Abbreviations aa ABR Abd. ac AD A&D Ad lib ADL Adm. Ad. Spec. A.M. or a.m., AM or am amb amt. AP or A.P.

aqua @ Approx. B&B or b&b bid or B.I.D. or b.i.d. b.m. or B.M. B.P. or BP BR or br or B.R. or b.r. BRP or B.R.P. or brp BSC or bsc C ? Ca Cath. CBC or C.B.C. cc or c.c CCU or C.C.U CBR or C.B.R. or cbr C/O or c/o CO2 CS or C.S. or c.s CSD or csd or C.S.D CSR or csr and C.S.R CVA or C.V.A CPR or C.P.R dc or d/c del. M. Or d.r., or DR Disch or dish or D/C D. % C. or D&C drsg. DOA or D.O.A Dr. or Dr DX ECG or EKG ED or E.D. EEG or E.E.G. EENT or E.E.N.T. E. or E ER or E.R. F F. or Fe. or F or Fe FBS or F.B.S FF or F.F. ft Fx Fx urine gal GI or G.I. gt gtt

Meaning Of each, equal parts Absolute bed rest Abdomen Before meals Admitting diagnosis Admission and discharge As desired, if the patient so desired Activities of daily living Admission Admission urine specimen Morning Ambulation, walking, ambulatory, able to walk Amount Appendectomy Water or H2O At Approximately Bowel and bladder training Twice a day Bowel movement, feces Blood pressure Bedrest Bathroom priviledges Bedside commode Celsius degree (or centigrade) With Cancer Catheter Complete blood count Cubic centimeter Cardiac care unit/ coronary care unit Complete bed rest Complaint of Carbon dioxide Central supply Central service department Central supply room Cerebrovascular accident or stroke Cardiopulmonary resuscitation Discontinue Delivery room Discharge Dilatation and curettage Dressing Dead on arrival Doctor Diagnosis Electrocardiogram Emergency department Electroencephalogram Eye, ears, nose and throat Enema Emergency room Fahrenheit degree Female Fasting blood sugar Forced feeding or forced fluids Foot Fracture Fractional urine Gallon Gastrointestinal One drop Two or more drops

Gtt or G.T.T. GU or G.U Gyn. or G.Y.N. H2O HOB hr HS or hs ht hyper hypo H.W.B. or hwb or HWB ICU or I.C.U. I&O or I.&O. Irr Isol. Or isol IV or I.V. L Lab. or lab lb LVN or L.V.N M Mat MD or M.D. Meas mec med min ml Mn or mn or M/n N.A. or N/A n/g tube or ng. tube or N.G.T. noct NP NPO or N.P.O nsy O2 OB or O.B. Obt or obt. OJ or O.J. Orb. OOB or O.O.B. OPD or O.P.D. OR or O.R. Ortho OT or O.T oz. PAR or P.A.R. Pc Ped or Peds Per p.m. or P.M., pm or PM PMC or P.M.C PN or P.N. po post or p postop or post op post op spec PP PPBS pre prn or p.r.n. preop or pre op pre op spec prep Pt or pt

Glucose tolerance test Genitourinary Gynecology Water or aqua Head of bed Hour Bedtime or hour of sleep Height Above or high Below or low Hot water bottle Intensive care unit Intake and output Irregular Isolation Intravenous Liter Laboratory Pound Licensed vocational nurse Male Maternity Medical doctor Measure Meconium Medicine Minute Milliliter Midnight Nursing aide or nursing assistant Nasogastric tube At night Neuropsychiatric or nursing procedure Nothing by mouth Nursery Oxygen Obstetrics Obtained Orange juice Orderly Out of bed Outpatient department Operating room Orthopedics Occupational therapy or oral temperature Ounce Postanesthesia room After meals Pediatrics by, through Afternoon Postmortem care Pneumonia By mouth after Postoperative After surgery urine specimen Postpartum (after delivery) Postprandial blood sugar Before Whenever necessary, when required Before surgery Urine specimen before surgery Prepare the patient for surgery by shaving the skin. Patient; pint

PT or P.T. q qd qh q2h q3h q4h QHS or qhs qid or Q.I.D. qam or q am or q.a.m. qod or Q.O.D qs qt r or R Rm or rm RN or R.N. Rom or R.O.M. RR or R Rm. Rx s or ? S&A S&A test or S.& A. test S&K or S.& K. test SOB sos SPD Spec or spec. ss or ?? SSE or S.S.E. Stat STD Surg tid or T.I.D. TLC or tlc TPR TWE U/a or U/A or u/a Ung. VDRL V.S or VS WBC or W.B.C. w/c wc or W.C. wt

Physical therapy Every Every day Every hour Every 2 hours Every 3 hours Every 4 hours Every night at bed time/ hour of sleep Four times a day Every morning Every other day Quantity sufficient, as much as required quart rectal or Rectal Room Registered nurse Range of motion Recovery room Prescription or treatment ordered by a physician Without Sugar and acetone Sugar and acetone test Sugar and ketone test Shortness of breath Whenever emergency arises; only if necessary Special purchasing department Specimen One-half Soapsuds enema At once, immediately Sexually transmitted disease Surgery Three times a day Tender loving care Temperature, pulse, respiration Tap water enema Urinalysis Ointment, unguentine Test for syphilis Vital signs White blood count Wheel chair Ward clerk Weight

A a (a with a bar over it) before, from Latin, ante A&Ox3 Alert and Oriented to person, place, and time A&Ox4 Alert and Oriented to person, place, time, and circumstances (often used interchangeably with A&Ox3) A&W Alive and well a.a. of each, from Latin, ana AAA Abdominal aortic aneurysm, Pronounced "Triple A" AAT activity as tolerated Ab Antibody ABC aspiration biopsy cytology ABCD "Asymmetry, borders, color, diameter" features on considering "is it a Melanoma"? ABD or abd abdomen ABG Arterial blood gases ABMT Autologous bone marrow transplantation ABPI Ankle brachial pressure index ABVD doxorubicin bleomycin vinblastine dacarbazine First-line treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

ABX antibiotics a.c. before meal, from Latin, ante cibum ACE Angiotensin converting enzyme ACEI Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors Ach Acetylcholine ACL Anterior cruciate ligament ACLS Advanced cardiac life support ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone ad. right ear ad part. dolent to the painful parts, from Latin, partes dolentes AD Alzheimer's Disease ADA Adenosine deaminase ADC AIDS dementia complex ADD Attention Deficit Disorder ADH Antidiuretic hormone ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADL activities of daily living ad lib as desired from Latin, ad libitum adm admission ADR Adverse drug reaction AEM Ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring AF atrial fibrillation AF atrial flutter AF Amniotic fluid AFB acid fast bacilli AFO ankle-foot orthosis AFP Alpha-fetoprotein Ag Antigen AGA Anti-gliadin Antibodies a.h. every other hour, from Latin, alternis horis AHF Antihemophilic factor AHG Antihemophilic globulin AHH aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase AI Artificial insemination AI Aortic insufficiency AICD Automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator AID Artificial insemination by donor AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AIH artificial insemination by husband AIIRB Angiotensin II receptor antagonist aka also known as AKA Above knee amputation ALG Antilymphocytic globulin ALL Acute lymphocytic leukemia ALP Alkaline phosphatase ALPS Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS Advanced Life Support ALT Alanine transferase altern. d. every other day, from Latin, alterno die AMA Anti-mitochondrial Antibodies AMA Against Medical Advice AMA Advanced Maternal Age (35 years or greater) AMC Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita AMI Acute myocardial infarction AML Acute myelocytic leukemia AMP Adenosine monophosphate AMS Acute mountain sickness AMS atypical measles syndrome ANA Anti-nuclear antibody ANCA Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ANF Atrial natriuretic factor ANP Atrial natriuretic peptide ANS Autonomic nervous system ANUG Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis a.p. before dinner, from Latin, ante prandium AP Alkaline phosphatase APAP acetaminophen, paracetamol; from the chemical name Nacetyl-para-aminophenol APD adult polycystic disease APECED autoimmune polyendocrinopathy

APH Antepartum haemorrhage APLS antiphospholipid antibody syndrome applic. applicandus, from Latin, to be applied APSAC Anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex APS autoimmune polyglandular syndrome aPTT Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time aq. water, from Latin, aqua aq. bull. boiling water, from Latin, aqua bulliens aq. calid. warm or hot water, from Latin, aqua calida aq. dist. distilled water, from Latin, aqua distillata aq. gel. cold water, from Latin, aqua gelida AR Aortic Regurgitation ARB Angiotensin II receptor antagonist ARC AIDS related complex ARDS Acute respiratory distress syndrome ARF Acute renal failure Arg Arginine ART antiretroviral therapy ART assuming room temperature, ie) the patient has died. ARM Artificial rupture of membranes ASA Acetylsalicylic acid - commonly known as aspirin AS Aortic stenosis ASCAD arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease ASD Atrial septal defect ASGUS Atypical squamous glandular cells of undetermined significance ASCUS Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance ASL American sign language ASO Antistreptolysin O ASOT Antistreptolysin O titre AST Aspartate transaminase ASX Asymptomatic ATA Anti-transglutaminase antibodies ATCC American Type Culture Collection ATG Antithymic globulin AT-III Antithrombin III ATP acute thrombocytopenic purpura ATP adenosine triphosphate ATP Anti-tachycardia pacing aur. ear, from Latin, auris aur. dextro. to right ear, from Latin, auris dextrae aur. laev to left ear, from Latin, auris laevae aurist. ear drops, from Latin, auristillae AVM Arteriovenous malformation AVR Aortic valve replacement AZT azidothymidine

BMC Bone mass content BMD Bone mineral density (also termed bone mass measurement) BMI Body mass index BMP Blood Metabolic Profile BMR Basal metabolic rate BMT Bone marrow transplantation BNF British National Formulary BNO Bowel Not Open BNP Brain natriuretic peptide BO Bowel Open BOA Born out of Asepsis BOI Born on island, ie. a local patient. BOOP Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia BP Blood pressure BP Bipolar disorder BPAD Bipolar Affective Disorder BPD Bi-Parietal Diameter BPD Borderline personality disorder BPH Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPM Beats per minute BPPV Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo BRAT Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, (dry) Toast: acronym for bland diet BRATY Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, (dry) Toast, Yogurt: acronym for bland diet for children BRP Bathroom Privileges BRBPR Bright red blood per rectum BS Breath or Bowel sounds on auscultation with stethoscope BS Blood Sugar BSE Bovine spongiform encephalopathy BSE Breast self-examination BSL Blood Sugar Level BSP Bromsulphthalein BUN Blood urea nitrogen BV Bacterial vaginosis Bx Biopsy C c (c with a bar over it) with, from Latin, cum CABG Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery. Pronounced "Cabbage". CAD Coronary artery disease CAG Coronary Artery Graft cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate CA Carcinoma, Cancer Ca Calcium CADASIL Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy CAH Chronic Active Hepatitis CAH Congenital adrenal hyperplasia CAT Computed axial tomography CAPD Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis CBC Complete Blood Count CC Cubic centimenter, or Chief Complaint CCF Congestive cardiac failure CCK Cholecystokinin CEA Carcinoembryonic antigen CF Cystic fibrosis cGMP Cyclic guanosine monophosphate ChE Cholinesterase CHD Coronary heart disease CHE Cholinesterase CHF Congestive heart failure CI Confidence interval CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease CK Creatine kinase CKD Chronic kidney disease CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukemia CML Chronic myelogenous leukemia also called Chronic myeloid

B Ba Barium BAL Bronchoalveolar lavage BAL British anti-Lewisite BAL Blood Alcohol Level BAO Basic acid output BAT Brown adipose tissue BCG Bacille Calmette-Guerin (a tuberculosis vaccination) BCX Blood culture BBMF "Bone break, me fix" Orthopedic consent form b.d. Twice daily, from Latin, bis die BD Bipolar Disorder b.i.d. Twice daily, from Latin, bis in die BE Base excess BGL Blood Glucose Level BIBA brought in by ambulance BIB Brought in by BK Bacterium Koch BKA Below Knee Amputation bl.cult Blood culture bld Blood BLS Basic Life Support

leukaemia CMML Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia CMP Complete metabolic panel CMS Chronic mountain sickness CMV Cytomegalovirus CNS Central nervous system COAD Chronic obstructive airways disease COLD Chronic obstructive lung disease COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease CO Cardiac output CO, C/O Complains Of... CO Carbon monoxide CO2 Carbon dioxide COX-1 Cyclooxygenase 1 COX-2 Cyclooxygenase 2 CP cerebral palsy CP Chest Pain CPAP Continuous positive airway pressure CPK Creatine phosphokinase CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CREST Calcinosis Raynaud Esophagus Sclerosis Teleangiectasiae CRF Chronic renal failure CRF Corticotropin-releasing factor CRH Corticotropin-releasing hormone CRI Chronic renal insufficiency CRP C-reactive protein CR Complete remission CS Caesarean section CsA Ciclosporin A CSF Cerebrospinal fluid CT computed axial tomography CTX ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, Contractions CVA Cerebrovascular accident CVC Central venous catheter CVD Cardiovascular disease CVP Central venous pressure CVS Chorionic villus sampling CVID Common variable immunodeficiency Cx Microbiological culture CXR Chest X-ray D DA Dopamine DBP Diastolic blood pressure D&C Dilatation and curettage DCBE Double Contrast Barium Enema DCM Dilated cardiomyopathy DDD Daily Defined Doses DDx Differential diagnosis DEXA Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry DHE Dihydoergotamine DHEA-S Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate DIB Dead in Bed DIC Disseminated intravascular coagulation DIP Distal interphalangeal joint DiPerTe Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus DiTe Diphtheria Tetanus DJD Degenerative Joint Disease DKA Diabetic Keto-Acidosis DPT Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus DM Diabetes Mellitus DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid DNI Do Not Intubate DNR Do Not Resuscitate DNAR Do Not Attempt Resusciatation DOA Dead on arrival or Drugs of abuse DOB Date of birth DOE Dyspnea on exertion DOSS Docusate sodium; from the chemical name dioctyl sodium

sulfosuccinate DT Diphtheria Tetanus DTP Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis DUB Dysfunctional uterine bleeding DVT Deep vein thrombosis Dx Diagnosis E E Ecstasy E Electrolytes EACA Epsilon-aminocaproic acid EBM Evidence-based medicine EBM Expressed Breast Milk EBV Epstein-Barr virus EC Enterically Coated ECG Electrocardiogram ECMO Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ED Emergency department ED Erectile Dysfunction ED Ectodermal dysplasia EDC Estimated Date of Confinement (at 40/40 weeks of pregnancy) EDD Estimated Date of Delivery (at 40/40 weeks of pregnancy) EDD Estimated date of discharge EDRF Endothelium-derived relaxing factor aka Nitric oxide EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EEG Electroencephalogram EEX Electrodiagnosis EF Ejection Fraction EGF Epidermal Growth Factor EKG Electrocardiogram ELLSCS Elective Lower Segment Caesarian Section ELISA Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay EmBx Endometrial Biopsy EMC Encephalomyocarditis EMD Early Morning Discovery EMD ElectroMechanical Dissociation EMF Endomyocardial fibrosis EMG Electromyography EMLSCS Emergency Lower Segment Caesarian Section EMU Early Morning Urine sample (being the most concentrated generally used for pregnancy testing) ENT Ear Nose and Throat. (Otolaryngology) EENT eyes, ears, nose, throat EOM Extra ocular muscles EOMI Extra ocular movements intact EPH Edema Proteinuria Hypertension EPO Erythropoietin EPS Electrophysiology ERCP Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography ESL Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (also ESWL) - see lithotriptor ESBL Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase gram negative bacteria ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESRD End-stage renal disease ESWL Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (also ESL) - see lithotriptor ET Endothelin ETT Endotracheal tube ETOH ethanol or ethyl alcohol EUS Endoscopic Ultrasonography F FBC Full blood count FBE Full blood exam FBG Fasting blood glucose

F/C Fevers or Chills FDIU Foetal Demise In Utero FDP Fibrinogen Degradation Products FEV1 Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second Fe Iron FF Free Fluids (non-thickened fluids) FFA Free fatty acids FFP Fresh frozen plasma FHR Fetal heart rate FHT Fetal heart tones FHx Family History FIBD Found in Bed Dead FLK Funny Looking Kid (suggesting an unspecified syndrome, should now be termed "dysmorphic features") FNA Fine Needle Aspirate FNC Full nursing care FOF Found on Floor (Patient fell out of bed) FOS Full of Stool FPG Fasting plasma glucose FSE Fetal Scalp Electrode FSH Follicle stimulating hormone FTA-ABS Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption FTA Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody FUBAR F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition, originally used to refer to corpses after horrendous (typically battlefield) trauma, but "FUBAR" is now sometimes used to describe very ill patients with little hope of recovery, including those that have not necessarily suffered trauma. Not very politically correct! FVC Forced Vital Capacity (Spirometry test value used in assessment of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) FWB Full weight bearing FWD Full ward diet Fx Fracture of a bone G G Gravida (total number of pregnancies, successful or not) G6PD Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase GA General anaesthesia GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid GCA Giant cell arteritis GCS Glasgow Coma Scale GDLH Glutamate dehydrogenase GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease GFR Glomerular filtration rate GGTP Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase GH Growth hormone GHRF Growth hormone releasing factor GI Gastrointestinal GITS Gastrointestinal therapeutic system GIFT Gamete intrafallopian transfer GMC General Medical Condition (i.e., 0 GMC) GOA Gone on Arrival (i.e., DOA) GOMER Get Outta My E.R. i.e. patient who frequently presents at the ER near death but manages to pull through each and every time. GOK God only knows GORD Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease GOT glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase GPT glutamic-pyruvic transaminase GSW gunshot wound see HVLT GTN Glyceryl trinitrate GU Genitourinary GUM Genitourinary medicine (often used more restrictively as alternative to sexually transmitted disease clinic) GvH Graft-versus-host GvHD Graft-versus-host disease H HA Hypertonia arterialis

HAD HIV-associated dementia H/A headache H&E Hematoxlyn and Eosin standard tissue stain. Sometimes used as noun referring to stained slides--"H&E's showed..." HAV Hepatitis A virus Hb Hemoglobin HBV Hepatitis B virus HCC Hepato Cell Carcinoma HCG Human chorionic gonadotropin HCM Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy HCT Hematocrit HCTZ Hydrochlorothiazide HCV Hepatitis C virus HDL High density lipoprotein HDL-C High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol HDU High Dependency Unit HDV Hepatitis D virus HEENT Head Eyes Ears Nose Throat HES Hydroxyethyl Starch HEV Hepatitis E virus HGB Hemoglobin HH Hiatus hernia H&H Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Hib Haemophilus influenzae B HIV Human immunodeficiency virus HL Hepatic lipase HLA Human leukocyte antigens H&M Hematemesis and Melena HOCM Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy HONK Hyperosmolar Non Ketotic Coma H&P History & Physical HPI History of Present Illness HPV Human papillomavirus HR Heart rate HRT Hormone replacement therapy H.S. At bedtime, from Latin, hora somni HSG Hysterosalpingogram HSV Herpes simplex virus HT Hypertension HTLV Human T-lymphotropic virus HTN Hypertension HUS Hemolytic uremic syndrome HVLT High-velocity Lead Therapy, also see GSW (gunshot wound) Hx history (of) I I131 radioactive iodine IA Intra-arterial IABP Intra-aortic balloon pump IAI Intra-amniotic infection IBD Inflammatory bowel disease IBS Irritable bowel syndrome IC Intracardiac ICD Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision ICH Intracerebral hemorrhage ICP Intracranial pressure ICU Intensive care unit I&D Incision and drainage (how to treat an abscess} IDA Iron deficiency anemia IDC Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy IDC Indwelling catheter IDDM Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus IDL Intermediate density lipoprotein IDP Infectious Disease Precautions/ Process IFG Impaired fasting glycaemia Ig Immunoglobulin IGT Impaired glucose tolerance IHD Ischaemic heart disease

i.m. intramuscular IMB InterMenstrual Bleed (bleeding between periods) IMI Intramuscular injection INF Interferon INR International normalized ratio I&O inputs and outputs IOL Induction of labor IOL Intraocular lens IOP Intraocular pressure IP Interphalangeal joint IPPV Intermittent positive pressure ventilation IQ Intelligence Quotient ISA Intrinsic Sympathomimetic Activity ISDN Isosorbide dinitrate ISH Isolated systolic hypertension ISMN Isosorbide mononitrate i.s.q. no change (from Latin, in status quo) IT Intrathecal ITP Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ITU Intensive Treatment Unit (or Intensive Therapy Unit) IUCD intrauterine contraceptive device IU International units IUD Intrauterine Death - sometimes confused with intrauterine contraceptive device. Use FDIU or IUFD IUD intrauterine device - sometimes confused with intrauterine death. We now use IUCD IUFD IntraUterine Foetal Demise IUI Intrauterine insemination IUS IntraUterine System i.v. Intravenous IV-DSA Intravenous digital subtraction angiography IVDU Intravenous drug user IVF In vitro fertilization IVP Intravenous pyelogram IVU Intravenous urogram J JMS "Junior Medical Student" AKA "MS-3" JVD Jugular vein distension JVP Jugular venous pressure K K Potassium (in German, Kalium) Kcal Kilocalorie, Calorie kg Kilogram KIV Keep in view KUB kidney, ureter, bladder (x-ray) L L Leukocytes LABBB Left anterior bundle branch block LAD Left Anterior Descending coronary artery LAP Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase LAR Low Anterior Resection LAS Lymphadenopathy syndrome LBBB Left bundle branch block LCM Lymphocytic meningitis LDH Lactate dehydrogenase LDL Low density lipoprotein LDL-C Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol L-DOPA Levo-DihydrOxyPhenylAlanine LES Lower esophageal sphincter LES Lupus erythematosus systemicus LE Lupus erythematosus (in German Lupus erythematodes) leu Leukocytes LFT Liver function test LGL Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome LGM Lymphogranulomatosis maligna

LGV Lymphogranuloma venereum LH Luteinizing hormone LIH left inguinal hernia LLL left lower lobe LLQ left lower quadrant LM Left Main LMP Last Menstrual period (prior to pregnancy and in woman with regular 28 day cycle taken as 0/40 weeks of pregnancy) LOL Little old lady ... often LOL in NAD LORTA Loss Of Resistance To Air (in anesthesiology; when placing epidural, LORTA indicates entrance of needle to epidural space) LOS Length of stay Lp Lipoprotein LP Lumbar puncture LPL Lipoprotein lipase LUL Left upper lobe LUQ Left upper quadrant LVEDP Left ventricular end diastolic pressure LVEF Left ventricular ejection fraction LVF Left ventricular failure LVH Left ventricular hypertrophy LV Left ventricle LVOT Left Ventricular Outflow Track Ly Lymphocytes lytes electrolytes M MAO-I Monoamine oxidase inhibitor M Macrophage MARSA Methicillin and aminoglycoside resistant Staphylococcus aureus MAS Morgani-Adams-Stokes MC Metacarpal bone MCP Metacarpophalangeal joint MCHC Mean cell hemoglobin concentration MCH Mean cell hemoglobin MC&S Microscopy, Culture & Sensitivity, the investigation steps in processing microbiology samples MCV Mean cell volume MDS Myelodysplastic syndrome Mg Magnesium MgSO4 Magnesium or Magnesium Sulfate MGUS Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (unknown or uncertain may be substituted for undetermined) MI Myocardial infarction MIC Morbus Ischaemicus Cordis MIC Minimal inhibitory concentration MLA Myelosis Leucemica Acuta MM Myeloma multiplex mod Moderate MODY Maturity onset diabetes of the young Mo Monocytes MOM Milk of magnesia MOPP Mechlorethamine, Vincristine, Procarbazine, and Prednisone in combination, older treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma. MPV Mean platelet volume MRA Magnetic resonance angiogram or angiogrphy MRI Magnetic resonance imaging MR Mitral regurgitation MR Modified release MRSA Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MS Mitral stenosis MS Multiple sclerosis MS Medical student MS-1, MS-2, MS-3, MS-4 respectively MSH Melanocyte stimulating hormone MSO4 Morphine or Morphine Sulfate MSU Mid Stream Urine sample (used in testing for presence of urine infections)

MT Metatarsal bone MTP Metatarsalphalangeal joint MTX Methotrexate MVP Mitral valve prolapse MVPS Mitral valve prolapse syndrome N Na Sodium (in German Natrium) NAD No Abnormality Detected, i.e. the absence of abnormal signs on examination NAD No apparent distress. NE Norepinephrine Ne Neutrophil granulocytes Neo Neoplasm NFR Not For Resuscitation NGU Non-gonococcal urethritis NHL Non Hodgkin Lymphoma NIDDM Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus NK Natural killer cells NKA no known allergies NKDA no known drug allergies. This abbreviation is also used in the military of the United States and may be printed on dog tags or a uniform. NMR Nuclear magnetic resonance NNH Number needed to harm NNT Number needed to treat NO Nitric oxide NOF Neck of Femur Fracture (refers to Hip fracture) NOS Nitric oxide synthase Npl Neoplasm NPO nil per os (nothing by mouth) NREM non-Rapid Eye Movement n.s. not significant NS Normal Saline NSAID Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug NSCC Non Squamous Cell Carcinoma NSE Neurospecific enolase NSR normal sinus rhythm NSRI Noradrenaline-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor NSU Non-specific urethritis NTG Nitroglycerin N&V nausea & vomiting NVD nausea, vomiting & diarrhea NVD Normal Vaginal Delivery O O2 Oxygen OA osteoarthritis OB-GYN Obstetrics and gynecology OCD Obsessive-compulsive disorder OD right eye from Latin, oculus dexter OD overdose od every day, usually regarded as once daily, from the Latin, omni die. Generally written in lower case. O/E on examination OGTT Oral glucose tolerance test om every morning, from the Latin, omni mane. Generally written in lower case. OME Otitis Media with Effusion - fluid in the inner ear without other symptoms. on every night, from the Latin, omni nocte. Generally written in lower case. OP outpatient department OPPT Oriented to Person Place and Time OS left eye from Latin, oculus sinister OS Orthopedic surgery OSA Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSH outside hospital OTC Over-the-counter drug

OTD Out the Door (discharged) OTPP Oriented to Time Place and Person OU Both eyes, from Latin, oculi uterque P p (p with a bar over it) after, from Latin, post P Parturition (total number of live births) P Phosphorus P Pulse PA posterior-anterior PA Pulmonary artery PAF Platelet activating factor PAF Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (meaning intermittent AF) PAH Pulmonary arterial hypertension PAI-1 Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 PAO Peak Acid Output PAP Papanicolaou stain Pap Papanicolaou Test (pap smear) PAT Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia p.c. After food, from Latin, post cibum PCI Percutaneous coronary intervention PCL Posterior cruciate ligament PCOS Polycystic ovarian syndrome PCP Pneumocystis pneumonia (formerly Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) PCP Primary Care Physician/Primary Care Provider PCR Polymerase chain reaction PCWP Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure PDA Patent ductus arteriosus PDE Phosphodiesterase PDT Photodynamic Therapy PE Pulmonary Embolism PE Pre-eclampsia PEEP Positive end expiratory pressure PEF Peak expiratory flow PEFR Peak expiratory flow rate PERLA Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light and Accommodation PERRLA Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation PET Positron-emission tomography PFO Patent foramen ovale PID Pelvic inflammatory disease PIH Pregnancy induced hypertension PIP Proximal interphalangeal joint PKA Protein kinase A PKD Polycystic kidney disease PKU Phenylketonuria PLT platelets PMB Post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after menopause) PMH [past medical history] or Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage PMI Point of maximal impulse or apical beat PMN Polymorphonuclear cells, ie Neutrophils PMR Percutaneous Myocardial Revascularisation PMR Polymyalgia Rheumatica PND Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea p.o. By mouth (orally), from Latin, per os poly Polymorphonuclear cells, ie Neutrophils POX Peroxidase PPH Post partum haemorrhage PPH Primary Pulmonary hypertension PPI Proton pump inhibitor PPROM Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes PPTL Post-Partum Tubal Ligation p.r. per rectum (as noun: rectal examination) PRA Plasma renin activity PRBCS Packed Red Blood Cells PRIND Prolonged Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Deficit prn as necessary, from Latin, pro re nata (if used in chronic pain control disparagingly termed "pain relief nil")

PROM Premature Rupture of Membranes PRP PanRetinal Photocoagulation PSA Prostatic specific antigen PSP Phenylsulphtalein PTM Pulmonary Tuberculosis Pt. Patient, from Latin patiens, meaning "one who endures" or "one who suffers" PTA Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty PTCA Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty PT Prothrombin time PTH Parathyroid hormone PTx Pneumothorax PTT Partial thromboplastin time PUD peptic ulcer disease PUVA Psoralen UV A p.v. per vagina (as noun: vaginal examination with manual examination and speculum inspection) PVD peripheral vascular disease PVR Pulmonary vascular resistance PWP Pulmonary Wedge Pressure Px, px physical examination Px Prognosis Q q each, every, {from Latin, quaque} q.a.d. every other day, (from Latin, quaque altera die) QALY Quality-adjusted life years q.AM every AM, (from Latin, quaque ante meridiem) q.d. each day, {from Latin, quaque die} q.d.s. four times each day, {from Latin, quater die sumendus} q.h. each hour, {from Latin, quaque hora} q.h.s. every bedtime, {from Latin, quaque hora somni} q.i.d. four times each day, {from Latin, quater in die} q.m.t. every month q.w.k. weekly q.o.d every other day R RA Refractory anaemia RA Rheumatoid arthritis RAI Radioactive Iodine RAPD Relative afferent pupillary defect RBBB Right bundle branch block RBC Red blood cells RCA Right coronary artery RCT Randomized controlled trial REM Rapid eye movement RF Rheumatoid factor RFLP Restriction fragment length polymorphism RFT Renal function test Rh Rhesus factor RhF Rheumatoid factor RIA Radioimmune assay RIBA Radioimmunoblotting assay RICE Rest Ice Compression Elevation RIMA Reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A RIND Reversible ischemic neurologic deficit RLQ Right lower quadrant RNA Ribonucleic acid RNV Radionuclear Ventriculography ROM Range of motion RR Respiratory rate RRR Regular Rate and Rhythm ROS Review of systems RUQ Right upper quadrant RPR Rapid Plasma Reagin test RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus RV Residual volume RV Right ventricle

RVF Right ventricular failure RVSP Right ventricular systolic pressure Rx medical prescription or Prescription drug S s (s with a bar over it) without from Middle English sans, borrowed from Old French sans, Latin sine SAH Subarachnoid hemorrhage SARS Severe acute respiratory syndrome SBE Subacute bacterial endocarditis SBP Systolic blood pressure SBP spontaneous bacterial peritonitis s.c. subcutaneous from Latin, subcutis SCC Squamous cell carciona SCID Severe combined immunodeficiency Scope Microscope or Endoscope SD Standard deviation Segs Segmented cells SGA Small for gestational age SGOT Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase SGPT Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase SH Social history (personal habits, living situation, job) SHBG Sex Hormone Binding Globuline SHx Surgical History SI International System of Units, Suicidal ideation SIADH Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIMV Synchronized Intermittent Mechanical Ventilation SK Streptokinase SLE Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SM Multiple sclerosis from Latin, Sclerosis multiplex SMA Sequential Multiple Analysis SMA-7 Serum Metabolic Assay SMS Senior medical student SMT Spinal Manipulative Therapy SNP Sodium Nitroprusside SNRI Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor SOAP Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (How Doctors notes are organized) SOB Shortness of breath SOBOE Dyspnoea SOL Space Occupying Lesion SOOB Send Out Of Bed SOS Save Our Souls, meaning "in case of emergency" SP Status post SPET Single photon emission tomography SQ Subcutaneous SR Slow Release SROM Spontaneous rupture of membranes SSRI Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSSS Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome SSS Sick Sinus Syndrome Staph Staphylococcus STD Sexually transmitted disease STH Somatotropic hormone STI Sexually transmitted infection STI Soft tissue injury STOP Surgical Termination Of Pregnancy (sometimes Suction Termination of Pregnancy) Strep Streptococcus Subq Subcutaneous SV Seminal Vesicle SVD Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery SVI Systemic Viral Infection SVN Small Volume Nebulizer SVR Systemic vascular resistance SVT Supraventricular tachycardia Sx Surgery or Symptoms SXA Single energy X-ray absorptiometer SXR skull x-ray

T T&A tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy TAH Total Abdominal Hysterectomy TAH-BSO Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingooophorectomy TB tuberculosis TBC tuberculosis TBC Total body crunch Td Tetanus and Diphtheria TdP Torsades de pointes TBI Total body irradiation TCC Transitional cell carcinoma t.d.s. Three times a day, from Latin, ter die sumendus TEE or TOE Transesophageal echocardiogram TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator TERN "Intern" TF Transfer T/F Transfer TFTs Thyroid function tests TGA Transposition of the great arteries TG Triglycerides Tg Thyroglobulin THR Total hip replacement TIA Transient ischemic attack TIBC Total iron binding capacity t.i.d. Three times a day, from Latin, ter in die TIPS transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt TKR Total knee replacement TKVO to keep vein open TLC Total lung capacity TMB "Too Many Birthdays" Very frail elderly patient TNF Tumor necrosis factors TNM Tumor-Nodes-Metastases TOE Transoesophageal echocardiogram TOP Termination of Pregnancy TPa Tissue plasminogen activator TPN Total parenteral nutrition TR Tricuspid regurgitation TRF Transfer (pronounced "turf") TRF'd Transferred (Pronounced "turfed", as in "We just turfed Mrs Johnson OTD") TRH Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone TS Tricuspid stenosis TSH Thyroid Stimulating Hormone TT thrombin time TTE Transthoracic echocardiogram TTO To Take Out (medicines given to patient on discharge from hospital stay) TTP Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura TTS Transdermal therapeutic system Tu Tumor TUR Transurethral resection TURBT Transurethral resection of bladder tumour TURP Transurethral resection of the prostate Tx Transplant Tx treatment [edit] U UA Urinalysis UBT Urea Breath Test U & E urea and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) blood test, often including creatinine UC Ulcerative colitis UD As Directed, from Latin, Ut Dictum URI Upper Respiratory Infection URTI Upper Respiratory Tract Infection US Ultrasound USG Ultrasonography USR Unheated Serum Reagin

USS Ultrasound scan UTI Urinary Tract Infection UVAL Ultraviolet Argon Laser U UA Urinalysis UBT Urea Breath Test U & E urea and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) blood test, often including creatinine UC Ulcerative colitis UD As Directed, from Latin, Ut Dictum URI Upper Respiratory Infection URTI Upper Respiratory Tract Infection US Ultrasound USG Ultrasonography USR Unheated Serum Reagin USS Ultrasound scan UTI Urinary Tract Infection UVAL Ultraviolet Argon Laser V VA visual acuity VAD vincristine adriblastine dexamethasone VAMP vincristine adriblastine methylprednisone V-BAC Vaginal Birth After Caesarian VC Vital capacity vCJD Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease VD Vaginal Delivery VDRL Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory (old test for syphilis} VDRF VDRF Ventilator dependent Respiratory failure VE vaginal examination (manual examination) VEB Ventricular ectopic beat VRE Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci VF Ventricular fibrillation VIP Vasoactive intestinal peptide VLDL Very low density lipoprotein VMA Vanillylmandelic acid VOD Volume of distribution VPA Valproic acid VSD Ventricular septal defect VT Ventricular tachycardia

W WAT White adipose tissue WBC White blood cells WDWN Well developed, well Nourished WNL Within Normal Limits (Also: We Never Looked) WPW Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome WWI Walking While Intoxicated X x times/for Y ZIFT Zygote intrafallopian transfer Z