Medical Abbreviations
Here are some common Medical abbreviation
Abbreviation | Stands for | More information |
ABG | Arterial blood gas | Arterial blood gas (ABG) is a test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as other blood gas parameters, in arterial blood. |
AC | Antecubital | The antecubital region refers to the inner part of the elbow. |
ACL | Anterior cruciate ligament | The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament in the knee joint that helps to stabilize the knee and prevent excessive forward movement of the tibia (shin bone). |
ADHD | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. |
AIDS | Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome | AIDS is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that attacks the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and certain types of cancer. |
AKA | Above knee amputation | “Above knee amputation” is a surgical procedure that involves removing the leg above the knee joint. |
ALP | Alkaline phosphatase | Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate esters in an alkaline environment. |
ALT | Alanine aminotransferase | Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found predominantly in liver cells that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to alpha-ketoglutarate, producing pyruvate and glutamate. |
AMA | Against medical advice | “Against medical advice” refers to a situation where a patient leaves a healthcare facility or refuses medical treatment despite being advised otherwise by healthcare professionals. |
AMI | Acute myocardial infarction | Acute myocardial infarction is a medical condition commonly known as a heart attack, which occurs due to the interruption of blood flow to a part of the heart, leading to damage or death of heart muscle tissue. |
AP | Anteroposterior | Anteroposterior refers to the direction or measurement from the front to the back of an object or organism. |
ARDS | Acute respiratory distress syndrome | Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition that causes difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs. |
ASAP | As soon as possible | “As soon as possible” can be described as ASAP, meaning without delay or at the earliest opportunity. |
BID | Twice daily | “Twice daily” means something that should be done or taken two times a day. |
BUN | Blood urea nitrogen | Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product of protein metabolism. |
BPD | Bipolar disorder | Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. |
BP | Blood pressure | Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries during circulation. |
BPH | Benign prostatic hyperplasia | Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men, often causing urinary symptoms. |
BRBPR | Bright red blood per rectum | Bright red blood per rectum refers to the passage of fresh, red blood from the rectum, typically indicating lower gastrointestinal bleeding. |
BS | Bowel sounds | Bowel sounds refer to the sounds produced by the abdomen(bowel) when there is passage of food through it. |
BSA | Body surface area | Body surface area refers to the total surface area that the human body has. |
BT | Bleeding time | Bleeding time refers to the time taken for platelet plug formation or time taken for stoppage of bleeding |
CAD | Coronary artery disease | Coronary artery diseases refer to the diseases causes due to the damage in major blood vessels of the heart. |
CAH | Congenital adrenal hyperplasia | Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a congenital or birth defect resulting in limited production of hormones by the adrenal glands |
CAT | Computed axial tomography | Computed axial tomography is an investigation procedure in which computer and X-ray are linked to give detailed picture of various areas of human body. |
CBC | Complete blood count | Complete blood count(CBC) is a test done to get information on the count of RBC, WBC, platelets in blood. |
CCU | Coronary care unit | Coronary care unit(CCU) is a specialised ward particularly for patients with serious health conditions like heart attack. |
CHF | Congestive heart failure | Congestive heart failure is a cardiac condition in which the heart fails to supply adequate amount of blood to the organs and tissues. |
CNS | Central nervous system | Central nervous system comprises of the brain and the spinal cord and is one of the two nervous systems in human body. |
COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis in which there is obstruction in the airflow and difficult in breathing. |
CPAP | Continuous positive airway pressure | CPAP refers to continuous positive airway pressure in which positive pressure is given in the airways in order to maintain the airways pressure. |
CPR | Cardiopulmonary resuscitation | Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a life saving emergency procedure to help maintain breathing and heartbeat of the patient. |
C&S | Culture and sensitivity | Culture and sensitivity is a microbiological test which comprises of both isolation of potential harmful microbes and sensitivity testing. |
CT | Computed tomography | Computed tomography is an investigation procedure which gives a detailed picture of structures in human body using special X-ray. |
D&C | Dilatation and curettage | D&C comprises of cervix dilation and removal of contents or parts of uterus surgically. |
DNR | Do not resuscitate | It is an instruction that the healthcare workers should avoid using CPR in the patient if in case the patients stops breathing. |
DOB | Date of birth | It is the exact date when a person is born. |
DOE | Dyspnea on exertion | Dyspnea on exertion is shortness of breath and inability to breathe properly during physical activities. |
DVT | Deep vein thrombosis | Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where there is formation of blood clot also known as thrombosis in the deep veins of body. This is usually present in legs. |
ECG or EKG | Electrocardiogram | An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a cardiac test that helps in measuring the overall electric actually of heart. |
ED | Emergency department | It is the department of emergency present in every hospitals where critical and urgent patients are taken care of. |
EENT | Eye, ear, nose, and throat | EENT is the study of eye, ear, nose and throat |
ENT | Ear, nose, and throat | It is a subject that deals with ear, nose and throat. |
EOM | Extraocular movements | All the movements done by the extra ocular muscles of eyes are termed as extra ocular movements |
FBS | Fasting blood sugar | Fasting blood sugar is a blood test done to know the sugar level in blood after fasting overnight. |
FFP | Fresh frozen plasma | Fresh frozen plasma is a blood product which is formed by the liquid part of blood and is used in the treatment of conditions with low protein levels of blood or in which there is decreased amount of blood clotting factors. |
FSH | Follicle-stimulating hormone | Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone released in response of the GnRH. Anterior pituitary produces it. |
GERD | Gastroesophageal reflux disease | It is a chronic condition in which stomach acid or bile leaks into feeding tube and irritates the mucous membrane. |
GI | Gastrointestinal | It refers to the parts or organs present in the gastric and intestinal region |
GTT | Glucose tolerance test | GTT is a test done to check how fast does the glucose come out of the blood. |
Hb | Hemoglobin | Hemoglobin is a protein present in the Red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen from lungs to the tissues. |
Hct | Hematocrit | Hematocrit count is the total percentage of red blood cells by volume in the body. |
HDL | High-density lipoprotein | HDL, also known as good cholesterol is a lipid molecule that takes cholesterol back to the liver from blood. |
HEENT | Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat | It is a study that deals with head, eyes, ears, nose and throat. |
HIV | Human immunodeficiency virus | HIV is an immunodeficiency virus responsible for causing AIDS. |
I&D | Incision and drainage | It is a procedure in which incision is made and the content inside is drained out. |
IBS | Irritable bowel syndrome | It is a syndrome in which there is pain in the stomach along with constipation, diarrhoea |
ICU | Intensive care unit | ICU is the special ward in hospitals that take care of very critical patients. |
IDDM | Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus | Type-1 diabetes Mellitus is known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus |
IHD | Ischemic heart disease | Cardiac disease occuring due to ischemia or damage to the blood vessels supplying heart. |
IM | Intramuscular | Intramuscular refers inside the muscle. |
INR | International normalized ratio | INR test is another name given for Prothrombin time test that helps is checking the extrinsic as well as common coagulation pathways. |
IUD | Intrauterine device | IUD is a device that are often of T shape and placed inside the uterus to avoid pregnancy. |
JCAHO | Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations | JCAHO is a USA based non-profit organisation that conducts various health programs in it’s respective country. |
KUB | Kidneys, ureters, bladder | Associated with kidneys, ureters as well as bladder. |
L&D | Labor and delivery | Labor and birth are the process comprising child birth in which uterine contractions take place. |
LBP | Low back pain | Low back pain is a painful condition generally affecting the lower portion of the spine. |
LDL | Low-density lipoprotein | Low-density lipoprotein is the bad cholesterol that increases the chances of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. |
LFT | Liver function test | LFT comprises of blood tests that check the levels of various substances released by the liver. |
LMP | Last menstrual period | Last menstrual period is the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period before she fell pregnant. |
LOS | Length of stay | Length of stay is the duration between a patient’s admission in a hospital and his/her discharge from the hospital. |
MAC | Mycobacterium avium complex | Mycobacterium avium complex is a group of mycobacteria that infect humans. |
MI | Myocardial infarction | Myocardial infarction is a medical emergency also known as heart attack in which there is obstruction to the blood flow to the cardiac muscles. |
MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging | MRI is a radiological technique to image various anatomical as well as physiological processes of human body. |
MS | Multiple sclerosis | Multiple sclerosis is a immune-mediated disease in which the protective covering of nerves get destroyed that leads in loss of communication between brain and the body. |
MSK | Musculoskeletal | Musculoskeletal system comprises of bones, tendons, cartilage, connective tissues as well as ligaments. |
MTX | Methotrexate | Methotrexate is an anti-metabolite drug used to slow down the growth of cancerous cells in body. |
NICU | Neonatal intensive care unit | NICU is a specialised ward in hospitals that take care of sick babies. |
NPO | Nil per os (nothing by mouth) | Nil per os means nothing to be eaten or drunk by mouth. |
NSAID | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug | NSAIDS are the group of drugs that are used to reduce inflammation, pain and fever. |
OB/GYN | Obstetrics and gynecology | Obstetrics and gynaecology is a medical speciality dealing with these two aspects of female reproductive system. |
OD | Once daily | OD dosing refers to taking the drug once daily. |
OR | Operating room | Operating room is a specialised room in hospitals consisting all essential equipment where the patients are operated. |
OTC | Over-the-counter | Over-the-counter group of medicine are the medicines that you can purchase without prescription. |
P | Pulse | Pulse refers to the number of heart beats in a minute. |
PA | Physician assistant | Physician assistant are healthcare service providers that work under the supervision of physicians. |
PACU | Post-anesthesia care unit | It is a specialised unit in hospitals where the patients after receiving anaesthesia are sent to recover from the effects of anaesthesia. |
PCP | Primary care physician | A primary care physician is a person who helps you maintain a good health and whom you can talk about your health issues given that it’s not a serious condition. |
PD | Parkinson’s disease | Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous diseases in which there is decrease in the level of dopamine. |
PERRLA | Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation | PERRLA is a pupillary test to check if the structure and function of pupil are normal or not. |
PET | Positron emission tomography | A medical imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to produce detailed images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. |
PID | Pelvic inflammatory disease | An infection of the female reproductive organs, usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. |
PMH | Past medical history | A record of a patient’s previous illnesses, surgeries, and medical treatments. |
PMS | Premenstrual syndrome | A combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to a woman’s menstrual period. |
PO | By mouth | A method of administering medication or other substances through the mouth, typically in the form of pills, capsules, or liquids. |
PRN | As needed | Used to indicate that a medication or treatment should be taken only when necessary. |
PT | Physical therapy | Treatment aimed at improving or restoring physical function through exercise, massage, and other techniques. |
PT/INR | Prothrombin time/international normalized ratio | A blood test used to evaluate the time it takes for blood to clot and to monitor the effectiveness of blood-thinning medication. |
PUD | Peptic ulcer disease | A condition in which sores develop in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. |
QD | Every day | Occurring or done on a daily basis. |
QID | Four times a day | Referring to a medication regimen with four doses administered in a 24-hour period, approximately every 6 hours. |
QOD | Every other day | Occurring every second day or on alternate days. |
RBC | Red blood cell | A type of blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the body. |
REM | Rapid eye movement | A stage of sleep characterized by fast, jerky eye movements and vivid dreams. |
RICE | Rest, ice, compression, elevation | A treatment protocol for acute injuries, aiming to reduce pain and swelling. |
RSV | Respiratory syncytial virus | A common virus that causes respiratory infections, particularly in young children. |
RX | Prescription | A written or electronic order from a healthcare provider for medication, treatment or device. |
SARS | Severe acute respiratory syndrome | A viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV virus. |
SIDS | Sudden infant death syndrome | Unexpected death of a seemingly healthy infant under 1 year of age, usually during sleep. |
SL | Sublingual | Under the tongue. |
SLE | Systemic lupus erythematosus | A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues in the body, causing inflammation and damage. |
SOAP | Subjective, objective, assessment, plan | A standard format used in medical documentation to organize a patient’s history, physical examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan. |
SOB | Shortness of breath | Difficulty breathing, characterized by a feeling of suffocation or air hunger. |
STD | Sexually transmitted disease | Infections that spread through sexual contact, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. |
Sx | Symptoms | Physical or mental changes indicating a disease or condition. |
T&A | Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy | Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids to treat recurrent infections or breathing problems. |
TIA | Transient ischemic attack | A temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within 24 hours. |
TIBC | Total iron-binding capacity | A blood test that measures the amount of iron that can be bound by proteins in the blood. |
TKO | To keep open | Refers to keeping an intravenous line open with a saline solution to prevent clotting. |
TPN | Total parenteral nutrition | A method of providing nutrition through intravenous route when the digestive system is unable to function. |
TSH | Thyroid-stimulating hormone | A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. |
Tx | Treatment | The management and care provided to alleviate, cure or prevent illness or disease. |
UA | Urinalysis | A diagnostic test that examines urine to evaluate health conditions and detect possible abnormalities. |
UC | Ulcerative colitis | A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum, causing ulcers and inflammation. |
URI | Upper respiratory infection | An infection of the respiratory system that affects the nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx. |
UTI | Urinary tract infection | An infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. |
VA | Visual acuity | The ability of the eye to distinguish details and shapes of objects at a given distance. |
VDRL | Venereal Disease Research Laboratory | A blood test used to diagnose syphilis. |
VF | Ventricular fibrillation | A condition in which the heart’s electrical activity becomes chaotic, causing the ventricles to quiver instead of contracting properly. |
VIP | Vasoactive intestinal peptide | A hormone that regulates various biological processes, including blood flow and digestion. |
VLDL | Very low-density lipoprotein | A type of lipoprotein that carries triglycerides and other fats from the liver to various parts of the body, and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. |
VSS | Vital signs stable | A medical term used to describe a patient whose heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing are within normal ranges and not showing any signs of significant change. |
WBC | White blood cell | type of blood cell that helps fight infection and disease in the body. |
WHO | World Health Organization | A specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for international public health. |
XRT | Radiation therapy | Medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. |
YOB | Year of birth | The year in which a person is born. |