRE for Digital Rectal Examination
- D4T for stavudine
- DSM for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- DT / DTaP / DiPerTe / DTP for diphtheria-tetanus(-pertussis / -acellular pertussis)
- DIU for death in utero
- DLI for donor lymphocyte infusion
- DZ for disease
- DCDA for dichorionic diamniotic
- DHF for decompensated heart failure
- DICVP for Diplomate, International College of Veterinary Pharmacy
- DCCV for direct current cardioversion
- DAEC for diffusely adherent Escherichia coli
- DIP for distal interphalangeal joint / diffuse interstitial pneumonitis
- DH for developmental history
- DO for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- DW for dextrose in water
- DCBE for double contrast barium enema
- DCM for dilated cardiomyopathy
- DNI / DNAR / DNR for do not intubate / attempt resuscitation / resuscitate
- DMSA for dimercaptosuccinic acid
- D5 / D5W for 5% dextrose (in water)
- D25 for 25% dextrose injections
- DPL / DPLD for diagnostic peritoneal lavage / diffuse parenchymal lung disease
- DTA for descending thoracic aorta
- DPH for diphenylhydantoin
- DOH for Department of Health
- DLB for dementia with Lewy bodies
- DDI for didanosine
- DIL for drug-induced lupus
- DAI for diffuse axonal injury
- DDD for degenerative disk disease
- DLE for disseminated lupus erythematosus
- D/T for due to
- DPM for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
- DD for differential diagnosis
- DMARD for disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
- Dsg for dressing
- DDH for developmental hip dysplasia
- DALY for disability-adjusted life year
- DCIS for ductal carcinoma in situ
- DOL for day of life
- DHR for dihydrorhodamine
- DX for diagnosis
- dl for deciliter
- DLP for dyslipoproteinemia
- DMPA for depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
- DIB for dead in bed
- Di-Di for dichromatic diamnionic twins
- DES for drug-eluting stent
- DHEA-S for dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate
- DAPT for dual anti-platelet therapy
- DNA for deoxyribonucleic acid
- DM2 for Type 2 diabetes
- DOS for date of service
- DLCO for diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide
- D/O for died of / disorder
- DRPLA for Dentatorubral-Pallidoluysian Atrophy
- dsRNA for double-stranded RNA
- DTs for delirium tremens
- DDAVP for desmopressin acetate
- DILI for drug-induced liver injury
- DBE for double-balloon enteroscopy
- DOE for dyspnea on exertion
- DOSS for docusate sodium
- DDx for differential diagnosis
- DHT for dihydrotestosterone / Dobhoff Tube
- DCD for donation after cardiac death
- d for day
- DRT for dead right there
- DBS for deep brain stimulation
- DP for dorsalis pedis
- DME for durable medical equipment
- DAF for decay accelerating factor
- DI for diabetes insipidus
Medical Abbreviations With E
- EEG for electroencephalogram
- ENT for ear, nose and throat
- EENT for eyes, ears, nose and throat
- EBV for Epstein–Barr virus
- ESRF for end stage renal failure
- ELISA for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- EPO for erythropoietin
- EMG for electromyogram
- ESR for erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- ECT for electroconvulsive therapy
- ECHO for echocardiogram
- ERCP for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- EDD for expected date of delivery
- ECG for electrocardiogram
- ELBW for extremely low birth weight
- ERPC for evacuation of retained products of conception
- ET for endotracheal tube
- EFA for essential fatty acids
- EtOH for ethyl alcohol
- ECMO for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
- EMT for emergency medical technician
- ESBL for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
- EFW for estimated fetal weight
- ECP for emergency care practitioner
- EoLC for End-of-life care
- E for Ecstasy, epinephrine, estrogen
- ECF for extracellular fluid
- EIA for external iliac artery
- EMF for endomyocardial fibrosis
- EST for endodermal sinus tumor
- EVAR for endovascular aneurysm repair
- EJ for elbow jerk
- ED for eating disorder
- EUA for examination under anesthesia
- EDTA for ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid
- EDV for end-diastolic volume
- ECD for endocardial cushion defect
- EMS for Emergency Medical Service
- EAF for enteric adherence factor
- EVF for erythrocyte volume fraction
- EOB for edge of bed
- ESM for ejection systolic murmur
- EAC for external acoustic meatus
- ESWL for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
- ETEC for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
- EKG for electrocardiogram
- EMD for early morning discovery
- ECI for febris e causa ignota
- EGBUS for external genitalia, Bartholin’s glands, urethra & Skene’s glands
- EAM for external auditory meatus
- ELLSCS for elective lower segment caesarean section
- EHEC for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
- EDS for Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
- EPEC for enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
- ETS for endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
- ESS for empty sella syndrome
- ESRD for end-stage renal disease
- EEX for electrodiagnosis
- Ex-n for used for premature infants that have been
- EOM for extraocular muscles
- E1 for estrone
- E2 for estradiol
- ESI for epidural steroid injection
- ETOH for ethanol
- ESA for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent
- ER for emergency room
- EMB for ethambutol
- EDF for end diastolic flow
- EGF for epidermal growth factor
- EBL for estimated blood loss
- EDC for estimated date of confinement
- EMC for encephalomyocarditis
- EDM for esophageal Doppler monitor
- Etiol for etiology
- ESL for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
- EC for enteric coating
- EMLSCS for emergency lower segment caesarean section
- ESV for end-systolic volume
- EBM for evidence-based medicine / expressed breast milk
- EPCT for estrogen–progesterone challenge test
- ECLS for extracorporeal life support
- Exp Lap for exploratory laparotomy
- EM for erythema multiforme
- Exam for examination
- Epi for epinephrine
- EMDEX for essential medicines index
- Emul for emulsion
- EFS for event-free survival
- EUS for endoscopic ultrasonography
- EGD for esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- EDRF for endothelium-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide)
- EOMI for extraocular movements intact
- EEE for eastern equine encephalitis
- EBT for electron beam tomography
- EoL for End-of-life
- ERM for epiretinal membrane
- EmBx for endometrial biopsy
- EIB for exercise-induced bronchospasm
- EPH for edema, proteinuria, hypertension
- Ext for extremities
- ESHAP for etoposide, cisplatin, cytarabine, methylprednisolone
- EACA for epsilon-aminocaproic acid
- ETT for endotracheal tube
- EIEC for enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
- EUP for extrauterine pregnancy
- ECTR for endoscopic carpal tunnel release
- EGPA for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- EPS for electrophysiology
- ERMS for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
- EDH for epidural hematoma
- EF for ejection fraction
- ECM for extracellular matrix
- EAEC for enteroadhesive Escherichia coli
- ECC for endocervical curettage
- ERT for enzyme replacement therapy
- EMU for early morning urine sample
- EBRT for external beam radiation therapy
- EFM for electronic fetal monitoring
Medical Abbreviations With F
- FHR for fetal heart rate
- FM for fetal movement
- FiO₂ for fraction of inspired oxygen
- F/U for follow-up
- FNA for fine-needle aspiration
- FAST for focused assessment with sonography for trauma
- FBS for fasting blood sugar
- FBC for full blood count
- FEV1 for forced expiratory volume in 1 second
- FVC for forced vital capacity
- FFP for fresh frozen plasma
- FSH for follicle-stimulating hormone
- FOB for fecal occult blood
- FUO for fever of unknown origin
- FLP for fasting lipid profile
- FH for family history
- FMPP for familial male precocious puberty
- FEP for free erythrocyte protoporphyrin
- FUT for Follicular Unit Transplantation
- Fx for fracture
- FDIU for fetal demise in utero
- FNC for full nursing care
- FSBS for finger-stick blood sugar
- FNH for focal nodular hyperplasia
- FHx for family history
- FISH for fluorescence in situ hybridization
- FDG for fluordeoxyglucose
- FB for foreign body
- FANA for fluorescent antinuclear antibody test
- FOF for found on floor
- FOB for Foot of Bed
- FRDA for Friedreich’s ataxia
- FEF25–75 for forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity
- FLAIR for fluid attenuated inversion recovery
- fMRI for functional magnetic resonance imaging
- Fe for iron
- FOBT for fecal occult blood test
- FNAB for fine-needle aspiration biopsy
- FIBD for found in bed dead
- FWD for full ward diet
- fl.oz. for fluid ounce
- FDP for fibrin degradation product
- FEN for Fluids, Electrolytes, Nutrition
- FTT for failure to thrive
- FA for Fanconi anemia
- FAMMM for familial atypical multiple mole melanoma
- FOOSH for fall on outstretched hand
- F→N for finger-to-nose test
- FBG for fasting blood glucose
- FF for free fluids
- FPG for fasting plasma glucose
- FHS for fetal heart sound
- FESS for functional endoscopic sinus surgery
- FCS for Faciocutaneoskeletal syndrome
- FSGS for focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis
- FFA for free fatty acids
- FWB for full weight bearing / fetal wellbeing
- fem for female
- FLK for funny-looking kid
- FOS for full of stool
- fxn for function
- FROM for full range of motion
- FTA-ABS for fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption
- FMP for first menstrual period
- FMS for Fibromyalgia Syndrome
- FHT for fetal heart tones
- FL for femur length
- F/C for fevers/chills
- FUE for Follicular Unit Extraction
- FSE for fetal scalp electrode
- FP for Family Planning
- FND for Functional neurologic disorder
- FAP for familial adenomatous polyposis
- FNAC for fine-needle aspiration cytology
- FET for frozen embryo transfer
- F/C/S for fevers/chills/sweating
- FDS for Flexor digitorum superficialis
- FDC for follicular dendritic cells
- FTA for fluorescent treponemal antibody
- FBE for full blood exam
- FMF for fetal movements felt
Medical Abbreviations With G
- G6PD for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GA for general anaesthesia
- GBS for group B Streptococcus
- GDM for gestational diabetes mellitus
- GIST for gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- GN for glomerulonephritis
- GTN for glyceryl trinitrate
- GTT for glucose tolerance test
- GPA for granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- GCS for Glasgow Coma Scale
- GFR for glomerular filtration rate
- GYN for gynecology
- GHRF for growth hormone–releasing factor
- GAVE for gastric antral vascular ectasia
- GMP for guanosine monophosphate
- GDS for Geriatric Depression Scale
- G for gravidity
- G-CSF for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
- GOMER for get outta my emergency room
- Gtts for guttae
- GOT for glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase
- GGT for gamma glutamyl transferase
- GIB for gastrointestinal bleed
- GIS for GastroIntestinal Surgeon
- GCT for germ cell tumor
- GvH for graft-versus-host
- GAPS for Guidelines for Adolescent Preventative Services
- GABA for gamma-aminobutyric acid
- GPCL for gas permeable contact lens
- GP for general practitioner
- GDLH for glutamate dehydrogenase
- GOD for glucose oxidase
- GID for gender identity disorder
- GITS for gastrointestinal therapeutic system
- GD for gender dysphoria
- GDP for guanosine diphosphate
- Gr for grain
- GOAT for Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test
- GBC for gallbladder carcinoma
- GGTP for gamma glutamyl transpeptidase
- GSW for gunshot wound
- GI for gastrointestinal
- GERD for gastroesophageal reflux disease
- GCA for giant-cell arteritis
- GUM for genitourinary medicine
- GH for growth hormone
- GDMT for Guideline Directed Medical Therapy
- GIT for gastrointestinal tract
- GPT for glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
- GXT for graded exercise test
- GM-CSF for granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor
- GNRH for gonadotropin-releasing hormone
- GIA for a model of surgical staple
- GIFT for gamete intrafallopian transfer
- GBM for glioblastoma multiforme
- GU for genitourinary
- GRAV I for gravidity = 1
- GORD for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- GABHS for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus
- GOK for God only knows
- GOC for Goals of care
- GC for general condition
- GHRH for growth hormone releasing hormone
- GLF for ground level fall
- GDA for gastroduodenal artery
- GAD for generalized anxiety disorder
- GvHD for graft-versus-host disease
- GB for gallbladder
- GMC for general medical condition
Medical Abbreviations With H
- HS for heart sounds
- HIV for human immunodeficiency virus
- HPA for hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal
- HF for heart failure
- HbA1c for glycated haemoglobin
- HDU for high dependency unit
- H & L for heart and lungs
- HBP for high blood pressure
- HA for haemolytic anaemia
- H & P for history and physical
- hCG for human chorionic gonadotrophin
- HCVD for hypertensive cardiovascular disease
- HBF for hepatic blood flow
- HDL for high-density lipoprotein
- HD for heart disease
- h/o for history of
- HHV for human herpes virus
- Hb% for haemoglobin concentration
- Ht for height
- HCM for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- h.s. for at bedtime
- HSM for hepatosplenomegaly
- Hx for history
- HTN for hypertension
- HCT for haematocrit
- HRT for hormone replacement therapy
- HCV for hepatitis C virus
- hr for hour or hours
- HBD for has been drinking
- HGV for hepatitis G virus
- h for hr / hours
- HTLV for human T-lymphotropic virus
- HAPE for high-altitude pulmonary edema
- HDV for hepatitis D virus
- HMS for hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly
- H&P for history and physical examination
- H&E for hematoxylin and eosin, a standard tissue stain
- HSC for human chorionic somatomammotropin
- HONK for hyperosmolar nonketotic state
- HCF for Healthcare Facility
- HRAS for Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog
- HALE for health-adjusted life expectancy
- HFM for hand, foot and mouth disease
- HAART for highly active antiretroviral therapy
- HVLT for high-velocity lead therapy
- HGB for hemoglobin
- HMD for hyaline membrane disease
- HTVD for hypertensive vascular disease
- HN for hemagglutinin-neuraminidase
- HNP for spinal disk herniation
- HEENT for head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
- HSV for herpes simplex virus
- HE for hepatic encephalopathy
- HETE for hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
- hPL for human placental lactogen
- HB for heart block
- HACA for human anti-chimeric antibody
- HEC for High emetogenic chemotherapy
- HDS for hemodynamically stable
- HCFA for Healthcare Facility Associated
- HT for hypertension
- H/H or H&H for hemoglobin and hematocrit
- HOB for head of bed
- H-mole for hydatidiform mole
- HMGR for 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase
- HRCT for High-resolution computed tomography
- Hct for hematocrit
- HPETE for hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
- HAV for hepatitis A virus
- HGPRTase for hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase
- HFRS for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
- H for histamine
- HSCT for Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- HTPA for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
- hs for hours of sleep
- HLD for Hyperlipidemia
- H/O for history of
- HL for hepatic lipase
- Hib for haemophilus influenzae B
- HPV for human papillomavirus
- HEMA for hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, a material in soft contact lenses
- HC for head circumference
- HDL-C for high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
- HACEK for group of bacteria that are a frequent cause of endocarditis in children
- HbsAg for Hepatitis B surface antigen
- HES for hydroxyethyl starch
- HCAP for health care-associated
- H→S for heel-to-shin test
- HNPCC for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
- HLHS for hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- HbF for fetal hemoglobin
- H/A for headache
- H&M for hematemesis and melena
- HFrEF for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
- HMSN for hereditary motor sensory neuropathy
- HBV for hepatitis B virus
- HAD for HIV-associated dementia
- HH for Hitting Head
- HbA for hemoglobin A
- HIDA for hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid
- HCO3 for bicarbonate
- HPI for history of the present illness
- HELLP for Hemolysis, low platelets in pregnancy, elevated liver enzymes
- HPF for high-power field
- HHT for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
- HEV for hepatitis E virus
- HFNC for high flow Nasal cannula
- HRS for Hepatorenal syndrome
- HCTZ for hydrochlorothiazide
- HoTN for Hypotension
- HCC for hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCL for hairy cell leukemia
- HADS for Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
- HGSIL for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
- HFpEF for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- HIDS for hyper-IgD (and periodic fever) syndrome
- HSG for hysterosalpingogram
- Hema for fecal occult blood
- HDW for Hemoglobin Distribution Width
- HHS for Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
- HMG for human menopausal gonadotropin
- HPOA for hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy
- HLA for human leukocyte antigen
- HUS for hemolytic uremic syndrome
- HND for hemolytic disease of the newborn
- HOCM for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- HOPI for History of present illness
- HBO for hyperbaric oxygen
- HDN for hemolytic disease of the newborn
- HR for heart rate
- HSIL for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
- HAE for hereditary angioedema
- HI for homicidal ideation
- HIT for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- HCA for Healthcare Associated
- Hb for hemoglobin
- HAA for hepatitis-associated antigen
- HVA for homovanillic acid
- HMG-CoA for 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA
- HAI for healthcare-associated infection
- HFMD for hand, foot and mouth disease
- HPS for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
- HACE for High-altitude cerebral edema
- HSP for Henoch–Schönlein purpura
- HCRP for Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme
Medical Abbreviations With I
- IVF for in vitro fertilization
- IUI for intrauterine insemination
- IU for international units
- IC for ileocecal
- IVDU for intravenous drug user
- ICF for intracellular fluid
- IMI for intramuscular injection
- IVI for intravenous infusion
- I&O for intake and output
- IO for intraosseous
- IOP for intraocular pressure
- ICU for intensive care unit
- IPPB for intermittent positive-pressure breathing
- IgD for immunoglobulin D
- IDL for intermediate-density lipoprotein
- IPF for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- IDC for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
- IgM for immunoglobulin M
- IgG for immunoglobulin G
- IHD for ischaemic heart disease
- IV for intravenous
- IM for intramuscular
- IP for intraperitoneal
- INR for international normalised ratio
- IUD for intrauterine device
- ITU for intensive therapy unit
- IVU for intravenous urography
- IVP for intravenous pyelogram
- IUGR for intrauterine growth restriction
- ICS for intercostal space
- IVPB for intravenous piggyback
- ID for infectious dose
- IGT for impaired glucose tolerance
- ICM for ischemic cardiomyopathy
- IUP for intrauterine pregnancy
- ISDN for isosorbide dinitrate
- ISQ for no change
- IPPV for intermittent positive pressure ventilation
- IPS for intraperitoneal sounds
- IMB for intermenstrual bleed
- IHSS for idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
- IBS for irritable bowel syndrome
- IIEF for International Index of Erectile Function
- IgG4-TIN for IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis
- Ix for investigation
- ISH for isolated systolic hypertension
- ILI for Influenza-like illness
- IRDS for infant respiratory distress syndrome
- ICDS for Integrated Child Development Services Program
- INH for inhaled
- IOL for induction of labor
- IS for Incentive Spirometry
- IUFD for intrauterine foetal demise
- IF for immunofluorescence
- IVPG for intravenous pyogenic granuloma
- Ig for immunoglobulin
- IT for immature teratoma
- IPG for implantable pulse generator
- I&D for incision and drainage
- IV-DSA for intravenous digital subtraction angiography
- INFX for infection
- IMRT for intensity-modulated radiotherapy
- IAA for insulin autoantibody
- IVH for intraventricular hemorrhage
- IPH for intraparenchymal hemorrhage
- IFG for impaired fasting glycaemia
- IABP for intra-aortic balloon pump
- IQ for intelligence quotient
- IE for infective endocarditis
- IDA for iron deficiency anemia
- IGF for insulin-like growth factor
- ILD for interstitial lung disease
- IgA for immunoglobulin A
- INT for intermittent needle therapy
- IRIDA for inherited iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia
- ICD for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
- ICCU for intensive cardiac care unit
- IVD for intervertebral disc
- Inc for incomplete
- IMV for intermittent mandatory ventilation
- IHC for immunohistochemistry
- IUS for intrauterine system
- ICD-10 for International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision
- IgAV for IgA vasculitis
- IODM for infant of diabetic mother
- ICG for impedance cardiography
- IVIG for intravenous immunoglobulin
- IMA for inferior mesenteric artery
- IgG4-RD for IgG4-related disease
- ISMN for isosorbide mononitrate
- IVUS for intravascular ultrasound
- IPMN for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
- IUPC for intrauterine pressure catheter
- ICSI for intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- IHPS for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
- IgG4-ROD for IgG4-related ophthalmic disease
- IDP for infectious disease precautions
- IRIS for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
- IMN for infectious mononucleosis
- IR for insulin resistance
- IBC for inflammatory breast cancer
- I131 for iodine-131
- IAI for intra-amniotic infection
- IDDM for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- ISA for intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
- IVSS for intravenous soluset
- IMM for intramyometrial
- IA for intra-arterial
- Int for internal
- IUT for intrauterine transfusion
- INF(-α/-β/-γ) for interferons -α/-β/-γ
- IVC for inferior vena cava
- ITP for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
- IBD for inflammatory bowel disease
- ICP for intracranial pressure
- IMT for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor
- IgE for immunoglobulin E
- Inj for injection
- ICH for intracerebral hemorrhage
- IUCD for intrauterine contraceptive device
- IgG4-RKD for IgG4-related kidney disease
Medical Abbreviations With J
- JC for JC virus
- JRA for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- JMS for junior medical student
- JVD for jugular venous distension
- JEV for Japanese encephalitis virus
- JIA for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- JODM for juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus
- JP for Jackson-Pratt drain
- JVP for jugular venous pressure
Medical Abbreviations With K
- K for potassium
- K⁺ for potassium ion
- KIV for keep in view
- KCCT for kaolin cephalin clotting time
- KLS for kidney, liver, spleen
- KA for ketoacidosis
- Kcal for kilocalorie
- KOH for potassium hydroxide
- KVO for keep vein open
- KS for Kaposi’s sarcoma
- KSHV for Kaposi’s sarcoma–associated herpesvirus
- KELS for Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills
- KUB for kidneys, ureters, and bladder
- kg for kilogram
- Km for Michaelis constant
- KA for keratoacanthoma
Medical Abbreviations With L
- L&D for labor and delivery
- LA for left atrium
- LABA for long-acting beta agonist
- LAAM for L-alpha-acetylmethadol
- LAD for left anterior descending (coronary artery)
- LAE for left atrial enlargement
- LAFP for left anterior fascicular block
- LAH for left anterior hemiblock
- LAM for laminectomy
- LAP for leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
- LAR for low anterior resection
- LAS for lymphadenopathy syndrome
- LAT for lateral
- LBP for low back pain
- LBW for low birth weight
- LCA for left coronary artery
- LCHAD for long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase
- LCIS for lobular carcinoma in situ
- LCM for lymphocytic meningitis
- LCP for Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient
- LCPD for Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease
- LCV for leukocytoclastic vasculitis
- LCX for left circumflex artery
- LD50 for lethal dose 50%
- LDH for lactate dehydrogenase
- LDL for low-density lipoprotein
- LDL-C for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
- LEEP for loop electrosurgical excision procedure
- LEC for lupus erythematosus cell
- LE for lupus erythematosus
- LFT for liver function test
- LGA for large for gestational age
- LGV for lymphogranuloma venereum
- LGSIL for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
- LGL for Lown–Ganong–Levine syndrome
- LH for luteinizing hormone
- LHRH for luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone
- LIH for left inguinal hernia
- Lig for ligament
- LLETZ for large loop excision of the transformation zone
- LMA for laryngeal mask airway
- LMD for local medical doctor
- LMCA for left main coronary artery
- LM for left main
- LMWH for low-molecular-weight heparin
- LMP for last menstrual period
- LN for lymph node
- LND for lymph node dissection
- LNI for lymph node involvement
- LNG for levonorgestrel
- LOA for left occipitoanterior
- LOF for leakage of fluid
- LOH for loss of heterozygosity
- LOL for little old lady
- LOM for limitation of motion
- LOP for left occiput posterior
- LOS for length of stay
- LOT for left occiput transverse
- LOI for loss of imprinting
- LOC for loss of consciousness
- LOM for limitation of motion
- LOR for loss of resistance
- LORTA for loss of resistance to air
- LOH for loss of heterozygosity
- LOV for last office visit
- LP for lumbar puncture
- LPA for left pulmonary artery
- LPC for lymphoplasmacytic cells
- LPL for lipoprotein lipase
- LPP for lichen planopilaris
- LPS for lipopolysaccharide
- LPT for liver perfusion test
- LR for lactated Ringer’s solution
- LRINEC for Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
- LRTI for lower respiratory tract infection
- LS for lichen sclerosus
- LSA for lichen sclerosis et atrophicus
- LSB for left sternal border
- LSCS for lower segment caesarean section
- LSCTA for lung sounds clear to auscultation
- LST for laterally spreading tumor
- LT for heat-labile enterotoxin
- LTAC for long-term acute care
- LTCS for low transverse caesarean section
- LUL for left upper lobe
- LUQ for left upper quadrant
- LUS for lower uterine segment
- LUTS for lower urinary tract symptoms
- LV for left ventricle
- LVAD for left ventricular assist device
- LVEF for left ventricular ejection fraction
- LVEDP for left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
- LVF for left ventricular failure
- LVH for left ventricular hypertrophy
- LVOT for left ventricular outflow tract
- LVP for large volume paracentesis
- LWBS for left without being seen
- Ly for lymphocytes
- lytes for electrolytes
Medical Abbreviations With M
- M for murmur
- M&A for morbidity and mortality
- MA for menstrual age
- MAE for moves all extremities
- MAHA for microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
- MAC for Mycobacterium avium complex
- MACE for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events
- MAD for major affective disorder
- MAL for midaxillary line
- MANOS for minilaparoscopy assisted natural orifice surgery
- MAR for Medication Administration Record
- MARSA for methicillin- and aminoglycoside-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- MAS for meconium aspiration syndrome
- MAST for Michigan Alcohol Screening Test
- MALT for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
- MAOI for monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- MAP for mean arterial pressure
- MBSS for modified barium swallow study
- MC for metacarpal bone
- MC&S for microscopy, culture, and sensitivity
- MCA for mucinous cystadenoma
- MCAT for Medical College Admission Test
- MCC for motorcycle collision/crash
- MCH for mean corpuscular hemoglobin
- MCHC for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
- MCL for medial collateral ligament
- MCV for mean corpuscular volume
- MDCT for multidetector computed tomography
- MDD for major depressive disorder
- MDI for metered-dose inhaler
- MDS for myelodysplastic syndrome
- MDV for multiple dose vial
- ME for myalgic encephalopathy
- MEC for moderate emetic chemotherapy
- MEDLINE for Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online
- MeSH for Medical Subject Headings
- MELD for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease
- MEN for multiple endocrine neoplasia
- MET for metabolic equivalent
- Mg for magnesium
- Mg²⁺ for magnesium ion
- MgSO₄ for magnesium sulfate
- MG for myasthenia gravis
- MHA-TP for microhemagglutination assay for T. pallidum
- MHMR for mental health and mental retardation
- MHW for mental health worker
- MIC for minimum inhibitory concentration
- MICU for medical intensive care unit
- MIF for Müllerian inhibitory factor
- MI for myocardial infarction
- MICA for mental illness and chemical abuse
- MIP for maximum intensity projection
- MIS for minimally invasive surgery
- ML for midline / milliliter
- MLC for mixed lymphocyte culture
- MLE for midline episiotomy
- MM for multiple myeloma / myeloid metaplasia
- MMD for muscular movement disorder
- MME for morphine milligram equivalent
- MMFR for midmaximal flow rate
- MMI for maximum medical improvement
- MMP for medical marijuana patient
- MMPI for Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
- MMR for mismatch repair / measles-mumps-rubella (contextual)
- MMR-D for mismatch repair deficiency syndrome
- MMSE for mini-mental state examination
- MMT for Mixed Müllerian Tumor
- MN for membranous nephropathy
- MND for motor neurone disease
- Mo for monocytes
- MoM for multiples of the median
- MOB for mother of baby
- MODY for maturity-onset diabetes of the young
- MOM for milk of magnesia
- MOPP for mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone regimen
- MPA for medroxyprogesterone acetate
- MPD for myeloproliferative disorder / main pancreatic duct
- MPGN for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
- MPharm for Master of Pharmacy
- MPO for myeloperoxidase
- MPV for mean platelet volume
- MPT for multi-professional team
- MR for mitral regurgitation / medical representative
- MRA for magnetic resonance angiography
- MRCP for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
- MRG for murmurs, rubs, and gallops
- MRI for magnetic resonance imaging
- MRSA for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- MRSI for magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
- MRT for medically reviewed therapy
- MSSA for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus
- MS for multiple sclerosis / mitral stenosis / medical student
- MS-AFP for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
- MSD for musculoskeletal disorder
- MSE for mental status examination
- MSH for melanocyte-stimulating hormone
- MSK for musculoskeletal / medullary sponge kidney
- MSM for men who have sex with men
- MSOF for multisystem organ failure
- MSU for midstream urine
- MSUD for maple syrup urine disease
- MUGA for multiple gated acquisition scan
- MUR for Medication Use Review
- MUSE for medicated urethral system for erections
- MVA for motor vehicle accident
- MVC for motor vehicle crash
- MVI for multivitamin
- MVR for mitral valve replacement
- MVP for mitral valve prolapse
- MVPS for mitral valve prolapse syndrome
- MVo₂ for mixed venous oxygen concentration
- MX for metastasis / management (context)
Medical Abbreviations With N
- N for normal
- Na for sodium
- Na⁺ for sodium ion
- NaCl for sodium chloride
- NAD for no acute distress / no abnormality detected
- NAD⁺ for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
- NB for newborn
- NBM for nil by mouth
- NBS for newborn screening
- NBTE for nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis
- NCA for no cardiac activity
- NCAT for normocephalic, atraumatic
- NC for nerve conduction / nerve action potential
- NCC for noncompaction cardiomyopathy
- NCEP for National Cholesterol Education Program
- NCS for nerve conduction study
- NCV for nerve conduction velocity
- NCT for nerve conduction test
- NDSC for National Decision Support Company
- NE for norepinephrine
- NEAD for non-epileptic attack disorder
- NEAP for net endogenous acid production
- NED for no evidence of disease
- NEC for not elsewhere classified
- Neo for neoplasm
- NEP for neutral endopeptidase
- NERV for nerve (contextual)
- NES for not elsewhere specified
- NG for nasogastric
- NGT for nasogastric tube
- NGTD for no growth to date
- NGU for nongonococcal urethritis
- NH for nursing home
- NHL for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- NHW for non-healing wound
- NICMP for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
- NICU for neonatal intensive care unit
- NIDDM for non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- NIF for negative inspiratory force
- NIPPV for nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation
- NIR for near-infrared spectroscopy
- NKA for no known allergies
- NKDA for no known drug allergies
- NK for natural killer (cells)
- NL for normal
- NLP for no light perception
- NMR for nuclear magnetic resonance
- NMS for neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- NM for nuclear medicine
- NOMI for nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia
- NMT for neuromuscular therapy
- NOB for new obstetric patient
- NOF for neck of femur fracture
- NO for nitric oxide
- NOS for not otherwise specified / nitric oxide synthase (context)
- NPA for nasopharyngeal aspirate
- NPC for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- NP for nurse practitioner
- NPE for neuropsychological evaluation
- NPH for normal pressure hydrocephalus
- NPO for nil per os (nothing by mouth)
- NPDR for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- NPPV for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
- NPT for neuropsychiatric testing
- NPTAC for no previous tracing available for comparison
- NPV for negative predictive value
- NRB for non-rebreather mask
- NRBC for nucleated red blood cell
- NREM for non–rapid eye movement
- NRT for nicotine replacement therapy
- NS for normal saline
- NSA for no significant abnormality
- NSAID for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- NSBB for non-selective beta blocker
- NSCLC for non–small cell lung carcinoma
- NSCC for non–squamous-cell carcinoma
- NSD for normal spontaneous delivery / no significant defect
- NSE for neurospecific enolase
- NSIP for non-specific interstitial pneumonia
- NSR for normal sinus rhythm
- NSU for nonspecific urethritis
- NSVD for normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
- NT for not tested
- NTD for neural tube defect
- NTBS for needs to be seen
- NTG for nitroglycerin
- NTT for nasotracheal tube
- NTX for N-telopeptide
- NTS for nucleus tractus solitarii
- NVD for normal vaginal delivery
- NVD/C for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- NVI for neurovascularly intact
- NVID for neurovascularly intact distally
- NWB for non-weight-bearing
- NYD for not yet diagnosed
- NYHA for New York Heart Association
- N&V or n/v for nausea and vomiting
- NNT for number needed to treat
- NNH for number needed to harm
- NFR for not for resuscitation
- NTP for nortriptyline
- NTPA for nucleoside triphosphatase
- NVD for normal vaginal delivery
- NYHA for New York Heart Association
- n/t for numbness and tingling
- NVI for neurovascularly intact
- nu for in each nostril
Medical Abbreviations With O
- O for nothing / zero (contextual)
- O₂ for oxygen
- OA for osteoarthritis
- OB for obstetrics
- OCD for obsessive–compulsive disorder
- OCG for oral cholecystogram
- OCP for oral contraceptive pill
- O/E for on examination
- OE for otitis externa
- OGTT for oral glucose tolerance test
- OHL for oral hairy leukoplakia
- OHS for obesity hypoventilation syndrome
- Oint for ointment
- OM for otitis media
- OME for otitis media with effusion
- O/N for overnight
- OOB for out of bed
- OP for outpatient
- OPD for outpatient department
- OPV for outpatient visit
- OR for operating room
- ORIF for open reduction and internal fixation
- ORSA for oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Osm for osmolarity
- OT for occupational therapy
- OTC for over-the-counter (drug)
- OTD for out the door
- OTPP for oriented to time, place, and person
- OTTR for organ transplant tracking record
- OU for both eyes (oculus uterque)
- OD for right eye (oculus dexter)
- OS for left eye (oculus sinister)
- OV for office visit
- oz for ounce
Medical Abbreviations With P
- P for parturition (labor)
- PA for posteroanterior (X-ray view)
- PAF for platelet-activating factor
- PAH for pulmonary arterial hypertension
- PAI-1 for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
- PAL for posterior axillary line
- PAN for polyarteritis nodosa
- PAP / Pap for Papanicolaou test or stain (Pap smear)
- PAPP-A for pregnancy-associated plasma protein A
- PARA I / II for indicating number of live births (one/two children)
- PAT for paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
- PBC for primary biliary cirrhosis
- PBX for probiotics
- PCA for patient-controlled analgesia
- PCD for postconcussional disorder
- PCNSL for primary central nervous system lymphoma
- PCNL for percutaneous nephrolithotomy
- PCO for polycystic ovary
- PCOS for polycystic ovarian syndrome
- PCP for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia / primary care provider
- PCV for packed cell volume
- PCWP for pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
- PCa for prostate cancer
- PCN for penicillin
- PCT for progesterone challenge test / procalcitonin (contextual)
- PD for Parkinson’s disease
- PDD for premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- PDE for phosphodiesterase
- PDGF for platelet-derived growth factor
- PDVT for postoperative deep-vein thrombosis
- PE for pulmonary embolism / physical exam (context)
- PEA for pulseless electrical activity
- PEB for cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin regimen
- PEEP for positive end-expiratory pressure
- PEF / PEFR for peak expiratory flow / rate
- PEG for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
- PEM for protein–energy malnutrition
- PEP for post-exposure prophylaxis
- PERLA / PERRL / PERRLA for pupil reaction and accommodation tests
- PERM for progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus
- PES for pharyngo-esophageal segment
- PFT for pulmonary function test
- PFO for patent foramen ovale
- PGCS for paediatric Glasgow coma scale
- PH for pulmonary hypertension
- PHG for portal hypertensive gastropathy
- PHN for postherpetic neuralgia
- PHQ for patient health questionnaire
- PHx for past history
- PI for present illness
- PIH for pregnancy-induced hypertension
- PID for pelvic inflammatory disease
- PKD for polycystic kidney disease
- PLT for platelets
- PMB for postmenopausal bleeding
- PMDD for premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- PMN for polymorphonuclear leukocytes
- PMS for premenstrual syndrome
- PN for parenteral nutrition / percussion note
- PNM for perinatal mortality
- PND for paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- POC for products of conception / point of care
- POD for postoperative day(s)
- PO₂ for partial pressure of oxygen
- PaCO₂ for partial pressure of carbon dioxide
- POT for plan of treatment
- PPD for packs per day / purified protein derivative
- PPF for posterior pharyngeal flap
- PPROM for preterm prelabor rupture of membranes
- PPTCT for prevention of parent-to-child transmission
- PPV for positive predictive value
- PRIND for prolonged reversible ischemic neurologic deficit
- PRES for posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
- PROM for prelabor rupture of membranes
- PROV for provisional / provocative test
- PSC for primary sclerosing cholangitis
- PSVT for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
- PT for prothrombin time / physical therapy
- PTL for preterm labor
- PTO for please turn over
- PUBS for percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
- PUO for pyrexia of unknown origin
- PUVA for psoralen plus ultraviolet A
- PVD for peripheral vascular disease
- PVS for persistent vegetative state
- PWP for pulmonary wedge pressure
- PXR for pelvic X-ray
- Px for prognosis / past history
- PRN for as needed (pro re nata)
Medical Abbreviations With Q
- q for each / every
- qh / q.h. for every hour
- q2h / q4h for every 2 hours / every 4 hours
- q6h for every 6 hours
- q15 for every 15 minutes
- q.o.h. for every other hour
- qd / q.d. for every day
- qod / q.o.d. / q.a.d. for every other day
- q2wk for every 2 weeks
- q.wk. for every week / per week
- q.m.t. for every month
- q.n. / q.h.s. / qhs for every night / at bedtime
- qAM / q.AM for every day before noon (morning)
- qAc for before every meal
- qid / q.i.d. / q.d.s. for four times a day
- QNS / qns for quantity not sufficient
- qs / q.s. for a sufficient quantity / as much as suffices
- qt for quart
- q.l. for as much as you like (quantum libet)
- q.v. for which see (quod vide)
- QALY for quality-adjusted life year
- QIDS for Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms
- QOF for Quality and Outcomes Framework
Medical Abbreviations With R
- R for respiration
- RA for rheumatoid arthritis / room air / refractory anemia (context)
- RAD for reflex anal dilatation
- RAE for right atrial enlargement
- RAI for radioactive iodine
- RAIU for radioactive iodine uptake
- RAS for renal artery stenosis
- RATLH for robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy
- RATVH for radical total vaginal hysterectomy
- RBBB for right bundle branch block
- RBC for red blood cell
- RBE for relative biological effectiveness
- RCA for right coronary artery
- RCC for renal cell carcinoma
- RCR for rotator cuff repair
- RCT for randomized controlled trial
- RD for retinal detachment
- RDS for respiratory distress syndrome
- RDW for red cell distribution width
- REI for reproductive endocrinology and infertility
- REM for rapid eye movement
- RF for rheumatoid factor
- RFA for radiofrequency ablation
- RFLP for restriction fragment length polymorphism
- RFT / RFTs for renal function test(s)
- RHC for right heart catheterization
- RHD for rheumatic heart disease
- RIBA for radioimmunoblotting assay
- RIA for radioimmunoassay
- RIF for rifampin
- RIMA for reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A
- RIND for reversible ischemic neurologic deficit
- RLE for right lower extremity
- RLL for right lower lobe
- RLN for regional lymph node
- RLQ for right lower quadrant
- RL for Ringer’s lactate
- RML for right middle lobe
- RMS for rhabdomyosarcoma
- RMSF for Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- RNB for radionuclide ventriculography
- RNA for ribonucleic acid
- RNP for ribonucleoprotein
- RNY for Roux-en-Y anastomosis
- ROA for right occipital anterior
- R/O for rule out
- ROH for removal of hardware
- ROM for range of motion
- ROP for right occipital posterior
- ROS for review of systems
- ROSC for return of spontaneous circulation
- ROW for rest of the week
- RPGN for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
- RPLND for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
- RPR for rapid plasma reagin test
- RR for respiratory rate / recovery room
- RRMS for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- RRR for regular rate and rhythm
- RSB for right sternal border
- RS cell for Reed–Sternberg cell
- RTA for renal tubular acidosis / road traffic accident
- RTI for respiratory tract infection
- RT-PCR for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
- RTS for revised trauma score
- RT for radiotherapy
- RTV for ritonavir
- RUQ for right upper quadrant
- RUE for right upper extremity
- RV for residual volume / right ventricle (context)
- RVAD for right ventricular assist device
- RVF for right ventricular failure
- RVH for right ventricular hypertrophy
- RVR for rapid ventricular rate
- RVSP for right ventricular systolic pressure
- RVT for renal vein thrombosis
- RXN for reaction
- Rx / ℞ for prescription / treatment / remedy
- RW for rolling walker
- RICE for rest, ice, compression, elevation
Medical Abbreviations With S
- S₁ / S₂ for first / second heart sound
- SaO₂ for arterial oxygen saturation
- SpO₂ for peripheral oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry)
- SBAR for situation, background, assessment, recommendation
- SBE for subacute bacterial endocarditis
- SBP for systolic blood pressure
- SC for subcutaneous / spinal cord (context)
- SLE for systemic lupus erythematosus
- SOB for shortness of breath
- SR for sinus rhythm / slow release (context)
- SSS for sick sinus syndrome
- STEMI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction
- SV for stroke volume / seminal vesicle (context)
- SVT for supraventricular tachycardia
- Sx for symptoms
- SEM for standard error of the mean
- SOL for space-occupying lesion
- SBO for small bowel obstruction
- SVC for superior vena cava
- S/S for signs and symptoms
- SAH for subarachnoid hemorrhage
- SLNB for sentinel lymph node biopsy
- SVN for small volume nebulizer
- SCA for spinocerebellar ataxia
- SCZ for schizophrenia
- SAR for seasonal allergic rhinitis
- STS for serological test for syphilis
- SA for sinoatrial node
- SAAG for serum–ascites albumin gradient
- SAD for seasonal affective disorder
- SAPS II / III for simplified acute physiology score (II/III)
- SB for small bowel
- SBFT for small bowel follow-through
- SBMA for spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
- SBR for serum bilirubin
- SBS for short bowel syndrome
- SBRT for split beam radiation therapy
- SCAT for sex cord tumor with annular tubes
- SCD for sequential compression device / sickle cell disease (context)
- SCI for spinal cord injury
- SCID for severe combined immunodeficiency
- SCIWORA for spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality
- SCLC for small cell lung cancer
- SCT for sacrococcygeal tumor / stem cell transplant (context)
- SCC for squamous cell carcinoma
- S.D. / SD for standard deviation / subdermal (context)
- SDH for subdural hematoma
- SDTI for suspected deep tissue injury
- SEE for syphilis elimination effort
- Segs for segmented neutrophils (cells)
- SE for standard error
- SERM for selective estrogen receptor modulator
- SERT for serotonin transporter
- SFA for superficial femoral artery
- SG for specific gravity
- SG cath for Swan–Ganz catheter
- SGA for small for gestational age
- SGOT / SGPT for serum glutamic oxaloacetic / pyruvic transaminase
- SH for social history
- SHx for surgical history
- SHBG for sex hormone-binding globulin
- SHPT for secondary hyperparathyroidism
- SIDS for sudden infant death syndrome
- SI for International System of Units
- SIADH for syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
- SIRS for systemic inflammatory response syndrome
- SIV for simian immunodeficiency virus
- SJS for Stevens–Johnson syndrome
- SLEV for St. Louis encephalitis virus
- SLN for sublingual nitroglycerin / sentinel lymph node (context)
- SLP for speech-language pathologist
- SLR for straight leg raise
- SMA / SMA-6 / SMA-7 for serum metabolic assays / sequential multiple analysis panels
- SM for multiple sclerosis / smooth muscle (context)
- SMN for statement of medical necessity
- SMT for spinal manipulative therapy
- SMV for superior mesenteric vein
- SMS for senior medical student
- SN for student nurse
- SNB for sentinel node biopsy
- SNF for skilled nursing facility
- SNRI for serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
- SNP for sodium nitroprusside / single nucleotide polymorphism (context)
- SNV for Sin Nombre virus
- SO for salpingo-oophoritis
- SOA for swelling of ankles
- SOBOE for shortness of breath on exertion
- SOOB for sit out of bed
- SOP for standard operating procedure / sterile ophthalmic preparation
- SOT for solid organ transplant
- SP for status post
- Spec for specimen
- SPE / SPEP for serum protein electrophoresis
- SPECT / SPET for single-photon emission computed / tomography
- SPS for single point stick
- SRS for stereotactic radiotherapy
- SRU for shock resuscitation unit
- SS for Sjogren’s syndrome
- SSA for Sjogren’s syndrome A antibody
- SSKI for potassium iodide solution
- SSL for superficial spreading lentigo
- SSPE for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
- SSRI for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- SSSI for skin and skin structure infection
- SSSS for staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
- ST for sore throat / sinus tachycardia (context)
- STAC for scaffolding theory of cognitive aging
- STEC for Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli
- STH for somatotropic hormone
- STI / STD for sexually transmitted infection / disease
- STOP for surgical termination of pregnancy
- STN for subthalamic nucleus
- STNR for symmetrical tonic neck reflex
- STX for streptococcus toxin
- SUD for substance use disorder
- Supp for suppository
- SUV for standardized uptake value
- SVI for systemic viral infection
- SVR for systemic vascular resistance
- SVE for sterile vaginal examination
- SVD for spontaneous vaginal delivery
- SVG for saphenous vein graft
- SW for Sturge–Weber syndrome
Medical Abbreviations With T
- T for thoracic vertebrae
- T&A for tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy
- TAB for therapeutic abortion / threatened abortion
- TA for temporal arteritis
- TAH for total abdominal hysterectomy
- TAP for trypsinogen activation peptide
- TAPVR for total anomalous pulmonary venous return
- TAT for turnaround time / thematic apperception test
- TAVI for transcatheter aortic valve implantation
- TB for tuberculosis
- TBI for to be intubated / traumatic brain injury (context)
- TBLC for term birth living child
- TBS for total body surface (burns)
- TBSA for total body surface area (burns)
- TCA for tricyclic antidepressant
- T&C for type and cross-match
- TCT for thrombin clotting time
- TC for traffic crash / total cholesterol (context)
- TCC for transitional cell carcinoma
- TCH for thyroid carcinoma, Hurthle type (context)
- TCL for total cell lymphocyte count
- TCO₂ for total carbon dioxide
- TCN for tetracycline
- TCOM for transcutaneous oxygen measurement
- TCP for thrombocytopenia
- TCR for T-cell receptor
- TCT for thrombin clotting time
- Td for tetanus and diphtheria
- TDaP for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis
- TD for tardive dyskinesia / transdermal (context)
- TDS / tid for three times a day
- TEC for transient erythroblastopenia of childhood
- TEB for thoracic electrical bioimpedance
- TEE / TOE for transesophageal / transoesophageal echocardiogram
- TEF for tracheoesophageal fistula
- TEM for transmission electron microscopy
- TEN for toxic epidermal necrolysis
- TE for tracheoesophageal / toxoplasmic encephalitis
- TF for transfer
- TFR for tumor volume to fetal weight ratio
- TFTs for thyroid function tests
- TGF for tumor growth factor
- Tg for thyroglobulin
- TGV / TGA for transposition of the great vessels / great arteries
- THR for total hip replacement
- TIA for transient ischemic attack
- TIBC for total iron-binding capacity
- TI for terminal ileum
- TIN for tubulointerstitial nephritis
- TIPS for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
- TKO / TKVO for to keep open (IV) / to keep vein open
- TKA / TKR for total knee arthroplasty / replacement
- TLA for three-letter acronym
- TLC for total lung capacity / total lymphocyte count
- TLH for total laparoscopic hysterectomy
- TLR for tonic labyrinthine reflex
- TLS for tumor lysis syndrome
- TM for tympanic membrane
- TMJ for temporomandibular joint
- TME for total mesorectal excision / toxic metabolic encephalopathy
- TNG for trinitroglycerin
- TNM for tumor-nodes-metastases
- TNTC for too numerous to count
- TOA for tubo-ovarian abscess
- TOC for test of cure
- TOD for transoesophageal Doppler
- TOE for transoesophageal echocardiogram
- TOF for tetralogy of Fallot
- TOP for termination of pregnancy
- TOT for transobturator tape / to take out (context)
- TP for total protein
- TPO for thrombopoietin
- TPN for total parenteral nutrition
- TPR for temperature, pulse, respiration / total peripheral resistance (context)
- TR for tricuspid regurgitation
- TRAM for transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap
- TRAP for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
- TRF / TRF’d for transfer / transferred
- TRH for thyrotropin-releasing hormone
- TRT for testosterone replacement therapy
- TRUSP for transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate
- TRUS for transrectal ultrasound
- TRV for tricuspid regurgitant velocity
- TS for tricuspid stenosis
- TSA for total shoulder arthroplasty / thyroid-stimulating antibody (context)
- TSC for tuberous sclerosis complex
- TSE for testicular self-exam
- TSH / TSI / TSHR-Ab for thyroid-stimulating hormone / immunoglobulin / receptor antibody
- TSI for thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin
- TSS for toxic shock syndrome
- TSTH / T.S.T.H. for too sick to send home
- TTC for trying to conceive
- TT / TdT for tetanus toxoid / terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
- TTP for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- TTG for tissue transglutaminase
- TTN for transient tachypnea of the newborn
- TTTS for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
- TUIP for transurethral incision of the prostate
- TUMT for transurethral microwave thermotherapy
- TUNA for transurethral needle ablation of the prostate
- TURBT / TURP for transurethral resection of bladder tumor / prostate
- TTV for total tidal volume (context)
- TV / TVH / TVT for tricuspid valve / transvaginal hysterectomy / tension-free vaginal tape
- TVC for true vocal cord
- TVO for total visual occlusion (context)
- TWOC for trial without catheter
- TXA for tranexamic acid
- Tx / Txp for treatment / transport
- Tsp for teaspoon
- TTR for transthyretin
- Tu for tumor
Medical Abbreviations With U
- U/A for upon arrival
- U&A for urinalysis and assessment
- UA for unstable angina
- UAE for uterine artery embolization
- UBT for urea breath test
- UC for ulcerative colitis
- UCx for urine culture
- UCHD for usual childhood diseases
- UCTD for undifferentiated connective tissue disease
- UD for as directed (ut dictum)
- UDS for urine drug screening
- UE for upper extremity
- U&E for urea and electrolytes
- UFE for uterine fibroid embolization
- UGI for upper gastrointestinal
- UIP for usual interstitial pneumonitis
- ULN for upper limit of normal
- Ung for ointment (unguentum)
- UNK / Unk for unknown
- UNOS for United Network for Organ Sharing
- UO / UOP for urinary output
- UOSM for urine osmolality
- UPO for until proven otherwise
- UPJ for ureteropelvic junction
- UPT for urine pregnancy test
- URA for unilateral renal agenesis
- URD for unrelated donor
- URI for upper respiratory infection
- URTI for upper respiratory tract infection
- URS for ureteroscopy
- US for ultrasound / ultrasonogram
- USG for ultrasonography
- USO for unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- USOH for usual state of health
- USP for United States Pharmacopeia
- USS for ultrasound scan
- USR for unheated serum reagin
- U/S for ultrasound
- UUA for urinalysis
- UUS for upper uterine segment
- UVAL for ultraviolet argon laser
- UV for ultraviolet
- UVB for ultraviolet B
- UVC for ultraviolet C
- U/S for ultrasound
- USA for unstable angina
- VO₂ max for maximal oxygen uptake
Medical Abbreviations With V
- vCJD for variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
- VA for visual acuity
- VAC for vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide
- VAD for ventricular assist device
- VAF for vascular access fistula
- VAI for vincristine, actinomycin D, and ifosfamide
- VAG / Vag for vaginal
- VBAC for vaginal birth after caesarean
- VBG for venous blood gas
- VCH for vocal cord hemorrhage (context)
- VC for vital capacity
- VCUG for voiding cystourethrogram
- VD for vaginal delivery / venereal disease (context)
- VDRF for ventilator-dependent respiratory failure
- VDRL for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (test)
- VED for vacuum erection device
- VEE for Venezuelan equine encephalitis
- VEEG for video electroencephalogram
- VE for vaginal examination
- VET for veterinary
- VF for ventricular fibrillation
- VFSS for videofluoroscopic swallow study
- VH for visual hallucinations
- VHD for valvular heart disease
- VHL for Von Hippel–Lindau disease
- VIN for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
- VIP for vasoactive intestinal peptide
- VIR for vascular interventional radiology
- VL for visceral leishmaniasis
- VLBW for very-low birth weight
- VLDL for very-low-density lipoprotein
- VMA for vanillylmandelic acid
- VNPI for Van Nuys prognostic scoring index
- VOC for vaso-occlusive crisis
- VO for verbal order
- VOD for volume of distribution
- VPA for valproic acid
- VPAP for variable positive airway pressure
- VPB for ventricular premature beat
- VPC for ventricular premature contraction
- VPI for velopharyngeal insufficiency
- V/Q for ventilation/perfusion ratio or scan
- VRSA for vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- VRE for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
- VSD for ventricular septal defect
- VSR for ventricular septal rupture
- VS for vital signs
- VSS for vital signs stable
- VTEC for verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli
- VTE for venous thromboembolism
- VUR for vesicoureteral reflux
- VWD for ventral wall defect
- VWF for Von Willebrand factor
- VZIG for varicella zoster immune globulin
- VZV for varicella zoster virus
Medical Abbreviations With W
- WNL for within normal limits
- WAIS for Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
- WG for Wegener’s granulomatosis
- WOI for without incident
- WEE for Western equine encephalitis (virus)
- WBC for white blood cell
- WASP for Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein
- WM for white matter
- WLS for weight loss surgery
- WBI for whole bowel irrigation
- WISC-R for Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised
- WN for well nourished
- WAP for wandering atrial pacemaker
- WAS for Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome
- wt for weight
- WC for white cells
- WPW for Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome
- WNL for within normal limits
- WAIS for Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
- WG for Wegener’s granulomatosis
- WOI for without incident
- WEE for Western equine encephalitis virus
- WBC for white blood cell
- WASP for Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein
- WM for white matter
- WLS for Weight Loss Surgery
- WBI for whole bowel irrigation
- WISC-R for Wechsler intelligence scale for children revised
- WN for well nourished
- WAP for wandering atrial pacemaker
- WAS for Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome
- wt for weight
- WC for white cells
- WPW for Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome
- W/O for without
- WH for well hydrated
- WS for Waardenburg syndrome
- W/C for wheelchair
- WMA for wall motion abnormality
- WD for well developed
- WAT for white adipose tissue
- WOB for Work Of Breathing
- WDL for within defined limits
- w/u for Workup
- WLE for Wide local excision
- WBAT for weight bearing as tolerated
- WDWN for well developed and well nourished
- WBRT for whole-brain radiotherapy treatment
Medical Abbreviations With X
- x̄ for except
- XRT for radiotherapy (cancer treatment)
- X-AFP for extended alpha-fetoprotein
- XR for extended release
- X-ray for radiograph / radiography
Medical Abbreviations With Y
- y / yr for year or years
- YO / y.o. for years old
- YST for yolk sac tumor
- YPLL for years of potential life lost
Medical Abbreviations With Z
- ZD for zinc deficiency
- ZIFT for zygote intrafallopian transfer
- ZDV for zidovudine
- ZES for Zollinger–Ellison syndrome
- ZMC for zygomatico-maxillary complex
- Zn for zinc