Medical & Lab Testing Common Acronyms

A

AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm
AABB American Association of Blood Banks
AACC American Association of Clinical Chemistry
AAD antibiotic-associated diarrhea
A-a gradient alveolar to arterial gradient
A1AT alpha1 antitrypsin
A /G albumin/globulin ratio
A&O alert & oriented
AAO alert, awake, and oriented
AAS acute abdominal series
AAT alpha antitrypsin
Ab antibody
ABD abdomen
ABG arterial blood gas
ABO ABO blood group
Ac actinium
AC before eating
ACA anticardiolipin antibody; Du Pont chemistry analyzer
ACC amylase creatinine clearance
ACE angiotensin converting enzyme
AChR acetylcholine receptor antibody
ACLS advanced cardiac life support
ACOG American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
AcP acid phosphatase
ACT activated clotting time
ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone
ad lib as much as needed
ADH alcohol dehydrogenase; antidiuretic hormone
ADNase anti-DNAse
ADP adenosine 5-diphosphate
ADR adverse drug reaction. | acute dystonic reaction
ADT adenosine triphosphate; alternate-day treatment
AED anticonvulsant drugs
AED antiepileptic drug
AF acid-fast; amniotic fluid; artrial fibrillation or afebrile
AFB acid-fast bacillus
AFP alpha-fetoprotein
Ag antigen; silver
AGL acute glomerular nephritis
AHA acquired hemolytic anemia; autoimmune hemolytic anemia
AHBC hepatitis B core antibody
AHF antihemophilic factor
AHT antihyaluronidase titer
AI aortic insufficiency
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome
AIHA autoimmune hemolytic anemia
AIP acute intermittent porphyria; average intravascular pressure
AKA  above the knee amputation
Al aluminum
ALA aminolevulinic acid
Alb albumin
ALD alcoholic liver disease
alk alkaline
AlkP alkaline phosphatase
ALL acute lymphoblastic leukemia; acute lymphocytic leukemia
AlP alkaline phosphatase
ALPI alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes
ALT alanine aminotransferase
Am americium
AMA against medical advice; American Medical Association; antimitrochondrial antibody
amb ambulate
AMI acute myocardial infarction
AML acute myeloblastic leukemia; acute myelogenous leukemia
ANA antinuclear antibody
ANCA antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
ANF antinuclear factor
ANLL acute nonlymphocytic leukemia
ANP atrial natriuretic peptide
ANS autonomic nervous system
AOB alcohol on breath
AODM adult onset diabetes mellitus
AP anteroposterior or abdominal - perineal
APCA antiparetial cell antibody
APTT activated partial thromboplastin time
Ar argon
ARA antireticulin antibody
ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARF acute renal failure
As arsenic
AS aortic stenosis
ASA acetylsalicylic acid
ASAP as soon as possible
ASCP American Society of Clinical Pathologists
ASCVD atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
ASD atrial septal defect
ASHD atherosclerotic heart disease
ASK antistreptokinase
ASKA antiskeletal antibody
ASLO antistreptolysin O
ASMA antismooth muscle antibody
ASO antistreptolysin O; arterioselerosis obliterans
AST aspartate aminotransferase
AT III antithrombin III
ATP adenosine triphosphate
ATP ase adenosine triphosphatase
Au gold
AV atrioventricular
A-V arteriovenous
A-VO2 arteriovenous oxygen
AZT azidothymidine; zidovudine

B

B boron
Ba barium
BAC blood alcohol concentration
BB Blood Bank
BBB blood brain barrier; bundle branch block
BBT basal body temperature
BCAA branched chain amino acids
BCM bovine cervical mucus
BCP birth control pills; blood cell profile
Be beryllium
BE barium enema
BEE basal energy expenditure
BF black female
BHB beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bi bismuth
bid twice a day
BJ Bence Jones
Bk berkelium
BKA below the knee amputation
BM black male; bone marrow; bowel movement; breast milk
BMP basic metabolic panel
BMR basal metabolic rate
BMT bone marrow transplant
BOM bilateral otitis media
BP blood pressure
BPH benign prostatic hypertrophy
BPM beats per minute
Br bromine; bromide
BRBPR bright red blood per rectum
BRP bathroom priviledges
BS bowel or breath sounds
bsa body surface area
BTG beta thromboglobulin
BUN blood urea nitrogen
BW birth weight; body weight
Bx biopsy
BX biopsy

C

C carbon
c with
C & S culture and sensitivity
C/O complaining of
Ca calcium
CA cancer antigen; carbohydrate antigen
CA cancer
Ca calcium
CA 125 tumor marker antigen
CA 15-3 tumor marker antigen
CA 19-9 tumor marker antigen
CAA crystalline amino acids
CABG coronary artery bypass graft
CAC circulating anticoagulant
CaCl calcium chloride
CaCO3 calcium carbonate
CAD coronary artery disease
CALLA common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen
cAMP cyclic AMP
CASA computer-assisted semen analysis
CAT computerized axial tomography
CBC complete blood count
CBG capillary blood gas
CBIL conjugated bilirubin
CC chief complaint
CCU clean catch urine or cardiac care unit
CCV critical closing volume
Cd cadmium
CDC Center for Disease Control
CDU cumulative dose unit
Ce cerium
CEA carcinoembryonic antigen
Cf californium
CF cardiac failure; caucasian female; complement fixation; cystic fibrosis
CFU colony forming units
CGL chronic granulocytic leukemia
CH congenital hypothyroidism
CHD congenital heart disease
CHF congestive heart failure
CHO carbohydrate
Chol cholesterol
CI cardiac index; color index; confidence intervals
CIC circulating immune complexes
CIE counterimmunoelectrophoresis
CIN cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
CK creatine kinase
Cl chloride
CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Cm curium
CM caucasian male; contrast media; culture media
CML cell mediated lysis; chronic myelogenous leukemia
CMP comprehensive metabolic panel
CMPT cervical mucous penetration test
CMV cytomegalovirus
CN cyanogen or cranial nerves
CNS central nervous system
Co cobalt
CO carbon monoxide; cardiac output
CO3 carbonate
coag coagulation
COHb carboxyhemoglobin
COLD chronic obstructive lung disease
COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CP chest pain or cerebral palsy
CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
CPE cytopathogenic effects
CPK creatine phosphokinase
cpm counts per minute
CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Cr chromium
CRCL creatinine clearance
Cre creatinine
Creat creatinine
CRF chronic renal failure; corticotropin releasing factor
CRP C-reactive protein
CRT cathode ray tube
Cs cesium
CS & CC culture, sensitivity and colony count
CSF cerebrospinal fluid
CSR corrected sedimentation rate
CT circulation time; clotting time; computerized tomography
CTM Chlamydia transport media
Cu copper
CV cardiovascular; coefficient of variation; conjugata vera
CVA cerebrovascular accident or costovertebral angle
CVAT CVA tenderness
CVP central venous pressure
CVS cardiovascular system; clean voided specimen
Cx cervical; cervix
CXR chest X-ray

D

D&C dilation and curettage
D5W 5% dextrose in water solution
DALA delta aminolevulinic acid
DAT direct antiglobulin test
DAT diet as tolerated
DAW dispense as written
DBI development at birth index
DBili direct bilirubin
DBP diastolic blood pressure
DC discontinue or discharge
DCG dynamic electrocardiogram
DD differential diagnosis
DDT dichloro-diphenyltrichloroethane
DDX differential diagnosis
DDx differential diagnosis
DFA direct fluorescent antibody
DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone
DHEA-S dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
DHT dihydrotestosterone
DI diabetes insipidus
DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation
DIC disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
diff differential
DIP dichlorophenolindophenol
DIP distal interphalangeal  joint
DISIDA diisopropyl-iminodiacetic acid
DJD degenerative joint disease
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis
dL deciliter
DLE discoid lupus erythematosus
DLF digoxin-like factors
dm decimeter
DM diabetes mellitus
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
DNase deoxyribonuclease
DNBT dinitroblue
DNPH dinitrophenylhydrazine
DNR  do not resuscitate
DOA date of admission; dead on arrival
DOB date of birth
DOC deoxycorticosterone
DOE dyspnea on exertion
dos dose (dosis)
DP diastolic pressure
DPL diagnostic peritoneal lavage
DPT diphtheria toxoid, pertussis vaccine, tetanus toxoid
Dr doctor
DRG diagnostic related group(s)
ds-DNA double-stranded DNA
DST dexamethasone suppression test
DT delirium tremons; duration tetany; dye test
DTR deep tendon reflexes
DVT deep venous thrombosis
Dx diagnosis

E

EA early antigen
EAA essential amino acids
EB Epstein-Barr
EBEA Epstein-Barr early antigen
EBL estimated blood loss
EBNA Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen
EBV Epstein-Barr virus
EBVCA Epstein-Barr virus, capsid antigen
EBVEA Epstein-Barr virus, early antigen
EBVNA Epstein-Barr virus, nuclear antigen
EC Escherichia coli; extracellular
ECG electrocardiogram
ECT electroconvulsive therapy
EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
EEG electroencephalography
EFA essential fatty acids
EFAD essential fatty acid deficiency
eg example
EGA estimated gestational age
EGFR epidermal growth factor receptor
EH enlarged heart; essential hypertension
EHEC enterohemorrhagic E. coli
EIA enzyme immunoassay
EID electroimmunodiffusion
EIEC enteroinvasive E. coli
EKG electrocardiogram
ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
EM electron microscopy
EMG electromyogram
EMIT enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique
EMS eosinophil myalgia syndrome
EMV eyes, motor, verbal response
ENA extractable nuclear antigen
ENT ear, nose, and throat
EOM extraocular muscles
eos eosinophil
EP electrolyte panel
EPEC enteropathogenic E. coli
EPS electrophysiologic studies
Eq equivalent
Er erbium
ER emergency room; estrogen receptors
ERA estrogen receptor assay
ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangio -pancreatography
Es Einsteinium
ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD end-stage renal disease
et and (et)
ET endotracheal
ETEC enterotoxigenic E. coli
EtOH ethyl alcohol
ETOH ethanol
ETT endotracheal tube
EUA examination under anesthesia

F

F fluorine
FA fatty acid; filterable agent; fluorescent antibody
FANA fluorescent antinuclear antibody
FAS fetal alcohol syndrome
FBP fibrin breakdown product
FBS fasting blood sugar
FDA Federal Drug Administration
FDP fibrin degradation product; fructose diphosphate
Fe iron
FeCl3 ferric chloride
FEP free erythrocyte protoporphyrin
FEV forced expiratory volume
FFA free fatty acids
FFP fresh frozen plasma
fg femtogram
FH family history
FIC functional inhibitory concentration
Fm fermium
fmol femtomole
FMULC free monoclonal urinary light chains
FNA fine needle aspiration
FP false-positive
FPIA fluorescence polarization immunoassay
Fr francium
FRC functional residual capacity
FS frozen section
FSH follicle stimulating hormone
FSI foam stability index
FSP fibrin split products
FTA fluorescent treponemal antibody
FTA-ABS fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption
FTI free thyroxine index
FTT failure to thrive
FU follow-up
FUO fever of unknown origin
FVC forced vital capacity
Fx fracture

G

g gram
g microgram
g/dL gram percent
G-6-PD glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase
Ga gallium
GAL galactosemia
GB gallbladder
GBM glomerular basement membrane
GC gonorrhea culture; gas chromatography
GC/MS gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Gd gadolinium
Ge germanium
GETT general by endotracheal tube
GFR glomerular filtration rate
GGT gamma-glutamyltransferase; gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
GH growth hormone
GHB glycohemoglobin
GI gastrointestinal
GIH gastric inhibitory hormone
GIP gastric inhibitory polypeptide
GLC gas-liquid chromatography
Glu glucose
GM geometric mean
GnRH gonadotropin releasing hormone
GP glycoprotein
GPT glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
GPUT glactose phosphate uridyl transferase
GR glutathione reductase
gr grain; 
GSH glutathione; growth stimulating hormone
GSW gun shot wound
gt or gtt drops
GTP glutamyl transpeptidase
GTT glucose tolerance test
GU genitourinary; gastric ulcer; gonococcal urethritis
GXT graded exercise tolerance (Stress test)

H

H hydrogen
H/H henderson- hasselbach equation or hemoglobin/ hematocrit
Ha hahnium
HA headache; hemagglutination
HAA hepatitis B surface antigen
HABA hydroxybenzeneazobenzoic acid
HAI hemagglutination inhibition
HAV hepatitis A virus
HAVAB hepatitis A virus antibody
Hb hemoglobin
HBAB hepatitis B antibody
HBc hepatitis B core
HBD hydroxybutric dehydrogenase
HBDH hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase
HBeAg hepatitis B e antigen
HBP high blood pressure
HBsAg hepatitis B surface antigen
HBV hepatitis B virus
HC homocystinuria
hCG human chorionic gonadotropin
HCG human chorionic gonadotropin
HCl hydrochloric acid
HCO3 bicarbonate
HCS human chorionic somatomammotropin
Hct hematocrit
HCT hematocrit
HD Hodgkin's disease
HDL high density lipoprotein
HEENT head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
Hf hafnium
HFI hereditary fructose intolerance
HFP hepatic function panel
Hg mercury
Hgb hemoglobin
HGG human gamma globulin
HGH human growth hormone
HIAA hydroxyindoleacetic acid
HIB Haemophilus influenzae B
HIV human immunodeficiency virus
HJR hepatojugular reflex
HLA human leukocyte antigen
HLA histocompatibility locus antigen
Ho holmium
HO history of
HOB head of bed
HP hepatitis panel
hpf high power field
HPF high power field
HPI history of present illness
HPL human placental lactogen
HPLC high-pressure liquid chromatography
HPP human pancreatic polypeptide
HPPH hydroxyphenyl-phenylhydantoin
HPT hyperparathyroidism
HPV human papillomavirus
HR heart rate; hospital record
HRANA histone reactive ANA
HRLM high resolution light microscopy
HS herpes simplex; hereditary spherocytosis
HS at bedtime
HSM hepatosplenomegaly
HSV herpes simplex virus
HT hypertension; hypodermic tablet
HTLV human T-lymphotropic virus
HTLV-III human lymphotropic virus, type III
HTN hypertension
HTP hydroxytrytophan
HTVD hypertensive vascular disease
HVA homovanillic acid
Hx history

I

I iodine
I&D incision and drainage
I&O intake and output
I.V. intravenous
I-3-AA indole-3-acetic acid
IAA indole acetic acid
IAT indirect antiglobulin test
IBC iron binding capacity
IC immune complexes; inspiratory capacity
ICF intracellular fluid
ICN intensive care neonatal
ICS intercostal space
ICSH interstitial cell stimulating hormone
ICT indirect Coombs' test
ICU intensive care unit
ID identification; immunodiffusion; infectious disease; intradermal(ly)
IDA iron deficiency anemia; image display and analysis
IDAT indirect antiglobulin test
IDDM insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
IDL intermediate-density lipoprotein
IEF isoelectric focusing
IEM inborn errors of metabolism
IF immunofluorescence; inspiratory force; interstitial fluid; intrinsic factor
IFA indirect fluorescent antibody
IFIX immunofixation
Ig immunoglobulin
IG immunoglobulin
IHA indirect hemagglutination
IHSS idiopathic hypertropic subaortic stenosis
IIF indirect immunofluorescence
IM intramuscular
IMD inherited metabolic disorders
IMV intermittent mandatory ventilation
In indium
INF intravenous nutritional fluid
IOFNA intraoperative fine needle aspiration
IPPB intermittent positive pressure breathing
Ir iridium
IR infrared
IRBBB incomplete right bundle branch block
IRDM insulin resistant diabetes mellitus
IRI immunoreactive insulin
IRMA immunoradiometric assay
IRT immunoreactive trypsinogen
ISE ion-selective electrode
IT interthecal
ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
ITT insulin tolerance test
IU International unit
IUD intrauterine device
IUP intrauterine pregnancy
IV intravenous
IVC intravenous cholangiogram  | inferior vena cava
IVP intravenous pyelogram
IVSD intraventricular septal defect

J

JODM juvenile onset diabetes mellitus
JVD  jugular venous distention

K

K potassium
kcal kilocalorie
KCl potassium chloride
KCN potassium cyanide
kg kilogram
KGS ketogenic steroids
kL kiloliter
km kilometer
KOH potassium hydroxide
KOR keep open rate
KS ketosteroids; Kaposi's sarcoma
KUB kidney and urinary bladder
KUB kidneys, ureters, bladder
VO keep vein open

L

L microliter
L left
L/S lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio
LA latex agglutining; left artrium; local anesthetic
LAD left axis deviation or left anterior descending
LAE left atrial enlargement
LAHB left anterior hemiblock
LAP left atrial pressure or leukocyte alkaline phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase
LASA lipid-associated sialic acid
LATS long-acting thyroid stimulating hormone
LBBB left bundle branch block
LBM lean body mass
LBW low birth weight
LC lethal concentration
LD lactate dehydrogenase; lactic acid dehydrogenase; lethal dose; light difference
LDH lactate dehydrogenase
LDHI LDH isoenzymes
LDL low density lipoprotein
LDLC low density lipoprotein cholesterol
LE lower extremity; lupus erythematosus
LFT liver function test
LGV lymphogranuloma venereum
LH luteinizing hormone
LHRF luteinizing hormone releasing factor
LHRH luteinizing hormone releasing hormone
Li lithium
LIH left inguinal hernia
LLA lupus like anticoagulant
LLL left lower lobe
LM light microscopy
LMP last menstrual period
LNMP last normal menstrual period
LOC loss of consciousness or level of consciousness
LP lipid panel
LP lumbar puncture
lpf low power field
LPN licensed practical nurse
LSD lysergic acid diethylamide
LTC long-term care
LUL left upper quadrant
LV left ventricle
LVEDP left ventricular end diastolic pressure
LVH left ventricular hypertrophy
LVW lateral vaginal wall
Lw lawrencium
Lytes electrolytes

M

m meter
M mix (misce)
m micrometer
m2 square meter
m3 cubic meter
m3 cubic micrometer
MAA microaggregatedalbumin
MAI Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare
MAO monoamine oxidase
MAP mean arterial pressure
MAR mixed antiglobulin reaction
MAST medical antishock trousers
MB a fraction of creatine kinase
MBC minimum bactericidal concentration; maximum breathing capacity
MBD maximum bactericidal dilution
MBP myelin basic protein
MBT maternal blood type
MC-Ab monoclonal antibody
mcg microgram
MCH mean corpuscular hemoglobin
MCH mean cell hemoglobin
MCHC mean cell hemoglobin concentration
MCTD mixed connective tissue disease
MCV mean corpuscular volume
MCV mean cell volume
Md mendelevium
MD medical doctor
MDR minimum daily requirement
MEIA microparticle enzyme immunoassay
MEN multiple endocrine neoplasia
mEq milliequivalent
METS metastases
MF mycosis fungoides
MFC minimum fungicidal concentration
mg milligram
Mg magnesium
MgCl2 magnesium chloride
MgCO3 magnesium carbonate
MgSO4 magnesium sulfate
MH malignant hyperthermia; marital history; menstrual history; mental health
MHA microhemagglutination
MHA-TP microhemagglutination Treponema pallidum
MI myocardial infarction; maturation index; mitral insufficiency
MIC minimum inhibitory concentration
MID maximum bactericidal dilution
mIU milli International unit
mL milliliter
MLC mixed leukocyte culture; mixed lymphocyte culture
MLD metachromatic leukodystrophy; minimum lethal dose
MLE midline episiotomy
MLR mixed lymphocyte reaction
MLT medical laboratory technician
mm millimeter
mm Hg millimeters of mercury
mm2 square millimeter
mm3 cubic millimeter
MMA methylmalonic acid
MMEF maximal mid expiratory flow
mmol millimole
mmol/L millimolar
MMR measles, mumps, rubella
Mn manganese
Mo molybdenum
mol micromole
mol mole
mol/L micromolar
mol/L molar
mOsm milliosmole
MPS mucopolysaccharidosis
MPV mean plasma volume; mean platelet volume
MR moderately resistant
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA methicillin resistant staph aureus
MS mental status; mitral stenosis; multiple sclerosis; morphine sulfate
MSAFP maternal serum alpha fetoprotein
MSD metabolic screening disorders
MSH melanocyte stimulating hormone
MSL midsternal line
MSSA methicillin-sensitive staph aureus
MSUD maple syrup urine disease
MT medical technologist
MTB mycobacterium tuberculosis
MTX methotrexate
mU milliunit
MVA motor vehicle accident
MVI multivitamin injection
MVP mitral valve prolapse
MVV maximum voluntary ventilation
MW molecular weight
MZ monozygotic

N

N nitrogen; normal
N & T nose and throat
Na sodium
NA not applicable
Na2CO3 sodium carbonate
NACI National Advisory Committee on Immunization
NaCl sodium chloride
NAD no active disease
NaF sodium fluoride
NaOH sodium hydroxide
NAPA n-acetylprocainamide
NAS no added salt
Nb niobium
NBIL neonatal bilirubin
NCCLS National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards
NCEP National Cholesterol Education Program
NCI National Cancer Institute
NCV nerve conduction velocity
Nd neodymium
NED no evidence of recurrent disease
ng nanogram
NG nasogastric
NGU nongonococcal urethritis
NH4Cl ammonium chloride
NH4OH ammonium hydroxide
Ni nickel
NIDDM non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
NK natural killer
NKA no known allergies
NKDA no known drug allergies
nL nanoliter
NL normal
nm nanometer
nmol nanomole
nmol/L millimicromolar
NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
No nobelium
noc in the night (nocturnal)
Np neptunium
NPO nothing by mouth
NRM no regular medications
NS normal saline; not seen; not significant
NSAID non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs
NSE neuron specific enolase
NSR normal sinus rhythm
NST nonstress test
NSU nonspecific urethritis
NT nasotracheal
NTI nonthyroidal illness; nonthyroidal index
NVD nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
NYD not yet diagnosed

O

O oxygen
O.R. operating room
O/E on examination
OB obstetrics; occult blood
OC on call; oral contraceptive
OCG oral cholecystogram
OD overdose or right eye
OGTT oral glucose tolerance test
OH hydroxide; hydroxyl
OHCS hydroxycorticosteroid
OIF oil immersion field
OKT a group of monoclonal antibodies for typing lymphocytes
OM otitis media
OOB out of bed
OPV out patient visit; oral polio vaccine
OR operating room
Os osmium
OS left eye
Osm micro-osmolar
OU both eyes

P

P phosphorus; pulse
P para
P&PD percussion and postural drainage
p24 antigen in HIV infection
PA phenylalinine; platelet associated; pernicious anemia; posteroanterior; physician's assistant
PABA para-aminobenzoic acid
PAC premature atrial contraction
PAI plasminogen activator inhibitor
PAO2 alveolar oxygen
PaO2 peripheral arterial oxygen content
Pap Papanicolaou's stain
PAP peroxidase antiperoxidase; primary atypical pneu; prostate acid phosphatase
PAP pulmonary artery pressure
PAS para-aminosalicylic acid; periodic acid Schiff stain
PAT paroxysmal atrial tachycardia; preadmission testing
PAT paroxysymal atrial tachycardia
Pb lead
PBC primary biliary cirrhosis
PBG porphobilinogen
PBI protein-bound iodine
PBL peripheral blood lymphocytes
PBS peripheral blood smear
PC after eating
PCA parietal cell antibody; percutaneous coronary angioplasty
PCB polychlorinated biphenyls
PCE pseudocholinesterase
PCHE pseudocholinesterase
PCP phencyclidine
PCR polymerase chain reaction
PCV packed cell volume
PCWP pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
Pd palladium
PDA patent ductus arteriosus
PDR Physician's Desk Reference
PE physical examination; pleural effusion; pulmonary embolism
PEEP positive end expiratory pressure
PF platelet factor
PFT pulmonary function tests
pg picogram
PGD phosphogluconate dehydrogenase
PGI phosphoglucose isomerase
PGK phosphoglycerokinase
PgR progesterone receptor
pH measurement of acidity or alkalinity
PHA phytohemagglutinin activation
PI phosphatidylinositol; protamine insulin; pulmonary infarction
PI pulmonic insufficiency disease
PID pelvic inflammatory disease
PIV parainfluenza virus
PK pyruvate kinase
PKU phenylketonuria
Plt platelet
Pm promethium
PM afternoon
PMH previous medical history
PMI point of maximal impulse
PM-l platelet membrane antigen
PMN polymorphonuclear neutrophil
PMN polymorphonuclear leukocyte (neutrophil)
pmol picomole
PMP previous menstrual period
PMS premenstrual syndrome
PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
PNP nonprotein nitrogen
Po polonium
PO by mouth
POA pancreatic oncofetal antigen
POD post-op day
PP postprandial or pulsus paradoxus
PPBS postprandial blood sugar
PPD purified protein derivative
PPF plasma protein fraction
PPLO pleuropneumonia-like organisms
ppm parts per million
ppt precipitate
Pr praseodymium; presbyopia
PR per rectum
PRA plasma renin activity; progesterone receptor assay
PRBC packed red blood cells
PRBCs packed red blood cells
PRL prolactin
PRN as needed
PRSM peripheral smear
PS pulmonic stenosis
PSA prostate specific antigen
PSRO Professional Standards Review Organization
Pt platinum
PT physical therapy; prothrombin time
Pt patient
PTA platelet thromboplastin antecedent; prothrombin activity
PTC phenylthiocarbamide; plasma thromboplastin component
PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTH parathyroid hormone
PTHC percutanous transhepatic cholangiogram
PTT partial thromboplastin time
Pu plutonium
PU peptic ulcer
PUD peptic ulcer disease
PV plasma volume
PVA polyvinyl alcohol
PVC premature ventricular contraction
PVD peripheral vascular disease
PVT paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia
Px physical

Q

q every   (e.g.  q6h = every 6 hours)
q4h, q6h.... every 4 hours, every 6 hours etc.
QBCA quantitative buffy coat analysis
qd every day
qh every hour
qid four times a day
QNS quantity not sufficient
qod every other day
qs sufficient quantity
qs ad sufficient quantity to make
Qs/Qt shunt fraction
Qt total cardiac output
qv as much as you will

R

R right
R/O rule out
Ra radium
RA rheumatoid arthritis; right atrium
RAD right atrial axis deviation
RAE right atrial enlargement
RAF rheumatoid arthritis factor
RAP right atrial pressure
Rb rubidium
RBBB right bundle branch block
RBC red blood cell
RBP retinol binding protein
RC red cell; retrograde cystogram
RCMI red cell morphology index
rd rutherford
RDA recommended daily allowance
RDS respiratory distress syndrome
RDW red cell distribution width
Re rhenium
repet to be repeated
Rf rutherfordium
RF renal failure; rheumatoid factor
Rh rhodium; rhesus
RhIG Rho(D) immune globulin
Rho(D) red cell antigen
RI reticulocyte index
RIA radioimmunoassay
RID radial immunodiffusion
RIH right inguinal hernia
RIPA radioimmunoprecipitation
RISA radioiodinated serum albumin
RLL right lower lobe
RLQ right lower quadrant
RML right middle lobe
RMSF Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rn radon
RN registered nurse
RNA ribonucleic acid
RNP ribonucleoprotein
RODAC replicate organism detection and counting
ROM range of motion
ROS review of systems
RPG retrograde pyelogram
RPR rapid plasma reagin
RRR regular rate and rhythm
RSV respiratory syncytial virus
RT respiratory or radiation therapy
RTA renal tubular acidosis
RTC return to clinic
RU resin uptake
RUG retrograde urethogram
RUL right upper lobe
RUQ right upper quadrant
RV residual volume
RVH right ventricular hyperthrophy
Rx treatment

S

S sulfur
s without  |  ss = one-half
S&E sugar and acetone
SA sinoatrial
SAA synthetic amino acid
SACE serum angiotensin converting enzyme
Sb antimony
SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis
SBFT small bowel follow through
SBL serum bactericidal level
SBP systemic blood pressure; systolic blood pressure
SBS short bowel syndrome
Sc scandium
SC sickle cell; subclavian
SCAT sheep cell agglutination test
SCC squamous cell carcinoma
SCE sister chromatid exchange
SCID severe combined immunodeficiency
Scl scleroderma; scleroderma antibody
SCr serum creatinine
SD senile dementia; spontaneous delivery; standard deviation
Se selenium
SEM scanning electron microscopy; standard error of the mean; systolic ejection murmur
SEP serum electrophoresis; somatosensory evoked potential
SG specific gravity
SG Swan-Ganz
SGA small for gestational age
SGGT serum gamma- glutamyl transpeptidase
SGOT serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
SGPT serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase
SH serum hepatitis
SHBG sex hormone binding globulin
Si silicon
SI Système International (SI) units
SIADH syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
sig write on label
SIMV synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation
SK streptokinase
SKAB skeletal antibody
SKSD streptokinase-streptodornase
SL sublingual(ly)
sl sublingual
SLE systemic lupus erthyematosus
Sm samarium; Smith antigen
SMA sequential/serial multiple analysis; smooth muscle antibody
SMO slips made out
Sn tin
SNF skilled nursing facility
SOAP subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
SOB shortness of breath
SPC standard plate count
SPEP serum protein electrophoresis
SQ subcutaneous
Sr strontium
SR sedimentation rate; sustained release; systems review
SRIF somatotropin releasing inhibiting factor
SS Salmonella-Shigella; saturated solution; subaortic stenosis
SS-A Sjögren's syndrome A antibody
SS-B Sjögren's syndrome B antibody
SS-DNA single-stranded DNA
stat st once
STAT immediately
STD skin test dose; sexually transmitted disease
STH somatotropic hormone
STI systolic time intervals
STS serologic test for syphillis
SVD spontaneous vaginal delivery
Sx symptoms

T

T temperature
T & C type and crossmatch
T&H type and hold
T3 tri-iodothyronine
T4 thyroxine
Ta tantalum
TA thyroglobulin autoprecipitins
TAb therapeutic abortion
TAD tricyclic antidepressant drug
TAH total abdominal hysterectomy
TAT thematic apperception test; toxin-antitoxin
Tb terbium
TB tuberculosis
TBA to be administered; to be admitted
TBG thyroxine binding globulin; total binding globulin
TBGI thyroid binding globulin index
TBI thyroid binding index; thyroxine binding index
TBili total bilirubin
TBM tuberculous meningitis
TBPA thyroxine binding prealbumin
TBW total body water
Tc technetium
TC throat culture; total cholesterol
TCA trichloracetic acid
TCK total creatine kinase
TCO2 total carbon dioxide
TCT thrombin clotting time
Td tetanus-diphtheria toxoid
TDM therapeutic drug monitoring
Te tellurium
Th thorium
THb total hemoglobin
THC tetrahydrocannabinol
Ti titanium
TI total iron
TIA transient ischemic attack
TIBC total iron binding capacity
tid three times a day
TIG tetanus immune globulin
TKO to keep open
Tl thallium
TL tubal ligation
TLC thin-layer chromatography; total lung capacity
Tm thulium
TMJ temporo mandibular joint
TNTC too numerous to count
TO telephone order
TOPV trivalent  oral polio vaccine
TP thyroid panel; total protein
TPA tissue plasminogen activator; Treponema pallidum agglutination
TPC telescoping plugged catheter
TPI Treponema immobilization test; triose phosphate isomerase
TPN total parenteral nutrition
TPP thiamine pyrophosphate
TProt total protein
TRH thyroid releasing hormone
TRIC trachoma inclusion conjunctivitis
trig triglycerides
TRP tubular reabsorption of phosphorus
TSH thyroid stimulating hormone
TSI thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin; total serum iron
tsp teaspoon
TT thrombin time
TTP thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
TU thiouracil; Todd unit; toxic unit; tuberculin unit
TUR transurethral resection
TURBT TUR bladder  tumors
TURP transurethral  resection of prostate
TV tidal volume
TVH total vaginal hysterectomy
tw twice a week
Tx therapy; treatment; transplant

U

U microunit
U uranium
U.S. United States
UA uric acid; urinalysis
UAC uric acid  |  umbilical artery catheter
UAO upper airway obstruction
UB12BC unsaturated B12 binding capacity
UBBC unsaturated vitamin B12 binding capacity
UBC unsaturated binding capacity
UBD universal blood donor
UC ulcerative colitis  | umbilical cord
UCG urinary chorionic gonadotropin
ud as directed
UFC urinary free cortisol
UFH unfractionated heparin
UGI upper gastrointestinal
UIBC unbound iron binding capacity
UP universal precautions
URI upper respiratory infection
Uric A uric acid
URQ upper right quadrant
US ultrasound
USP United States Pharmacopeia
UTI urinary tract infection
UUN urine urea nitrogen
UV ultraviolet
UVA ultraviolet A light

V

V vanadium
V/Q ventilation - perfusion
VAD venous access device
VC vital capacity
VCA viral capsid antigen
VCA-EB viral capsid antigen, Epstein-Barr
VCT venous clotting time
VCUG voiding cysourethrogram
VD venereal disease
VDRL Venereal Disease Research Laboratory; test for syphilis
VIP vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
VLDL very low density lipoprotein
VMA vanillylmandelic acid
VO verbal or voice order
VRE vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
VSS vital signs stable
VT ventricular tachycardia
VTM virus transport media
VV varicose veins
vW von Willebrand
VW vessel wall
vWD von Willebrand's disease
VWD von Willebrand's disease
vWF von Willebrand factor
V-Z varicella-zoster
VZIG varicella-zoster immune globulin
VZV varicella-zoster virus

W

W tungsten
W.P. whirlpool
W/U workup
WB weight bearing; whole blood
WBC white blood cell or count
WBR whole body radiation
WD well developed
WDHH watery diarrhea; hypokalemia; hypochlorhydria; achlorhydria
WF white female
W-F Weil-Felix
WIA wounded in action
WID widow, widower
WM white male
WN well nourished
WNL within normal limits
WO written order |  weeks old  |  wide open.
WOP without pain
WPW Wolff-Parkinson-White
WSR Westergren sedimentation rate
W-T-D wet to dry

X

X2d times 2 days.
Xe xenon
XI eleven
XII twelve
XL extended release. |  extra large.
XM crossmatch
XMM xeromammography
XOM extraocular movements
XRT X-ray therapy (radiation therapy)
XS excessive
XULN times upper limit of normal

Y

Y yttrium
Yb ytterbium
YF yellow fever
YLC youngest living child
yo years old
YOB year of birth
yr year
ytd year to date

Z

ZDV zidovudine
ZE Zollinger-Ellison
Z-ESR zeta erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ZIG zoster immune globulin
ZIP zoster immune plasma
Zn zinc
Zn zinc
ZnO zinc oxide
ZPP zinc protophorhyrin
ZSB zero stools since birth
ZSR zeta sedimentation rate

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