Medical Abbreviations Glossary
These medical abbreviations are commonly used in hospital, medical, and dental records. There are many others, rarely
used, and some doctors and hospitals create their own. If you cannot locate an abbreviation in this glossary, contact us
for assistance.
A ______________________________ alb. albumin
a artery, before alc. alcohol
aa equal part of each alk. phos. alkaline phosphate
AA affected area ALL acute lymphocytic leukemia
AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
A2 aortic second sound ALT alternating with, alanine aminotransferase
AAL acute lymphoblastic, leukemia,anterior (formerly SGPT)
axillary line AMA against medical advice
ab antibody amb. ambulating, ambulatory
AB abortion AMI acute myocardial infarction
abd abdomen AML acute myeloid leukemia
ABG arterial blood gasses amnio amniocentesis
ABN abnormal amp. amputation, ampule
ABP arterial blood pressure ANA antinuclear antibody
abs absent anes. anesthesia
a.c. before meals (ante sebum) ann. fib. annulus fibrosis
Ac acute ANS autonomic nervous system
AC anterior chamber ant. anterior
acc accident ante before
accom. accommodation ANUG acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
acid phos. acid phosphate Anxty anxiety
ACL anterior cruciate ligament A/O alert and oriented
ACTH adrenocorticotrophic hormone AOB alcohol on breath
AD right ear AODM adult onset diabetes mellitus
add. abductor or abduction AP ante partum
ADH antidiruetic hormone A&P auscultation and percussion
ADL activites of daily living A-P anteroposterior
ad lib as desired APC atrial premature contractions
adm. admission aph aphasia
AE above elbow A-P & lat anteroposterior and lateral
AEA above elbow amputation AP resection abdominal perineal resection of the rec-
AF atrial fibrillation, afebrile tum
AFB acid fast bacilli aq. water
AFO ankle-foot orthosis AR aortic regurgitation
AFP alpha fetoprotein ARD acute respiratory distress
A/G albumin globulin ratio (blood) ARDS adult respiratory distress syndrome
AGA appropriate gestational age ARF acute respiratory failure, acute rheumatic
AI aortic insufficiency fever
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AROM artificial rupture of membranes
AJ ankle jerk art arterial
a.k. above knee AS left ear,aortic stenosis
aka alcoholic ketoacidosis ASA acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin
AKA above knee amputation A.S.A. American Society of Anesthesiologists
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
A.S.A. 1 normal healthy patient BiW twice weekly
A.S.A. 2 patient with mild systemic disease BJ biceps reflex
A.S.A. 3 patient with severe systemic disease bk. back
A.S.A. 4 patient with incapacitating systemic dis- BK below knee
ease that is constant threat to life BKA below knee amputation
ASAP as soon as possible bl cult blood culture
ASCVD atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease bld. blood
ASD atrial septal defect Bl.T bleeding time
ASHD arteriosclerotic heart disease BM black male, bone marrow,
at. Flutter atrial flutter bowel movement
ATN acute tubular necrosis BMR basal metabolic rate
ATNR asymmetrical tonic neck reflex body wt. body weight
AU both ears BOMA otitis media, both ears,
aud. auditory acute
Aur. Fib auricular fibrillation BOW bag of water
A-V arteriovenous BP blood pressure
AVF arteriovenous fistula BPD bronchopulmonary dysplasia
AVR aortic valve replacement BPH benign prostatic hypertrophy
A&W alive and well BPM beats per minute
Ax. axilla, axillary Br. breech presentation
A.Z. Ascheim-Zondek test BR bedrest, bathroom
brach. brachial
B ______________________________ BrBx. breast biopsy
B. bath broncho bronchoscopy
BA barium BRP bathroom privileges
Bab. Babinski sign BS blood sugar, bowel sounds
Ba.E barium enema B.S. breath sounds
Bas. basal,basilar BSA body surface area
baso basophile BSB bedside bag
BBB bundle branch block BSC bedside commode
BBT basal body temperature BSD bedside drainage
BCA basal cell atypia BSO bilateral salpingooophorectomy
BCD basal cell dysplasia BST blood serologic test
BCE basal cell epithelioma BT bleeding time
BCG bacillus Calmette-Guerin BTL bilateral tubal ligation
vaccine (tuberculosis BUN blood urea nitrogen
vaccine) BW birth weight
BDC burn dressing change Bx. biopsy
BE below elbow, barium enema
BEA below elbow amputation C ______________________________
BFP biological false positive c. with
Bic. biceps C cervical, Caucasian
b.i.d. twice daily C. centigrade, Celsius complement
BIH bilateral inguinal hernia CI-XII 1st to 12th cranial nerve
bilat. Bilateral, bilaterally C-1 to C-7 cervical vertebrae
bili bilirubin Ca calcium
b.i.n. twice a night CA carcinoma, cancer
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
CABG coronary artery bypass graft CNS central nervous system
CAD coronary artery disease cnst. constipation
CAHD coronary atherosclerotic heart disease c/o complains of, complaints
Cal calorie, calories Co2 carbon dioxide
CAPD continuous ambulatory comb. combine, combination
peritoneal dialysis comm. communicable
Caps capsules comp. compound, compress
car. carotid conc. concentrated
card. cardiac cons. consultation
Card Cath cardiac catheterization cont. contractions, continued
CAT computerized axial COPD chronic obstructive
tomography pulmonary disease
cath catheterization, catheter Cor heart
CB Cesarean birth CPAP continuous positive
CBC complete blood count airway pressure
CBD common bile duct CPC clinicopathological conference
CBF cerebral blood flow CPD cephalo-pelvic disproportion
CBG capillary blood gas CPK creatinine phosphokinase
CBR complete bed rest CPPB continuous positive
cc. cubic centimeter pressure breathing
CC chief complaint CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CCU coronary care unit CPT chest physical therapy
CD cardiac disease, CR closed reduction
contagious disease cran. cranial
CEA carcinoembryonic antigen CRD chronic respiratory disease
Cerv. cervix, cervical creat. creatinine
CF cardiac failure, cystic fibrosis CRF chronic renal failure
CHD congenital heart disease, coronary heart C/S, CS Cesarean section
disease C&S culture and sensitivity
Chem. chemotherapy CSF cerebrospinal fluid
CHF congestive heart failure C-spine cervical spine
CHO carbohydrate CT computed axial tomography
Chol cholesterol C-V cardiovascular
Chr chronic CVA cerebrovascular accident, costovertebral
C.I color index angle
CI cardiac insufficiency, cardiac index CVL central venous line
CIS carcinoma in situ CVP central venous pressure
CK creatinine kinase CVS cardiovascular system
Cl chlorine, chloride Cx cervix, culture
Clav. clavicle CxR chest x-ray
cldy cloudy Cysto cystoscopy
CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Cl.T clotting time D ______________________________
cm. centimeter DAP distal airway pressure
CML chronic myeloid leukemia db. decibel
CMV cytomegalovirus DBE deep breathing exercise
CN cranial nerve d/c discontinue
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
DC discharges, discontinue DUB dysfunctional uterine bleeding
D&C dilation and curettage DUI driving under influence
DD discharge diagnosis D/W dextrose in water
D/DW dextrose, distilled water Dx diagnosis
DDx differential diagnosis
D&E dilation and evacuation E ______________________________
decr. decreased e without
dehyd. dehydrated EBL estimated blood loss
Derm. Dermatology EBV Epstein-Barr virus
DES Diethylstilbestrol ECF extended care facility, extracellular fluid
D5RL 5% dextrose and lactated ringers ECG electrocardiogram
D5W 5% dextrose and sterile water ECHO enterocytopathogenic human orphan virus
DI diabetes insipidus, diagnostic imaging E.coli Escherichia coli
DIAG. diagnosis ECS endocervical scrape
diam. diameter ECT electroconvulsive
DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation, ED emergency department
disseminated coagulopathy EDC estimated date of confinement
diff. differential EDOD estimated date of delivery
dil. dilute EEG electroencephalogram
dim. diminished EENT eyes, ears, nose, throat
DIP distal interphalangeal (joint) EEX electrodiagnosis
dis. disease EGA estimated gestational age
disch. discharge EGD esophago- gastroduodenoscopy
disp. disposition EKG electrocardiogram
dist. distilled, distal elev. elevated
DIU death in utero ELF elective low forceps
div. divorced EmBx endometrial biopsy
DJD degenerative joint disease EMG electromyogram
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis EMS endometrial scrape, emergency medical
DLE disseminated lupus erythematosis service
D/L DI decilter En. enema
DM diabetes mellitus, diastolic murmur ENT ears, nose, throat
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid Eoc. eosinophiles
DNKA did not keep appointment EOM extraocular movement
DOA dead on arrival Epis. episiotomy
DOB date of birth Epis.LML left mediolateral episiotomy
DOE dyspnea on exertion Epis. Med. medial episiotomy
Dors dorsal Epis. RML right mediolateral episiotomy
D.P. dorsal pedia ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancre-
DPT diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine atography
DR delivery room ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate
D&R dilation and radium implant EST electroshock therapy
drsg. dressing ETIOL. etiology
D/S discharge summary ETOH ethanol
DTR deep tendon reflexes EUA examine under anesthesia
DT’s delirium tremens EVAL evaluation
DU duodenal ulcer ex. exercise, example
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
expir expiration, expiratory FW fetal weight
Exp. Lap exploratory laparotomy Fx fracture
ext. extremities, external
ext. gen. external genitalia G ______________________________
G gravida
F ______________________________ G.A. general anesthesia
F finger, female, Fahrenheit GB gallbladder
FA fluorescent antibody GBS gallbladder series
F.A. first aid G.C. gonococcus
F.B. foreign body GCS Glasgow Coma Scale
FBS fasting blood sugar GE Gastroenterology
FD fully dilated G/E gastroenteritis
FDA Food and Drug Administration gen, genl. general
FDP flexor digitorum profundus gest. gestation
Fe def. iron deficiency GFR glomerulo filtration rate
FEF forced expiratory flow G.H. growth hormone
FEKG fetal electrocardiogram G.I. gastrointestinal
fem. femoral gluc glucose
fem. pop. femoral popliteal gm gram
fet. fetal Gm+ gram positive
FEV forced expiratory volume Gm- gram negative
f.f. force fluid gm.% grams per 100 c.c.
FFP fresh frozen plasma GMA grand mal attack
fh fundal height GNC general nursing care
FH family history, fetal heart GP General Practitioner, general paralysis
FHR fetal heart rate gr. grain, grains (dosage)
FHR-UC fetal heart rate- uterine contraction Grav. pregnancy
FHT fetal heart tones gt. drop
FiO2 faction of inspired oxygen concentration Gt.tr. gait training
fl. fluids gtts. drops
flac. flaccid GSW gunshot wound
flex. flexor, flexion GTT glucose tolerance test
fl. oz. fluid ounce GU genitourinary
FM finger movement G/W glucose and water
FPAL full term premature abortion living GYN Gynecology
fract. fractional
FRC functional residual capacity H ______________________________
FS finger stick h hour
FSH follicle stimulating hormone H hydrogen history, hour, hypodermic
FT full term H/A headache
FTD failure to descend HAF hyperalimentation fluid
FTND full term normal delivery HASCVD hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascu-
FTT failure to thrive lar disease
FUB functional uterine bleeding Hb., Hgb hemoglobin
F/U,F-U,F.U. follow-up HB heart block
FUO fever of unknown origin HBP high blood pressure
FVC forced vital capacity HC head circumference
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
H&C hot and cold Hyperal. hyperalimenation
HCG human chorionic gonadotropin Hz hertz (cycles/second)
HCO3 bicarbonate
Hct. hematocrit I ________________________________
HCVD hypertensive cardiovascular disease I radioactive iodine
h.d. at bedtime IA intra-arterially
Hd head, Hodgkin’s disease IABP intra-aortic balloon pump
HDl high density lipids i.c. intracutaneous(ly)
HEENT head, eyes, ears, nose, throat ICCU intensive coronary care unit
hern. hernia ICF intracellular fluid
Hem Hematology ICS intercostal space
Hem Pro hematology profile ICT insulin coma therapy
Hep. Lock Heparin lock ICU intensive care unit
HGO hepatic glucose output i.d. during the day
HH hard of hearing ID intradermal, identification,
HIDA(scan) hepatobiliary scan Infectious Disease
HIE hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy I&D incision and drainage
hist. history, histology IDDM insulin dependent diabetes
HIV human immunodificiency virus mellitus
HKAFO hip knee ankle foot orthosis I/E inspiratory, expiratory
HLA human leukocyte group A, Ig immunoglobulin
histocompatibility leukocyte IGA immunoglobulin A
focus IGE immunoglobulin E
HM hand movement IGG immunoglobulin gamma
HMD hyaline membrane disease G(Globulin)
HMG human menopausal IGM immunoglobulin M
gonadotropin IH infectious hepatitis
HNP herniated nucleus IHD ischemic heart disease
pulposus IM intramuscular,
h/o history of intramedullary
H.O. house officer IMCU intermediate medical care
HOB head of bed unit
horiz. horizontal imp. impression
H&P history and physical IMP inpatient multidimensional
hpf high power field psych scale
HPI history of present illness IMV intermittent mandatory
HPL human placental lactogen ventilation
HR heart rate In. inches
H.R.S.T. heat, reddening, swelling, Inc. AB incomplete abortion
tenderness incr. increased (ing)
HS bedtime Inev. AB inevitable abortion
HSG hysterosalpingography inf infusion, inferior
H2O water inj injured, injection
H2O2 hydrogen peroxide INR coagulant response time
Ht height, heart inspir inspiration, inspiratory
HVD hypertensive vascular disease int. internal
Hx history INTHC intrathecally
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
IO inferior oblique KUB kidney, ureter, bladder
I&O intake and output (x-rays)
IOP intraocular pressure KVO keep vein open
IP intraperitoneal
IPJ interphalangeal joint L ______________________________
IPPB intermittent positive L left, liver, liter, lower, light, lumbar
pressure breathing L2,L3 second, third lumbar vertebrae
IQ intelligence quota LA left antrum
IRDS idiopathic respiratory lab. laboratory
distress syndrome lac. laceration
irreg. Irregular lacr. lacrimal
IS intercostal space lact. lactic
IST insulin shock therapy LAD left anterior descending coronary artery
ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic L&D labor and delivery
purpura LAE left atrial enlargement
I,U., IU International Unit lam. laminectomy
IUC intrauterine catheter lap. laparotomy
IUCP intrauterine contraceptive lat. lateral
device LAVH laparoscopic assisted vaginal
IUD intrauterine device hysterectomy
IUFD intrauterine fetal death lax laxative
IUGR intrauterine growth retardation lb. pound
IUP intrauterine pregnancy LB large bowel
IUTP intrauterine term pregnancy LBBB left bundle branch block
IV intravenous(ly) LBP lower back pain
IVC inferior vena cava, LBW low birth weight
intravenous cholangiogram LCA left coronary artery
IVD intervertebral disc L.D. lethal dose
IVP intravenous pyelogram LDH lactic dehydrogenase
IVPB intravenous piggy back LDL low density lipids
IVU intravenous urogram LE lupus erythematosus
L.E. lower extremities
J ________________________________ leuc. leukocytes
J joint LF low forceps, low flap
J-P Jackson Pratt drain LFA left frontoanterior
JRA juvenile rheumatoid arthritis LFD low forceps delivery
jt. joint LFP left frontoposterior
JVP jugular venous pulse LFT left frontotransverse, liver function test
lg large, leg
K ______________________________ LGA large for gestational age
K potassium, kidney LGV lymphogranuloma
KC1 potassium chloride venereum
Kcal. Kilocalorie, calorie LH luteinizing hormone
Kg., kg. kilogram LHT left hypertrophia
KJ, K-J knee jerk LICS left intercostal space
KK knee kick lig. ligament
17 KS 17 keto steroids LIH left inguinal hernia
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
liq. liquid LVH left ventricular hypertrophy
LKS liver, kidneys, spleen L&W living and well
LL lower lid LWCT Lee-White Clotting Time,
LLE left lower extremity coagulation time
LLG left lateral gaze Lymphs lymphocytes
LLL left lower lobe lytes electrolytes
LLQ left lower quadrant
LMA left mentoanterior M ______________________________
LMD family doctor m. minim
l/min liter per minute m,M married, male, mother murmur, meter,
LML left mediolateral mass, molar
LMP left mentoposterior, last menstrual period MA mental age
LMT left mentotransverse macro. macrocytic, macroscopic
L.N. lymph node MAP mean arterial pressure
LNMP last normal menstrual period max. maximum, maxillary
LOA left occiput anterior MBC maximum breathing
L.O.C. loss of consciousness, capacity
level of consciousness, mcg. microgram
laxative of choice MCH mean corpuscular
LOM left otitis media hemoglobin
LOP left occipital posterior MCHC mean corpuscular
LOS length of stay hemoglobin concentration
LOT left occiput anterior MCL midclavicular line
LP lumbar puncture, light perception MCP metacarpophalangeal joint
lpf low power field MCV mean corpuscular volume
LPN licensed practical nurse MD muscular dystrophy
LR labor room, lateral rectus, MDI metered dose inhaler
light reflex Mdnt. midnight
LRQ lower right quadrant ME middle ear, medical examiner
Ls. loose MEC medical emergency clinic
L.S. lumbosacral Med. medicine
LSA lateral sacrum anterior MEq./L milliequivalents per liter
LSB left sternal border Mets. metastasis
LSCS lower segment Cesarean mg. milligram
section Mg. magnesium
LSK liver, spleen, kidneys MG myasthenia gravis
LSO left salpingo-oophorectomy mg/dl milligrams per deciliter
LSP left sacrum posterior mg.% milligrams per 100 cc
LST left sacrum transverse m.g.r. murmurs, gallops, or rubs
Lt. left, light MH marital history
LTCS low transverse Cesarean section Ml myocardial infarction, mitral insufficiency
LUE left upper extremity micro microcytic, microscopic
LUL left upper lobe MICU medical intensive care unit
LUQ left upper quadrant min minute
LV left ventricle Mitr.I mitral insufficiency
LVEDP left ventricular end diastolic pressure ml. milliliter
LVF left ventricular failure MLF medial longitudinal fasciculus
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
mm millimeter NG nasogastric tube
mm. muscles NI no insurance
MM mucous membrane NIC neonatal intensive care
MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality NICU neonatal intensive care unit
Inventory NIDDM noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus
Mn. manganese, midnight NKA no known allergies
mod moderate NM neuromuscular
MOM milk of magnesia NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
mono. monocyte noct. nocturnal
MP metacarpophalangea, metacarpopha- NOS not otherwise specified
langeal NP neuropsychiatric
MPA malpractice attorney N.P. Neuropsychiatry
MR medial rectus, mental NPH NPH insulin (Neutral Protamine Zinc)
retardation, mitral regurgitation NPN nonprotein nitrogen
MRI magnetic resonance imaging NPO nothing by mouth
MRM modified radical Ns. nerves
mastectomy N.S. nervous system
ms mitral stenosis NSA no significant abnormality
Ms murmurs NSAID nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug
MS mitral stenosis, multiple sclerosis, mor- NSD normal spontaneous delivery
phine sulfate NSR normal sinus rhythm
MSL midsternal line NST non-stress test
mss massage N&V nausea and vomiting
MT metacarpophalangeal (joint) NS Neurosurgery
M.T. muscles and tendons NSVD normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
MVA motor vehicle accident NTG nitroglycerine
MVP mitral valve prolapse NTP normal temperature and pressure
MVR mitral valve replacement nullip never gave birth
MW maximum voluntary ventilation NVD nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
N&W normal and well
N ______________________________ NWB non-weight bearing
n. nerve NYD not yet diagnosed
N2 nitrogen
N2O nitrous oxide (anesthetic) O ______________________________
Na sodium o none, without
NaCl sodium chloride O oral
NAD no apparent distress O2 oxygen
nb note well O2 cap. oxygen capacity
NB newborn O2 sat. oxygen saturation
NBM nothing by mouth OA osteoarthritis
NBS normal bowel sounds, normal breath OB, OBG Obstetrics
sounds OB/GYN Obstetrics and Gynecology
NED no evidence of disease Obs observation
neg. negative OBS organic brain syndrome
NER no evidence of recurrence OCC. occipital, occasional
NERD no evidence of recurrent disease OD right eye
Neur. Neurology O/E on examination
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
OH occupational history PBI protein bound iodine
17 OH 17 hydroxy steroid p/c., p.c. after meals
OHD organic heart disease PCL posterior cruciate ligament
oint. ointment PCO2 carbon dioxide concentration
O.M. otitis media PCV packed cell volume (of blood)
OMS organic mental syndrome PD pupillary distance, peritoneal dialysis
OOB out of bed PDA patent ductus arteriosus
Op. operation pdr. powder
OPC outpatient clinic PDR Physician’s Desk Reference
OPD outpatient department PDN private duty nurse
Ophth. Ophthalmology PE physical examination, pulmonary
OR operating room, open reduction embolism
OR-IF open reduction with internal fixation Ped. Pediatrics
ORT operating room technician PEEP positive end expiratory pressure
Ortho. Orthopaedic Surgery PEG pneumoencephalogram
os opening, mouth, bone PEN Penicillin
OS left eye PERRLA pupils equal, round, reactive to light and
ot. ear accommodation (normal)
Oto Otolaryngology PET positron emission tomography
OTC over-the-counter (pharmaceuticals) PF push fluids
O.T. occupational therapy, old tuberculin PFC persistent fetal circulation
OU both eyes PFT pulmonary function test
OV office visit pH hydrogen ion concentration
oz. ounce PH past history
pharm pharmacy
P ______________________________ PHYS. physical, physiology
P after, phosphorus pulse PI present illness, pulmonary insufficiency
P2 pulmonic second heart sound PICA posterior inferior coronary artery
PA physician’s assistant PICU pulmonary intensive care unit
P-A posteroanterior PID pelvic inflammatory disease
p&a percussion and auscultation PIP proximal interphalangeal
PAC premature atrial, auricular contraction Pit. Pitocin
PaCO2 arterial carbon dioxide tension pressure PKU phenylkentonuria
PACU post anesthesia care unit Plac. placenta
PAF paroxysmal atrial fibrillation plts. platelets
palp. palpate, palpated, palpable PM petit mal
PaO2 alveolar oxygen pressure P.M. afternoon, post-mortem
Pap Papanicolaou test (pap smear) PMH past medical history
Para prior births, paraplegic PMN polymorphonuclear (leukocytes)
PARU post anesthesia recovery unit PM&R Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
PAS pulmonary artery systolic pressure PN poorly nourished, practical nurse
PAT pregnancy at term, paroxysm atrial tachy- P&N Psychiatry and Neurology
cardia PNC prenatal clinic, premature nodal contrac-
Path. Pathology tion
PA view posterioranterior view on x-ray PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, post nasal
Pb lead drip
PB peripheral blood pneu. pneumo, pneumonia
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
PNI peripheral nerve injury PT physical therapy
PNX pneumothorax P.T. physical therapy, posterior tibial artery
p.o. by mouth pulse
PO2 oxygen pressure (or tension) PTA prior to admission, percutaneous translu-
POC product of conception minal angioplasty
p.o.d. postoperative day PTB patellar tendon bearing
polys polymorphonuclear PTCA percutaneous transvenous coronary
leukocytes angioplasty (balloon angioplasty)
POMR problem oriented medical record PU pregnancy urine
poplit. popliteal PUD peptic ulcer disease
pos. positive PUPPP pruritic urticarial papules & plaques of
post. posterior pregnancy
POSTOP. postoperative PV plasma volume, peripheral vascular
pot. or potass. potassium PVC premature ventricular
pp post partum, post prandial contraction
PPBS post prandial blood sugar PVD peripheral vascular disease
PPD purified protein derivative PVR pulmonary vascular resistance
PPF protein plasma fractional PVT previous trouble
PPH post partum hemorrhage PWB% partial weight bearing with
ppm parts per million percent
PPPG post prandial plasma glucose Px, PX physical examination
p.r. per rectum
PR Proctology Q ______________________________
PRBC packed red blood cells q every
PRE progressive resistive exercise q.d. every day
prem premature q.h. every hour
pre-op preoperative q2H every two hours
prep. prepare for q4H every four hours
primip. first pregnancy q.i.d. four times a day
p.r.m. according to circumstances q.i.w. four times a week
p.r.n., PRN as often as necessary q.l. as much as desired
prod. productive qn, q.n. every night
Prog. prognosis q.n.s., QNS quantity not sufficient
PROM passive range of motion, premature rup- q.o.d. every other day
ture of membranes q.o.n. every other night
pron. pronator, pronation q.p. as much as you please
pros. prostate, prostatic q.q., Q.Q. each, every
prosth. prosthesis q.q.h. every four hours
prot. protein, Protestant q.s. quantity, sufficient
pro.time prothrombin time qt. quart
PS pulmonary stenosis, psychotic, Plastic qts. drops
Surgery quad. quadriplegic
PSH past surgical history quant. quantitative or quantity
psi pounds per square inch q.v. as much as you wish
PSMA progressive spinal muscular atrophy q.w. every week
Psych. Psychiatry
pt., Pt. patient
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
R ______________________________ ROA right occipital anterior
r., R right, rectal, roentgen, x-ray ROM range of motion, rupture of membranes,
R. rub, rectal temperature right otitis media
Ra radium ROP right occipital posterior
RA rheumatoid arthritis, right atrium ROS review of systems
rad. radial ROT right occipital transverse
RAI radioactive iodine RP retrograde pyelogram
r.a.m. rapid alternating movements RQ respiratory quotient
R.A.S. right arm sitting RR recovery room
RAtx radiation therapy RRE, RR&E round, regular, and equal
RBBB right bundle branch block RSO right salpingo-oophorectomy
rbc/RBC red blood cell, red blood count RSA right sacrum anterior
RCA right coronary artery RSD reflex sympathetic
RCS reticulum cell sarcoma dystrophy
RCU respiratory care unit RSP right sacrum posterior
RD respiratory distress, reaction to degenera- RSR regular sinus rhythm
tion RST right sacrum transverse
RDS respiratory distress syndrome Rt. right
RE reconditioning exercise RT radiation therapy, respiratory therapy
rect. rectum, rectal (ly), rectus muscle RTC return to clinic
reg. regular RUC regular uterine contraction
rehab. rehabilitation RUE right upper extremity
resp. respiratory, respirations RUL right upper lobe
RF rheumatic fever RUQ right upper quadrant
RFA right frontoanterior RV residual volume
RFP right frontoposterior RVH right ventricular hypertrophy
RFT right frontotransverse Rx therapy, prescription
Rh, Rh. rhesus blood factor
RH right hyperphoria S ______________________________
RHD rheumatic heart disease s without
RHF right heart failure S sensation, sensitive, serum
RHT right hypertrophia Sa. Saline
RIH right inguinal hernia S&A sugar and acetone
RLA Rancho Los Amigo Scale SAH systemic arterial hypertension
R to L&A react to light and accommodation SaO2 arterial oxygen saturation
RLE right lower extremity SB stillborn
RLF retrolental fibroplasia SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis
RLL right lower lobe SBFT small bowel follow through (x-ray)
RLQ right lower quadrant SBO small bowel obstruction
RMA right mentoanterior s.c. subcutaneous(ly)
RML right mediolateral, SC sickle cell
right middle lobe SCC sickle cell crisis
RMP right mentoposterior SCD sudden cardiac death
RMSF Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever schiz schizophrenia
RMT right mentotransverse SCU special care unit
RNA ribonucleic acid sec second
RO, R/O rule out sed. rate erythrocyte sedimentation rate
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
sem. ves seminal vesicles stat.,STAT immediately
Sens. sensory, sensation STD sexually transmitted disease
sep. separated stom, st. stomach
Sept. AB septic abortion strep. streptococcus
Serol. serology, serological test S.T.S. serological test for syphilis
SGA small for gestational age subcut. subcutaneous
s.gl. without correction (without glasses) subling. sublingual
SGOT,SGO-T serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase sulf. sulfate
SH social history, serum hepatitis sup. superior
SI sacroiliac joint, stroke index supin. supination
sib. sibling supp suppository
SICU surgical intensive care unit surg. surgery, surgical
SIDS sudden infant death syndrome SVC superior vena cava
skel. skeletal SVD spontaneous vaginaldelivery
Sl. slightly SVR systemic vascular resistance
SL under the tongue SVT supra ventricular tachycardia
SLE systemic lupus erythematosus SWD short wave diathermy
SLR straight leg raising Sx symptoms
sm small sys. system
SMA-14 routine admission chemistry syst. systolic
SNS sympathetic nervous system
SO superior oblique T ______________________________
SO4 sulfate T3 triodothyronine
S.O.A.P. subjective, objective assessment plan T4 total serum thyroxine
SOB shortness of breath TA tendon Achilles
sod. sodium T&A tonsils and adenoids, tonsillectomy and
Sol. solution adenoidectomy
sono. sonogram T&C type and crossmatch
S.O.S. repeat once if urgent tab. tablet
sp. spine, spinal TAB therapeutic abortion
S/P status post (previous condition) TAH total abdominal hysterectomy
sp.cd. spinal cord T.A.T. tetanus antitoxin
spec. specimen TB tuberculosis
sp.fl. spinal fluid TBI total body irradiation
spg. sponge TBLC term birth living child
sp.gr specific gravity tbsp. tablespoon
sp&H speech and hearing TCDB turn, cough, deep breathe
spin. spine, spinal TEE transesophageal echocardiography
spont. spontaneous temp temperature
SR system review, superior rectus muscle, TENS transient electric nerve stimulation
sedimentation rate, stimulus response TESD total end systolic diameter
SROM spontaneous rupture of membranes T.F. tuning fork
SS social service T of F tetralogy of Fallot
SSE soap suds enema TGA transposition great vessels
st stage (of disease) THERAP. therapy,therapeutic
st. stomach thor. thorax, thoracic
Staph, Staph. staphylococcus THR total hip replacement
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
TI tricuspid insufficiency U/A urinalysis
TIA transient ischemic shock, transient UC uterine contractions
ischemic attack UCD usual childhood diseases
t.i.d. three times a day UCG urinary chorionic gonadotropin
TIP terminal interphalangeal (joint) UCHD usual childhood diseases
TIUP term intrauterine pregnancy UG upward gaze
t.i.w. three times per week UGI upper gastrointestinal series (x-rays),
TJ triceps reflex upper gastrointestinal tract
TKR total knee replacement UL upper lid
TLC tender loving care, total lung capacity uln ulnar
T.M. tympanum membrani (ear drum) ULQ upper left quadrant
TMJ temporomandibular joint ung. ointment
TNI total nodal irradiation unilat. unilateral
TNM tumor, nodes, and metastases u/o under observation for, urine output
TO telephone order Ur. urine
TOA tubo-ovarian abscess URD upper respiratory disease
to AA to affected areas URI upper respiratory infection
T, OD tension, right eye Urol. Urology
TORCH (titer) toxoplamosis others (hepatitis, beta strep, URQ upper right quadrant
flu, mumps, etc.) rubella, cytomegalovirus u/s, US ultrasound
(CMV), herpes virus II USI urinary stress incontinence
TP term pregnancy USN ultrasonic nebulizer
TPA thrombo proteolytic activity USP. United States Pharmacy
TPN total parenteral nutrition USPHA United States Public Health
TPR temperature, pulse, respiration Administration
tr trace ut. uterus, uterine
trach tracheostomy UTI urinary tract infection
TS tricuspid stenosis UVL ultraviolet light
TSH thyroid stimulating hormone
tsp. teaspoon V ______________________________
TSS toxic shock syndrome V vein
T,T. temperature, thoracic VA visual acuity
TTI total thromboplastin index vag vagina, vaginal
TTP thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura VC, (vit.cap) vital capacity
T-Tube cholangiogram VCS vasoconstrictor substance
TUR transurethral resection VCU voiding cystourethrogram
TURB transurethral resection of the bladder Vd void
TURP transurethral resection of the prostate VD venereal disease
TV tidal volume VDRL blood test for syphilis
TVH total vaginal hysterectomy vent. ventilator
TVR tricuspid valve replacement vert. vertical
Tx treatment, traction VF visual fields, ventricular fibrillation
VG vein graft
VHD valvular heart disease
VI volume index
U ______________________________ V.I. vaginal irrigation
U. unit Via by way of
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Medical Abbreviations Glossary
VIPS voluntary interruption of pregnancy and Y ______________________________
sterilization service y.o. years old
vit. vitamin yrs. years
VLDL very low density lipoproteins
VM vestibular membrane
VN visiting nurse
VO verbal order
VOD vision right eye
vol volume
VOS vision left eye
VP venous pressure
VPC ventricular premature contraction
VS, V.S. vital signs
VSA vital signs absent
VSD ventricular septal defect
VSS vital signs stable
VT, V Tach ventricular tachycardia
V&T volume and tension (pulse)
VTX vertex
Vx. vertex presentation
W ______________________________
W widowed, white
W/A while awake
Wass. Wasserman
WB whole blood
wbc, WBC white blood cells, white blood count
W/C, wh.ch. wheelchair
WBT weight bearing to tolerance
WDWN well developed, well nourished
WE wide excision
WF white female
wk week
WM white male
w/n within
WN well nourished
WNL within normal limits
WP whirlpool
wt. weight
w/u workup
X ______________________________
x times
X exophoria distance
XT exotrophia distance
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