Medical List of Abbreviations!
What is abbreviation?
Acronyms are abbreviations that have become so integral to our language that they have become part of common English. English is a language that has evolved rapidly over the last few centuries and as the world has modernized, new terms have been coined and old terms have fallen out of favor.
Shortening words can be a challenge, especially when it comes to writing in English. English has many abbreviations that come from different languages such as the Latin abbreviations, like U.S and S.A for the United States and Spain respectively; or from other languages such as the British abbreviations for big things like a chip, which is short for computer chip or laptop.
What are medical Abbreviations?
The abbreviations that are used by the doctors, nurses, or other medical professional people to write a description known as medical abbreviations.
A to Z Medical List of Abbreviations
Below is the list of A to Z medical abbreviations:
Medical List of Abbreviations (A)
| AD | autonomic dysreflexia |
| AV | atrioventricular |
| ASD | atrial septal defect |
| AF | atrial fibrillation or afebrile |
| ASHD | atherosclerotic heart disease |
| ASCVD | atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease |
| ASAP | as soon as possible |
| ad lib | as much as needed |
| A-VO2 | arteriovenous oxygen |
| A-V | arteriovenous |
| ABG | arterial blood gas |
| AS | aortic stenosis |
| AI | aortic insufficiency |
| ANA | antinuclear antibody |
| ADH | anti-diuretic hormone |
| AP | anteroposterior or abdominal |
| AFO | ankle foot orthosis |
| ASIA | American Spinal Injury Association |
| amb | ambulate |
| A-a gradient | alveolar to arterial gradient |
| AFP | alpha-fetoprotein |
| AOB | alcohol on breath |
| A/G | albumin/globulin ratio |
| ACLS | advanced cardiac life support |
| AODM | adult onset diabetes mellitus |
| ACTH | adrenocorticotropic hormone |
| ARDS | acute respiratory distress syndrome |
| ARF | acute renal failure |
| AML | acute myelogenous leukemia |
| ALL | acute lymphocytic leukemia |
| AAS | acute abdominal series |
| ADL | activity of daily living |
| AFB | acid-fast bacilli |
| AKA | above the knee amputation |
| AAA | abdominal aortic aneurysm |
| ABD | abdomen |
| perineal |
Medical Abbreviations (B)
| bid | twice a day |
| BBB | bundle branch block |
| BRBPR | bright red blood per rectum |
| BCAA | branched chain amino acids |
| BS | bowel or breath sounds |
| BC | bowel care |
| BM | bone marrow or bowel movement |
| BW | body weight |
| BUN | blood urea nitrogen |
| BP | blood pressure |
| BX | biopsy |
| BOM | bilateral otitis media |
| bilat | bilateral |
| BPH | benign prostatic hypertrophy |
| BKA | below the knee amputation |
| BPM | beats per minute |
| BRP | bathroom privileges |
| BMR | basal metabolic rate |
| BEE | basal energy expenditure |
| BE | barium enema |
Medical List of Abbreviations (C)
| CMV | cytomegalovirus |
| CF | cystic fibrosis |
| CVAT | CVA tenderness |
| C&S | culture and sensitivity |
| CAA | crystalline amino acids |
| CCV | critical closing volume |
| CPK | creatinine phosphokinase |
| CRCL | creatinine clearance |
| CRP | C-reactive protein |
| CN | cranial nerves |
| CAD | coronary artery disease |
| CABG | coronary artery bypass graft |
| CPAP | continuous positive airway pressure |
| CHF | congestive heart failure |
| CT | computerized tomography |
| CAT | computerized axial tomography |
| CBC | complete blood count |
| C/O | complaining of |
| CCU | clean catch urine or cardiac care unit |
| CRF | chronic renal failure |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| COLD | chronic obstructive lung disease |
| CML | chronic myelogenous leukemia |
| CGL | chronic granulocytic leukemia |
| CC | chief complaint |
| CXR | chest X-ray |
| CP | chest pain or cerebral palsy |
| CSW | certified social worker |
| CSF | cerebrospinal fluid |
| CVP | central venous pressure |
| CNS | central nervous system |
| CPR | cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| CO | cardiac output |
| CI | cardiac index |
| CHO | carbohydrate |
| CBG | capillary blood gas |
| CA | cancer |
| Ca | calcium |
Medical List of Abbreviations (D)
| DOE | dyspnea on exertion |
| DNR | do not resuscitate |
| DIP | distal interphalangeal joint |
| DAW | dispense as written |
| DC | discontinue or discharge |
| DPT | diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus |
| D&C | dilation and curettage |
| DDx | differential diagnosis |
| DAT | diet as tolerated |
| DPL | diagnostic peritoneal lavage |
| DX | diagnosis |
| DKA | diabetic ketoacidosis |
| DM | diabetes mellitus |
| DI | diabetes insipidus |
| DNA | deoxyribonucleic acid |
| DJD | degenerative joint disease |
| DVT | deep venous thrombosis |
| DTR | deep tendon reflexes |
| dL | deciliter |
| DOA | dead on arrival |
| D5W | 5% dextrose in water |
Medical List of Abbreviations (E)
| EOM | extraocular muscles |
| ECD | external continence device |
| EUA | examination under anesthesia |
| ETOH | ethanol |
| EBL | estimated blood loss |
| EFAD | essential fatty acid deficiency |
| EAA | essential amino acids |
| ESR | erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
| ED | erectile dysfunction |
| ETT | endotracheal tube |
| ET | endotracheal |
| EMG | Electromyogram |
| ECT | electroconvulsive therapy |
| ECG | electrocardiogram |
| ENT | ears, nose, and throat |
Medical List of Abbreviations (F)
| FRC | functional residual capacity |
| FES | functional electrical stimulation |
| FFP | fresh frozen plasma |
| Fx | fracture |
| FVC | forced vital capacity |
| FEV | forced expiratory volume |
| FU | follow-up |
| FUO | fever of unknown origin |
| FBS | fasting blood sugar |
| FTT | failure to thrive |
Medical List of Abbreviations (G)
| GSW | gun shot wound |
| gr | grain; 1 grain = 65mg |
| GXT | graded exercise tolerance |
| GC | gonorrhea |
| GTT | glucose tolerance test |
| GFR | glomerular filtration rate |
| GU | genitourinary |
| GETT | general by endotracheal tube |
| GI | gastrointestinal |
| gt or gtt | drops |
Medical List of Abbreviations (H)
| HTN | hypertension |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| HCG | human chorionic gonadotropin |
| HPI | history of present illness |
| HO | history of |
| Hx | history |
| HLA | histocompatibility locus antigen |
| HPF | high power field |
| HDL | high density lipoprotein |
| HBP | high blood pressure |
| HSV | herpes simplex virus |
| HSM | hepatosplenomegaly |
| HJR | hepatojugular reflex |
| HAA | hepatitis B surface antigen |
| HAV | hepatitis A virus |
| Hgb | hemoglobin |
| HCT | hematocrit |
| HR | heart rate |
| HA | headache |
| HEENT | head, eyes, ears, nose, throat |
| HOB | head of bed |
| HS | at bedtime |
Medical List of Abbreviations (I)
| IVP | intravenous pyelogram |
| INF | intravenous nutritional fluid |
| IV | intravenous |
| IM | intramuscular |
| IT | interthecal |
| IPPB | intermittent positive pressure breathing |
| IMV | intermittent mandatory ventilation |
| ICS | intercostal space |
| ICU | intensive care unit |
| I&O | intake and output |
| IRDM | insulin resistant diabetes mellitus |
| IDDM | insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
| ID | infectious disease or identification |
| IRBBB | incomplete right bundle branch block |
| I&D | incision and drainage |
| IG | immunoglobulin |
| ITP | idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura |
| IHSS | idiopathic hypertropic subaortic stenosis |
Medical List of Abbreviations (J)
| JVD | jugular venous distention |
| JODM | juvenile onset diabetes mellitus |
Medical Abbreviations (K)
| KAFO | knee ankle foot orthosis |
| KT | kinesio therapy or kinesiotherapist |
| KUB | kidneys, ureters, bladder |
| KVO | keep vein open |
| KOR | keep open rate |
Medical List of Abbreviations (L)
| LE | lupus erythematosus |
| LP | lumbar puncture |
| LDL | low density lipoprotein |
| LPN | licensed practical nurse |
| LVH | left ventricular hypertrophy |
| LVEDP | left ventricular end diastolic pressure |
| LV | left ventricle |
| LUL | left upper quadrant |
| LLL | left lower lobe |
| LIH | left inguinal hernia |
| LBBB | left bundle branch block |
| LAD | left axis deviation or left anterior descending |
| LAE | left atrial enlargement |
| LAHB | left anterior hemiblock |
| L | left |
| LNMP | last normal menstrual period |
| LMP | last menstrual period |
| LDH | lactate dehydrogenase |
list of common medical abbreviations (M)
| MI | myocardial infarction or mitral insufficiency |
| MVI | multivitamin injection |
| MVA | motor vehicle accident |
| MAO | monoamine oxidase |
| mmol | millimole |
| mL | milliliter |
| MLE | midline episiotomy |
| MSSA | methicillin-sensitive staph aureus |
| MRSA | methicillin resistant staph aureus |
| MUSE | medicated urethral system erection |
| MAST | medical antishock trousers |
| MMR | measles, mumps, rubella |
| MCV | mean cell volume |
| MCHC | mean cell hemoglobin concentration |
| MCH | mean cell hemoglobin |
| MAP | mean arterial pressure |
| MVV | maximum voluntary ventilation |
| MMEF | maximal mid expiratory flow |
| MBT | maternal blood type |
| MRI | magnetic resonance imaging |
list of common medical abbreviations (N)
| NMR | nuclear magnetic resonance |
| NPO | nothing by mouth |
| NSR | normal sinus rhythm |
| NSAID | non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| NIDDM | non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
| NRM | no regular medications |
| NKDA | no known drug allergies |
| NKA | no known allergies |
| NED | no evidence of recurrent disease |
| NAS | no added salt |
| NAD | no active disease |
| NCV | nerve conduction velocity |
| NT | nasotracheal |
| NG | nasogastric |
| ng | nanogram |
list of common medical abbreviations (O)
| OD | overdose or right eye |
| OOB | out of bed |
| OM | otitis media |
| OPV | oral polio vaccine |
| OCG | oral cholecystogram |
| OR | operating room |
| OB | obstetrics |
| OS | left eye |
| OU | both eyes |
list of common medical abbreviations (P)
| PPD | purified protein derivative |
| PS | pulmonic stenosis |
| PI | pulmonic insufficiency disease |
| PFT | pulmonary function tests |
| PCWP | pulmonary capillary wedge pressure |
| PAP | pulmonary artery pressure |
| PT | prothrombin time, or physical therapy |
| PSA | prostate-specific antigen |
| PPMS | primary progressive multiple sclerosis |
| PMH | previous medical history |
| PVC | premature ventricular contraction |
| PAC | premature atrial contraction |
| PTSD | post-traumatic stress disorder |
| PP | postprandial or pulsus paradoxus |
| PPS | post-polio syndrome |
| POD | post-op day |
| PA | posteroanterior |
| PVR | post voiding residual |
| PEEP | positive end expiratory pressure |
| PMN | polymorphonuclear leukocyte |
| PMI | point of maximal impulse |
| pg | picogram |
| PDR | physicians desk reference |
| PKU | phenylketonuria |
| PVD | peripheral vascular disease |
| PaO2 | peripheral arterial oxygen content |
| PTHC | percutanous transhepatic cholangiogram |
| P&PD | percussion and postural drainage |
| PUD | peptic ulcer disease |
| Pt | patient |
| PDA | patent ductus arteriosus |
| PTT | partial thromboplastin time |
| PAT | paroxysymal atrial tachycardia |
| PND | paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea |
| PTH | parathyroid hormone |
| P | para |
| PRBC | packed red blood cells |
| PR | by rectum |
| PO | by mouth |
| PRN | as needed |
| PAO2 | alveolar oxygen |
| PC | after eating |
Medical abbreviations for nurses list (Q)
| Qt | total cardiac output |
| Qs/Qt | shunt fraction |
| QNS | quantity not sufficient |
| qid | four times a day |
| qod | every other day |
| qh | every hour |
| qd | every day |
| q4h | every 4 hours, every 6 hours etc. |
| q | every |
Medical abbreviations for nurses (R)
| Rx | treatment |
| R/O | rule out |
| RVH | right ventricular hyperthrophy |
| RUQ | right upper quadrant |
| RUL | right upper lobe |
| RML | right middle lobe |
| RLQ | right lower quadrant |
| RLL | right lower lobe |
| RIH | right inguinal hernia |
| RBBB | right bundle branch block |
| RAP | right atrial pressure |
| RAE | right atrial enlargement |
| RAD | right atrial axis deviation |
| R | right |
| RNA | ribonucleic acid |
| RA | rheumatoid arthritis or right atrium |
| ROS | review of systems |
| RTC | return to clinic |
| RUG | retrograde urethogram |
| RPG | retrograde pyelogram |
| RBP | retinol-binding protein |
| RT | respiratory or radiation therapy |
| RU | resin uptake |
| RV | residual volume |
| RTA | renal tubular acidosis |
| RRMS | relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis |
| RPMS | relapsing-progressive multiple sclerosis |
| RRR | regular rate and rhyth |
| RDW | red cell distribution width |
| RBC | red blood cell |
| RDA | recommended daily allowance |
| ROM | range of motion |
| RIA | radioimmunoassay |
Medical abbreviations (S)
| sig | write on label |
| s | without |
| SEM | systolic ejection murmur |
| SLE | systemic lupus erythematous |
| SAA | synthetic amino acid |
| Sx | symptoms |
| SG | Swan-Ganz |
| S&E | sugar and acetone |
| sl | sublingual |
| SOAP | Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan |
| SQ | subcutaneous |
| SBE | subacute bacterial endocarditis |
| SVD | spontaneous vaginal delivery |
| SCI/D | spinal cord injury and disorder |
| SCI | spinal cord injury |
| SW | social worker |
| SGA | small for gestational age |
| SBFT | small bowel follow through |
| SMO | slips made out |
| SA | sinoatrial |
| SOB | shortness of breath |
| SBS | short bowel syndrome |
| SGPT | serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase |
| SGOT | serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase |
| SGGT | serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase |
| SCr | serum creatinine |
| SPMS | secondary preogressive multiple sclerosis |
| ss | one-half |
| STAT | immediately |
Medical abbreviations (T)
| T&H | type and hold |
| T&C | type and cross |
| tw | twice a week |
| TURBT | TUR bladder tumors |
| TB | tuberculosis |
| TU | tuberculin units |
| TOPV | trivalent oral polio vaccine |
| Tx | treatment, transplant |
| TURP | transurethral resection of prostate |
| TUR | transurethral resection |
| TIA | transient ischemic attack |
| TVH | total vaginal hysterectomy |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| TLC | total lung capacity |
| TIBC | total iron binding capacity |
| TBG | total binding globulin |
| TAH | total abdominal hysterectomy |
| TNTC | too numerous to count |
| TKO | to keep open |
| TV | tidal volume |
| TSH | thyroid stimulating hormone |
| TTP | thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura |
| TT | thrombin time |
| tid | three times a day |
| Td | tetanus-diphtheria toxoid |
| TIG | tetanus immune globulin |
| TMJ | temporo mandibular joint |
| TO | telephone order |
Medical Acronyms (U)
| ud | use as directed |
| UUN | urinary urea nitrogen |
| UTI | urinary tract infection |
| UA | urinalysis |
| UAC | uric acid |
| URI | upper respiratory infection |
| UGI | upper gastrointestinal |
| US | ultrasound |
Medical Acronyms (V)
| VCUG | voiding cystourethrogram |
| VSS | vital signs stable |
| VC | vital capacity |
| VO | verbal or voice order |
| V/Q | ventilation |
| VMA | vanillymadelic acid |
Medical List of Abbreviations (W)
| WPW | Wolf-Parkinson-White |
| WNL | within normal limits |
| WB | whole blood |
| WM | white male |
| WF | white female |
| WBC | white blood cell or count |
| WN | well nourished |
| WD | well developed |
Medical List of Abbreviations (X)
| XRT | X-ray therapy |
Medical List of Abbreviations (Y)
| yo | years old |
Medical List of Abbreviations (Z)
| ZE | Zollinger-Ellison |
Common Medical Abbreviations
CAB = carotid artery bruit
RA = right atrium
DVT = deep venous thrombosis
Dx = diagnosis
Rx = prescription, treatment
ECMO = extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
qh = once every hour
IP = inpatient
RF = risk factor
PD = Parkinson’s disease
IQ = intelligence quotient
LBP = lower back pain
In vivo = in the body
RA = rheumatoid arthritis
OU = both eyes
TB = tuberculosis
IUPC = intrauterine pressure catheter
S/S = signs and symptoms
CBC = complete blood count
RUL = right upper lobe
NPO = nothing by mouth
AL = left ear
AC = before meals
LAD = leukocyte adhesion deficiency
RUQ = right upper quadrant
TLC = total lung capacity
FNA = fine needle aspiration
AD = right ear
MG = milligram
qid = four times a day
TPR = temperature, pulse, respiration
SX = symptoms
VBAC = vaginal birth after caesarean section
qpm = every evening
RV = right ventrical, residual volume
ABD = abdomen
XRT = external radiation therapy
VH = vaginal hysterectomy, hallucination
H&P = history and physical examination
SOB = shortness of breath
AIDS = acquired immune deficiency syndrome
TGA = transient global amnesia
Bx = biopsy
IVIG = intravenous immune globulin
BRP = bathroom privileges
N/V = nausea vomiting
q3h = every 3 hours
PAP = pulmonary artery pressure
OPV = oral polio vaccine
CV = cardiovascular
VF = ventricular fibrillation
MR = mental retardation
VSS = vital signs stable
PE = pulmonary embolism
Nat/O = birth
BC = birth control
RDI = recommended daily intake
CBD = common bile duct
NVD = normal vaginal delivery
RAD = reactive airway disease
GTT = glucose tolerance test
MVA = motor vehicle accident
TBI = traumatic brain injury
FHR = fetal heart rate
US = ultrasound
OD = right eye
UO = urine output
RDS = respiratory distress syndrome
PIH = pregnancy induced hypertension
C/F = chills, fever
IUP = intrauterine pregnancy
LLQ = left lower quadrant
OSA = obstructive sleep apnea
OPD = outpatient department
CA = cancer
CAP = capsule
MS = multiple sclerosis
CHD = congenital heart disease
SBS = shaken baby syndrome
JRA = juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
CP = cerebral palsy
EC = eye contact
ML = milliliter
SC/SQ = subcutaneous
UTI = urinary tract infection
DSM = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual on Mental Disorders
ARDS = adult respiratory distress syndrome
HR = heart rate
BMR = basic metabolic rate
IUI = intrauterine insemination
F = fahrenheit
WNL = within normal limits
PMS = premenstrual syndrom
IBS = inflammatory bowel syndrome
FB = foreign body
qhs = at bedtime
FM = fetal movement
iii = 3
CHF = congestive heart failure
i = 1
iv = 4
FL = femur length
JVD = jugular venous distension
RBC = red blood cell
LBW = low birth weight
TAB = tablet
v = 5
BAD = bipolar affective disorder
ARF = acute renal failure, acute rheumatic fever
FSH = follicle stimulating hormone
HS = hour of sleep (bedtime)
KS = Kaposi sarcoma
ICP = intracranial pressure
COLD = chronic obstructive lung disease
ii = 2
BMI = body mass index
O GTT = oral glucose tolerance test
I&D = incision and drainage
BP = blood pressure
GU = genitourinary
In vitro = in the laboratory
T&C = type and cross (blood)
ER = emergency room
FX = fracture
ON = optic neuritis
S = without
AOB = alcohol on breath
Hb = hemoglobin
CVA = cerebral vascular accident (stroke)
DOB = date of birth
DTR = deep tendon reflex
O2 = oxygen
URI = upper respiratory infection
FB = foreign body
PC = after meals
IM = intramuscular
HR = heart rate or hour
ABX = antibiotics
DO = disorder
PCP = primary care physician
Rx = treatment
EDC = estimated date of confinement
PA or PT = patient
UA = urinalysis
SAB = spontaneous abortion
H20 = water
NM = neuromuscular
ECV = external cephalic version
CBF = cerebral blood flow
JCV = JC virus
STD = sexually transmitted disease
HPA = hypothalamic suppression test
LLL = left lower lobe
SBO = small bowel obstruction
NAD = no acute distress
CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation
REM = rapid eye movements
MDD = maximum daily dose
IVF = in vitro fertilization
FSE = fetal scalp electrode
ADHD = attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
MD = muscular dystrophy
LIH = left inguinal hernia
P = pulse
WBC = white blood cell
GH = growth hormone
DOA = dead on arrival or date of admission
COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A&O = alert and oriented
NKDA = no known drug allergies
H/O = history of
F/C = fever, chills
EDD = estimated delivery date
PKD = polycystic kidney disease
DOT = directly observed therapy
HBV = hepatitis B virus
EBL = estimated blood loss
GTT = glucose tolerance test
GI = gastrointestinal
BID = bis in dies (twice a day)
FNF = finger to nose
UC = ulcerative colitis
OCD = obsessive compulsive disorder
qod = every other day
USOH = usual state of health
BMT = bone marrow transplant
Ad lib = at will, as desired
GLT = glucose loading test
C/S = cesarean section
FEF = forced expiratory flow
BMD = bone mass density
CAD = coronary artery disease
ICU = intensive care unit
FROM = free range of motion
GLT = glucose loading test
LOF = loss of fluid
BE = barium enema
HC = head circumference
WB = whole blood
AU = both ears
FOBT = fecal occult blood testing
ECC = emergency cardiac care
FRC = functional residual capacity
HDL = high density lipoprotein
OS = left eye
RXN = reaction
TIW = three times a week
UE = upper extremity
IBD = inflammatory bowel disease
IVP = intravenous push
CFT = complement fixation testing
I&O = intake and output
PNS = peripheral nervous system
VIP = voluntary interruption of pregnancy
PID = pelvic inflammatory disease
qd = once a day
PO = per os (by mouth)
IBW = ideal body weight
HAV = hepatitis A virus
TAH = total abdominal hysterectomy
BM = bowel movement
IU = international units
PT = physical therapy
hs = hour of sleep (bedtime)
IDDM = insulin dependent diabeter mellitus
VS = vital signs
STAT = immediately
CABG = coronary artery bypass graft
HIV = human immunodeficiency virus
FAS = fetal alcohol syndrome
BAL = blood alcohol level
IPF = idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
MCO = managed care organization
HTN = hypertension
PEEP = positive end expiratory pressure
WT = weight
HDV = hepatitis D virus
ECG or EKG = electrocardiogram
FT = full term
HPI = history of present illness
VB = vaginal bleeding
ID = infectious diseases
OTC = over the counter
PCN = penicillin
NTG = nitroglycerin
CP = chest pain
RHD = rheumatic heart disease
GA = gestational age
HA = headache
HCV = hepatitis C virus
EGA = estimated gestational age
PRN = as needed
GHRH = growth hormone releasing hormone
EGC = early gastric cancer
OCP = oral contraceptive pill
T = temperature
CF = cystic fibrosis
LUQ = left upper quadrant
HA = hemolytic anemia
LUL = left upper lobe
ECT = electroconvulsive therapy
GSW = gunshot wound
IV = intravenous
qam = every morning
q2h = every 2 hours
LV = left ventricle
ECASA = enteric coated acetylsalicylic acid
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