Medical Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

5x/day 5 times a day PC breakfast After breakfast
6x/day 6 times a day PC After breakfast and
breakfast/dinner dinner
AC Before meals PC After breakfast and
breakfast/lunch lunch
AC HS Before meals and at PC dinner After dinner
bedtime
AC breakfast Before breakfast PC lunch After lunch
AC Before breakfast and PC lunch/dinner After lunch and
breakfast/dinner dinner dinner
AC Before breakfast and QID Four times a day
breakfast/lunch lunch
AC dinner Before dinner TID Three times a day
AC lunch Before lunch TID AC Three times a day
before meals
AC Before lunch and TID HS Three times a day
lunch/dinner dinner and at bedtime
BID Twice a day TID PC Three times a day
after meals
BID AC Twice a day before TID w/meals Three times a day
meals with meals
BID HS Twice a day and at Today Today
bedtime
BID PC Twice a day after UD As directed
meals
BID w/meals Twice a day with Before discharge Before discharge
meals
Daily Every day p each loose BM After each loose
bowel movement
Daily AC Every day before q10min Every 10 minutes
meals
Every other day Every other day q12h Every 12 hours
Every other Every other evening q15min Every 15 minutes
evening
On call On call q1h Every hour
Once Once q1min Every minute
PC After meals q20min Every 20 minutes
PC HS After meals and at q24h Every 24 hours
bedtime
q2h Every 2 hours q3week Every 3 weeks
q2min Every 2 minutes q4week Every 4 weeks
q30min Every 30 minutes q6week Every 6 weeks
q36hr Every 36 hours q2month Every 2 months
q3day Every 3 days q3month Every 3 months
q3h Every 3 hours q4month Every 4 months
q3min Every 3 minutes q6month Every 6 months
q48h Every 48 hours qAM Once a day in the
morning
q4h Every 4 hours qPM Once a day in the
evening
q5min Every 5 minutes qAM HS Every morning and at
bedtime
q6h Every 6 hours qAM PM Every morning and
evening
q6min Every 6 minutes qHS Once a day at
bedtime
q72h Every 72 hours qmonth Every month
q4day Every 4 days qweek Every week
q5day Every 5 days qyear Every year
q7day Every 7 days qShift Every shift
q10day Every 10 days w/breakfast With breakfast
q14day Every 14 days w/breakfast/dinner With breakfast and
dinner
q21day Every 21 days w/breakfast/lunch With breakfast and
lunch
q28day Every 28days w/dinner With dinner
q7min Every 7 minutes w/lunch With lunch
q8h Every 8 hours w/lunch/dinner With lunch and
dinner
q8min Every 8 minutes w/meals With meals
q96hrs Every 4 days w/meals HS With meals and at
bedtime
q2week Every 2 weeks x1 One time

Latin (or New

Abbrev. Meaning
Latin) origin

a.c. before meals ante cibum

a.d., ad, AD right ear auris dextra

a.m., am,
morning ante meridiem
AM
 Latin (or New
Abbrev. Meaning
Latin) origin

nocte every night Omne Nocte

a.s., as, AS left ear auris sinistra

aures unitas or auris

a.u., au, AU both ears together or each ear
uterque

b.d.s, bds,
2 times a day bis die sumendum
BDS

b.i.d., bid, bd twice a day / twice daily / 2 times daily bis in die

gtt., gtt drop(s) gutta(e)

h., h hour hora

h.s., hs at bedtime or half strength hora somni

ii two tablets duos doses

iii three tablets trēs doses

n.p.o., npo, nothing by mouth / not by oral

nil per os
NPO administration
 Latin (or New
Abbrev. Meaning
Latin) origin

once a day omne in die

o.d., od, OD
right eye oculus dexter

o.s., os, OS left eye oculus sinister

o.u., ou, OU both eyes oculus uterque

p.c. after food post cibum

p.m., pm,
afternoon or evening post meridiem
PM

per os / nonstandard
p.o., po, PO orally / by mouth / oral administration
form per orem

p.r., pr, PR rectally per rectum

p.r.n., prn, as needed, (also Pertactin - a key antigen

pro re nata
PRN of ac.Pertussis vaccine)

q. every quaque

q.1.d., q1d every day quaque die

q.1.h., q1h every hour quaque hora

 Latin (or New
Abbrev. Meaning
Latin) origin

q.2.h., q2h every 2 hours quaque secunda hora

q.4.h., q4h every 4 hours quaque quarta hora

q.6.h., q6h every 6 hours quaque sexta hora

q.8.h., q8h every 8 hours quaque octava hora

q.a.m., qAM,
every morning quaque ante meridiem
qam

q.d., qd every day / daily quaque die

q.h.s., qhs every night at bedtime quaque hora somni

q.d.s, qds,
4 times a day quater die sumendum
QDS

q.i.d, qid 4 times a day quater in die

q.h., qh every hour, hourly quaque hora

q.o.d., qod every other day / alternate days quaque altera die
 Latin (or New
Abbrev. Meaning
Latin) origin

q.p.m., qPM,
every afternoon or evening quaque post meridiem
qpm

q.s., qs a sufficient quantity (enough) quantum sufficiat

Rx, Rx, , ℞ prescription recipe

Sig., S. directions signa

Stat. immediately, with no delay, now statim

t.d.s, tds,
3 times a day ter die sumendum
TDS

t.i.d., tid 3 times a day ter in die

u.d., ud as directed ut dictum

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

TERMS USED IN THIS MANUAL
ACGME
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
CSA
Clinical Skills Assessment
ECFMG
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
FSMB
Federation of State Medical Boards
GME
Graduate Medical Education
LCME
Liaison Committee on Medical Education
NRMP
National Resident Matching Program
SP
Standardized Patient
Step 2 CS
Step 2 Clinical Skills
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language
TSE
Test of Spoken English
USMLE
United States Medical Licensing Examination
TERMS USED IN CSA
(the following lists will be available on-site for reference during CSA
administrations)
UNITS OF MEASURE
kg
Kilogram
g
Gram
mg
Milligram
lbs
Pounds
oz
Ounces
m
Meter
cm
Centimeter
min
Minute
hr
Hour
C
Centigrade
F
Fahrenheit
VITAL SIGNS
BP
Blood pressure
P
Pulse
R
Respirations
T
Temperature
COMMON ABBREVIATIONS FOR THE PATIENT NOTE
(this is not intended to be a complete list of acceptable abbreviations, but rather is
representative of the types of common abbreviations that may be used on the
patient note)
yo
Year-old
m or G
Male
f or E
Female
b
Black
w
White
L
Left
R
Right
hx
History
h/o
History of
c/o
Complaining of
NL
Normal limits
WNL
Within normal limits
‫ئ‬
Without or no
+
Positive
-
Negative
Abd
Abdomen
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AP
Anteroposterior
BUN
Blood urea nitrogen
CABG
Coronary artery bypass grafting
CBC
Complete blood count
CCU
Cardiac care unit
cig
Cigarettes
CHF
Congestive heart failure
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CT
Computerized tomography
CVA or TIA
Cerebrovascular accident OR Transient ischemic attack
CVP
Central venous pressure
CXR
Chest x-ray
DM
Diabetes mellitus
DTR
Deep tendon reflexes
ECG
Electrocardiogram
ED
Emergency department
EMT
Emergency medical technician
ENT
Ears, nose, and throat
EOM
Extraocular muscles
ETOH
Alcohol
Ext
Extremities
FH
Family history
GI
Gastrointestinal
GU
Genitourinary
HEENT
Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
HTN
Hypertension
IM
Intramuscularly
IV
Intravenously
JVD
Jugular venous distention
KUB
Kidney, ureter, and bladder
LMP
Last menstrual period
LP
Lumbar puncture
MI
Myocardial infarction
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging
MVA
Motor vehicle accident
Neuro
Neurologic
NIDDM
Non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
NKA
No known allergies
NKDA
No known drug allergy
NSR
Normal sinus rhythm
PA
Posteroanterior
PERLA
Pupils equal, react to light and accommodation
po
Orally
PT
Prothrombin time
PTT
Partial prothrombin time
RBC
Red blood cells
SH
Social history
U/A
Urinalysis
URI
Upper respiratory tract infection
WBC
White blood cells
OTHER ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE US
AA - Alcoholics Anonymous; African American
A-a - Alveolat Arterial gradient
AAA - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
AB - Antibody; also Abortion
ABD - Abdomen
ABG - Arterial Blood Gas
ABI - Ankle Brachial Index
ABPA - Allergic Broncho Pulmonary Aspergillosis
ABX - Antibiotics
AC - Anterior Chamber; also Acromio-Clavicular and Before Meals
ACE-I - Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor
ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament
ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACS - Acute Coronary Syndrome
AD LIB - As Desired
ADA - American Diabetes Association
ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder
ADE - Adverse Drug Effect
ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADL - Activities of Daily Living
ADR - Adverse Drug Reaction
ADTP - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program
AED - Automatic External Defibrillator; Anti-Epileptic Drug
AF - Atrial Fibrillation; Afebrile
AFB - Acid Fast Bacterium
AFP - Alpha Fetoprotein
AGN - Antigen
AI - Aortic Insufficiency
AIDS - Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome
AIN - Acute Interstitial Nephritis
AK - Actinic Keratosis
AKA - Above Knee Amputation
ALL - Allergies; also Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; also Advanced Life Support
AMA - Against Medical Advice; American Medical Association
AMD - Aging Macular Degeneration
AMI - Acute Myocardial Infarction; Anterior Myocardial Infarction
A-MIBI - Adenosine MIBI
AML - Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
AMS - Altered Mental Status; Acute Mountain Sickness
ANC - Absolute Neutrophil Count
AND - Axillary Node Dissection
ANGIO - Angiography
A&O - Alert And Oriented
AP - Anterior-Posterior
A/P - Assessment and Plan
APC - Atrial Premature Contraction
APD - Afferent Pupillary Defect
APPY - Appendectomy
APS - Adult Protective Services
ARB - Angiotensin Receptor Blocker
ARDS - Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ARF - Acute Renal Failure
AS - Aortic Stenosis; also Anklyosing Spondylitis
ASA - Aspirin
ASD - Atrial Septal Defect
ASU - Ambulatory Surgery Unit
ATN - Acute Tubular Necrosis
A/V Nicking - Arteriolar/Venous Nicking
A/V Ratio - Arteriolar/Venous Ratio
AVF- Arterio-Venous Fistula
AVM - Arterial Venous Malformation
AVN - Avascular Necrosis; Atrio-Ventricular
AVNRT - Atrio-Ventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
AVR - Aortic Valve Replacment
AVSS - Afebrile, Vital Signs Stable
B - Bilateral
B&C - Board and Care
BAE - Barium Enema
BBB - Bundle Branch Block
BCC - Basal Cell Carcinoma
BCG - Bacille Calmette-Guerin
BDR - Background Diabetic Retinopathy
BE - Bacterial Endocarditis; also Barium Enema
BET - Benign Essential Tremor
BIB - Brought In By
BID - Twice a Day
BIPAP - Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure
BIVAD - Bi-Ventricular Assist Device
BKA - Below Knee Amputation
BL CX - Blood Culture
BM - Bone Marrow; also Bowel Movement
BMI - Body Mass Index
BMT - Bone Marrow Transplant
BP - Blood Pressure
BPD - Borderline Personality Disorder; also Bi-Polar Disorder and Broncho-
Pulmonary Dysplasia
BPV - Benign Positional Vertigo
BR - Bed Rest
BRAO - Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion
BRB - Bright Red Blood
BRBPR - Bright Red Blood Per Rectum
BRP - Bathroom Priveleges
BRVO - Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
BS - Bowel Sounds; also Breath Sounds and Blood Sugar
BSA - Body Surface Area
BUN - Blood Urea Nitrogen
BX - Biopsy
C - With
CABG - Coronary Artery By-Pass Graft
CAD - Coronary Artery Disease
CAP - Prostate Cancer; Community Acquired Pneumonia
CARDS - Cardiology
CAT - Cataract
CATH - Catheterization
CB - Cerebellar
C/B - Complicated By
CBC - Complete Blood Count
CBD - Common Bile Duct; Closed Bag Drainage
CBI - Continuous Bladder Irrigation
CC - Chief Complaint
CCB - Calcium Channel Blocker
CCC - Central Corneal Clouding
CCK - Cholycystectomy
CCE - Clubbing, Cyanosis, Edema
C/D - Cup to Disk ratio
CDI - Clean Dry Intact
C DIF - Clostridium Difficile
CEA - Carcinoembryonic Antigen
Chemo - Chemotherapy
CHI - Closed Head Injury
CHF - Congestive Heart Failure
Choly - Cholycystectomy
CI - Cardiac Index
CIC - Clean Intermitent Catheterization
CIDP - Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
CK - Creatine Kinase
CL - Chloride
CLL - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
CM - Cardiomegaly
CML - Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
CMP - Cardiomyopathy
CMR - Chief Medical Resident
CMT - Cervical Motion Tenderness; Charcot Marie Tooth
CMV - Cyto-Megalo Virus
CN - Cranial Nerves
CNIS - Carotid Non-Invasive Study
CNS - Central Nervous System
CO - Cardiac Output
C/O - Complains Of
COPD - Chronic Obtructive Pulmonary Disease
COX 2 - Cyclooxygenase 2
CPAP - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CPP - Cerebral Perfusion Pressurs
CPPD - Calcium Pyrophosphate Disease
CPR - Cardiopulmonary Recusitation
CPS - Child Protective Services
CPU - Chest Pain Unit
CRAO - Central Retinal Artery Occlucsion
CRFs - Cardiac Risk Factors
CRI - Chronic Renal Insufficiency
CRP - C Reactive Protein
CRVO - Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
CSF - Cerebral Spinal Fluid
CT - Cat Scan; also Chest Tube and Cardio-Thoracic
CTA - Clear To Auscultation
CVA - Cerebral Vascular Accident
CVL - Central Venous Line
CVP - Central Venous Pressure
C/W - Consistent With; Compared With
CX - Culture
CXR - Chest X-Ray
C/W - Consistent With
D - Diarrhea; also Disk
D5W - Dextrose 5% in Water
DB- Direct Bilirubin
DBP - Diastolic Blood Pressure
DC - Discharge; Discontinue; Doctor of Chiropractics
D&C - Dilatation and Curretage
DCIS - Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
DDX - Differential Diagnosis
DF - Dorsiflexion
DFA - Direct Flourescent Antibody
DFE - Dilated Fundus Examination
DI - Diabetes Insipidus; Detrusor Instability
DIC - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy
DIF - Differential
DIP - Distal Inter-Phalangeal
DJD - Degenerative Joint Disease
DKA - Diabetic Ketoacidosis
DM - Diabetes Mellitus
DNI - Do Not Intubate
DNR - Do Not Recusitate
DO - Doctor of Osteopahty
D/O - Disorder
DOT - Directly Observed Therapy
DOU - Direct Observation Unit
DP - Dorsalis Pedis
DPL - Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage
DPOA - Durable Power Of Attorney
DR - Diabetic Retinopathy
DRE - Digital Rectal Exam
D/T - Due To
DTs - Delirium Tremens
DTR - Deep Tendon Reflex
DVT - Deep Venous Thrombosis
DX - Diagnosis
DU - Duodenal Ulcer
EBL - Estimated Blood Loss
EBM - Evidence Based Medicine
EBRT - External Beam Radiation Therapy
EBV - Epstein Barr Virus
ECG - Electrocardiogram (also known as EKG)
ECHO - Echocardiography
ECMO - Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation
ECT - Electro-Convulsive Therapy
ED - Errectile Dysfunction
EEG - Electroencephalogram
EF - Ejection Fraction (in reference to ventricular function)
EGD - Esophago-Gastro Duodenoscopy
EIC - Epidermal Inclusion Cyst
EJ - External Jugular
EKG - Electrocardiogram (also known as ECG)
EM - Electron Microscopy
EMG - Electromyelogram
EMS - Emergency Medical System
EMT - Emergency Medical Technician
E/O - Evidence Of
EOMI - Extra Occular Muscles Intact
Eos - Eosinophils
EPO - Erythropoeitin
EPS - Electro-Physiologic Study (Cardiac)
ER - Emergency Room
ERCP - Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreotography
ESI - Epidural Steroid Injection
ESLD - End Stage Liver Disease
ESR - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
ESRD - End Stage Renal Disease
ESWL - Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
ETOH - Alcohol
ETT - Exercise Tolerance Test; also Endotracheal Tube
EWCL - Extended Wear Contact Lens
EX LAP - Exploratory Laparotomy
EX FIX - External Fixation
EXT - Extremities
FB - Foreign Body
F/B - Followed By
FBS - Fasting Blood Sugar
FE - Iron
FEM - Femoral
FENA - Fractional Excretion of Sodium
FEV1 - FOrced Expiratory Volume 1 Second
FFP - Fresh Frozen Plasma
Flex Sig - Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
FLU - Influenza
FMG - Foreign Medical Graduate
F&N - Febrile and Neutropenic
FNA - Fine Needle Aspiration
FOOSH - Fall On Outstretched Hand
FOS- Full of Stool(Shit!!); Force Of Stream
FP - Family Practitioner
FRC - Functional Residual Capacity
FSG - Finger Stick Glucose
FSH - Follicle Stimulating Hormone
FTT - Failure To Thrive
F/U - Follow-Up
FUO - Fever of Unknown Origin
FX - Fracture
G - Guiac (followed by + or -)
GA - General Anesthesia
GAD - Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAS - Group A Strep; Guaiac All Stools
GB - Gall Bladder; also Guillain Barre
GBM - Glioblastoma Multiforme
GBS- Group B Strep or Guillian Barre Syndrome
GC - Gonorrhea
GCS - Glascow Coma Scale
GCSF - Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor
GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux
GERI- Geriatrics
GI - Gastrointestinal
GIB - Gastrointestinal Bleeding
GLC - Glaucoma
GMR - Gallups, Murmurs, Rubs
GN - Glomerulonephritis
GNR - Gram Negative Rod
GOO - Gastric Outlet Obstruction
GP - General Practitioner
G#P# - Gravida # Para#
GP 2b/3a - Glycoprotein 2b/3a Inhibitor
GPC - Gram Positive Coccus
GS - Gram Stain
GSW - Gun Shot Wound
GTT - Glucose Tolerance Test
G-Tube - Gastric Feeding Tube
GU - Genito-Urinary; also Gastric Ulcer
GVHD - Graft Versus Host Disease
H FLU - Haemophilus Influenza
HA - Headache
HAART - Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy
HACE - High Altitude Cerebral Edema
HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
H2 - Histamine 2
HCC - Hepatocellular Carcinoma
HCG - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
HCL - Hard Contact Lens
HCM - Health Care Maintenance
HCT - Hematocrit
HCV - Hepatitis C Virus
HD - Hemodialysis
HDL - High Density Lipoprotein
HEENT - Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, Throat
HELLP - Hemolysis Elevated Liver tests Low Platelets
HEME/ONC - Hematology/Oncology
HGB - Hemoglobin
HH - Hiatal Hernia
H&H - Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
HI - Homicidal Ideation
HIB - Haemophilus Influenza B vaccine
HIT - Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia
HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HL - Heparin Lock
HOB - Head Of Bed
HOCM - Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
HOH - Hard Of Hearing
HONK - Hyperosmolar Non-Ketotic State
HPI - History of Present Illness
HPV - Human Papilloma Virus
HR - Heart Rate
HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy
HS - At Bedtime
HSM - Holo-Systolic Murmur; also Hepato-Splenomegaly
HSP - Henoch Shonlein Purpura
HSV - Herpes Simplex Virus
HTN - Hypertension
HU - Holding Unit
HUS - Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
HX - History
I+ - With Ionic Contrast (in reference to a CAT Scan)
I- - Without Ionic Contrast (in reference to a CAT Scan)
IA - Intra-Articular
IABP - Intra-Aortic Baloon Pump
IBD - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBW - Ideal Body Weight
ICD - Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator
ICH - Intra-Cranial Hemorrhage
ICP - Intra-Cranial Pressure
ID - Infectious Diseases
I&D - Incise and Drain
IDDM - Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
IFN - Interferon
IH - Inguinal Hernia (usually preceded by L or R)
IJ - Internal Jugular
IL- Interleukin; Indirect Layngoscopy
ILD - Interstitial Lung Disease
IM - Intramuscular also Intramedullary
IMI - Inferior Myocardial Infarction
IMP - Impression
INR - International Normalized Ratio
I&O - Ins and Outs
IOL - Intra-Occular Lens
IOP - Intra-Occular Pressure
IP - Inter-Phalangeal
IPF - Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
IR - Interventional Radiology; Internal Rotation
IRB - Indications Risks Benefits; Institutional Review Board
IT - Intrathecal; Information Technology
ITP - Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia
IUD - Intrauterine Device
IUP - Intrauterine Pregnancy
IV - Intravenous
IVC - Inferior Vena Cava
IVDU - Intravenous Drug Use
IVF - Intravenous Fluids; also In Vitro Fertilization
IVP - Intravenous Pyelogram
JP - Jackson Pratt
J-Tube - Jejunal Feeding Tube
JVD - Jugular Venous Distention
JVP - Jugular Venous Pressure
K - Potassium
KCAL - Kilocalories
KUB - Kidneys Ureters and Bladder
KVO - Keep Vein Open
L - Left
LA - Left Atrium
LAC - Laceration
LAD - Left Anterior Descending (coronary artery); Left Axis Deviation
LAP - Laproscopic; also Laparotomy
LAR - Low Anterior Resection
LBBB - Left Bundle Branch Block
LBO - Large Bowel Obstruction
LBP - Low Back Pain
LCL - Lateral Collateral Ligament
LCX - Left Circumflex (coronary artery)
L&D - Labor and Delivery
LDH - Lactate Dehydrogenase
LDL - Low Density Lipoprotein
LE - Lower Extremity (usually preceded by R or L); Leukocyte Esterase
LENIS - Lower Extremity Non-Invasive Study
LFT - Liver Function Test
LH - Leutinizing Hormone; Left Handed; Light Headed
LHC - Left Heart Cath
LHRH - Leutinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone
LIMA - Left Internal Mammary Artery
LLE- Left Lower Extremity
LLL - Left Lower Lobe; Left Lower Lid
LLQ - Left Lower Quadrant
LM - Left Main Coronary Artery
LMA - Laryngeal Mask Airway
LMD - Local Medical Doctor
LMN - Lower Motor Neuron
LMP - Last Menstrual Period
LN - Lymph Node also Liquid Nitrogen
LND - Lymph Node Dissection
LOA - Lysis Of Adhesions
LOC - Loss Of Consciousness
LP - Lumbar Puncture
LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse
LR - Lactated Ringers
LS - Lumbro-Sacral
LT - Light Touch
LUE - Left Upper Extremity
LUL - Left Upper Lobe; also Left Upper Lid
LUTS - Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
LUQ - Left Upper Quadrant
LV FXN - Left Ventricular Function
LVAD - Left Ventricular Assist Device
LVEDP - Left Ventricular End Diastolic Pressure
LVH - Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
LVN - Licensed Vocational Nurse
LMWH - Low Molecular Weight Heparin
LYTES- Electrolytes
MAC - Monitored Anesthesia Care
MCL - Medial Collateral Ligament
MCP - Metacarpal-Phalangeal
MCV - Mean Corpuscular Volume
MDRTB - Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
MEDS - Medicines
MFM - Maternal-Fetal Medicine
MI - Myocardial Infarction
MICU - Medical Intensive Care Unit
MIDCAB - Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass
MM - Multiple Myeloma
M&M - Morbidity and Mortality
MMP - Multiple Medical Problems
MMR - Measels, Mumps and Rubella vaccine
MOM - Milk Of Magnesia
MR - Mitral Regurgitation
MRCP - Magnetic Resonance Cholangio Pancreatography
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRSA - Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus
MS - Mental Status; also Mitral Stenosis, Multiple Sclerosis and Morphine Sulfate
MSSA - Methicillin Sensitive Staph Aureus
MTP - Metatarsal-Phalangeal
MVP - Mitral Valve Prolapse
MVR - Mitral Valve Replacement
N - Nausea
NA - Not Available; also Sodium
NAD - No Apparent Distress; No Acute Disease
NABS - Normal Active Bowel Sounds
NCAT - Normocephalic Atraumatic
NCS - Nerve Conduction Study
NEB - Nebulizer
NGT - Naso-Gastric Tube
NGU - Non-Gonococcal Urethritis
NH - Nursing Home
NHL - Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
NIDDM - Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
NIF - Negative Inspiratory Force
NKDA - No Known Drug Allergies
NMS - Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
NOS - Not Otherwise Specified
NP - Nurse Practitioner
NPO - Nothing By Mouth
NS - Normal Saline
NSBGP - Non-Specific Bowel Gas Pattern
NSCLCA - Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
NSR - Normal Sinus Rhythm
NT - Non-Tender
NTD - Nothing To Do
NUCS - Nuclear Medicine
NYHA - New York Heart Association
OA - Osteoarthritis
OB - Occult Blood (followed by '+' or '-')
OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCP - Oral Contraceptive Pill
OD - Right Eye
OE - Otitis Externa
OLT - Orthotopic Liver Transplant
OM - Otitis Media
ON - Optic Nerve; Over Night
OOB - Out Of Bed
OP - Opening Pressure
O/P - Oropharynx
O&P - Ovum and Parasistes
ORIF - Open Reduction with Internal Fixation
ORL - Oto-Rhino Laryngology
OS - Left Eye
OSA - Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OT - Occupational Therapy
OTC - Over The Counter
OTD - Out The Door
OU - Both Eyes
O/W - Otherwise
P - Pulse
P - Pending
P - After
PA - Posterior-Anterior; also Physician's Assistant
PACU - Post Anesthesia Care Unit
PAD - Peripheral Arterial Disease
PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
PBC - Primary Billiary Cirrhosis
PC - After Meals
PCA - Patient Controled Analgesia
PCI - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
PCKD - Polycystic Kidney Disease
PCL - Posterior Cruciate Ligament
PCM - Pacemaker
PCOD - Poly-Cystic Ovarian Disease
PCP - Primary Care Physician; also Pneumocystis Pneumonia
PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction
PCWP - Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure
PD - Parkinson's Disease; also Personality Disorder and Peritoneal Dialysis
PDA - Patent Ductus Arteriosus
PE - Physical Exam; also Pulmonary Embolism
PEG - Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
PERRL - Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light
PET - Positron Emission Tomography
PF - Peak Flow; also Plantar Flexion
PFO - Patent Foramen Ovale
PFTs - Pulmonary Function Tests
PH - Pin Hole
PICC - Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
PICU - Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
PID - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PIH - Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
PIP - Proximal Inter-Phalangeal
PLT - Platelets
PMD - Primary Medical Doctor
PMH - Past Medical History
PMI - Point of Maximum Impulse
PMN - Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
PMRS - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service
PN - Progress Note
PNA - Pneumonia
PNBX - Prostate Needle Biopsy
PND - Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea also Post Nasal Drip
PNS - Peripheral Nervous System
PO - By Mouth
POP - Popliteal
PP - Pin Prick
PPD - Purified Protein Derivative
PPH - Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
PPI - Proton Pump Inhibitor
PPN - Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition
PPTL- Post Partum Tubal Ligation
PR - Per Rectum
PRBCs - Packed Red Blood Cells
PRN - Refers to treatments which patient can receive on an "as needed" basis
PSA - Prostate Specific Antigen
PSC - Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
PSH - Past Surgical History
PT - Physical Therapy; Posterior Tibial; Prothrombin Time; Patient
PTA - Prior To Admission; Peritonsilar Abscess
PTCA - Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
P-Thal - Persantine Thallium
PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTT - Partial Thromboplastin Time
PTX - Pneumothorax
PUD - Peptic Ulcer Disease
PV - Polycythemia Vera; Portal Vein
P VAX - Pneumococcal Vaccination
PVC - Premature Ventricular Contraction
PVD - Peripheral Vascular Disease; Posterior Vitreous Detachment
PVR - Post Void Residual
Q - Every (refers to a time interval...eg. if followed by 6, means "Every 6 Hours";
if followed by AM, D, W, or M =s "Every Morning Day, Week, or Month"
respectively)
QHS - Every Night
QID - Four times per day
QNS - Quantity Not Sufficient
QOD - Every Other Day
R - Right
RA - Right Atrium
RAD - Right Axis Deviation; also Reactive Airways Disease
R/B - Referred By; Relieved By
RBBB - Right Bundle Branch Block
RBC - Red Blood Cell
RCA - Right Coronary Artery
RCC - Renal Cell Cancer
RCT - Randomized Controled Trial; Rotator Cuff Tear
RD - Retinal Detachment; also Registered Dietician
RDI - Respiratory Disturbance Index
RF - Rheumatoid Factor; also Risk Factor
RFA - Radio Frequency Ablation; Right Femoral Artery
RHC - RIght Heart Cath
RHD - Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheum - Rheumatology
R/I - Rule In
RIG - Rabies Immunoglobulin
RIMA - Right Internal Mammary Artery
RLE - Right Lower Extremity
RLL - Right Lower Lobe; also Right Lower Lid
RLQ - Right Lower Quadrant
RML - Right Middle Lobe
RNEF - Radionuclide Ejection Fraction
R/O - Rule Out
ROM - Range Of Motion
ROMI - Rule Out Myocardial Infarction
ROS - Review Of Systems
RPGN - Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis
RPLND - Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection
RPR - Rapid Plasma Reagin
RR - Respiratory Rate
RRP - Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
RRR - Regular Rate and Rhythm
RSD - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
RSV - Respiratory Syncytial Virus
RT - Respiratory Therapy
RTC - Return To Clinic
RUE - Right Upper Extremity
RUG - Retrograde Urethrogram
RUL - Right Upper Lobe; Right Upper Lid
RUQ - Right Upper Quadrant
RV - Right Ventricle; Residual Volume
RVAD - Right Ventricular Assist Device
RVG - Right Ventriculogram
RVR- Rapid Ventricular Response
RX - Treatment
_
S - Without
- 2/2Secondary To
SA - Sino-Atrial; Staph Aureus
SAAG - Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient
SAB - Spontaneous Abortion
SAH - Sub-Arachnoid Hemorrhage
SBE - Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis
SBO - Small Bowel Obstruction
SBP - Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis; Systolic Blood Pressure
SC - Subcutaneous
SCCA - Squamous Cell Cancer
SCL - Soft Contact Lens
SCLCA - Small Cell Lung Cancer
SEM - Systolic Ejection Murmur (with reference to cardiac exam)
SFA - Superficial Femoral Artery
SFV - Superficial Femoral Vein
SI - Suicidal Ideation
SIADH - Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone secretion
SICU - Surgical Intensive Care Unit
SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
SIRS - Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
SK - Seborrheic Keratosis; also Streptokinase
SL - Sublingual
SLE - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; also Slit Lamp Exam
SLR - Straight Leg Raise
SNF - Skilled Nursing Facility
S/P - Status Post; also Supra Pubic
SPEP - Serum Protein Electro-Pheresis
SPF - Sun Protection Formula
SQ - Subcutaneous
SSI - Sliding Scale Insulin Also called ISS
SSRI - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
STAT - Immediately
STD - Sexually Transmitted Disease
STS - Soft Tissue Swelling
STX - Stricture
SVC - Superior Vena Cava
SVG - Saphenous Vein Graft
SW - Social Work; Stab Wound
SX - Symptoms
SZR - Seizure
T - Temperature
T&A - Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
TAA - Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
TAB - Threatened Abortion; also Therapeutic Abortion
TAH - Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
TB - Tuberculosis; Total Bilirubin
T&C - Type and Cross
TCA - Tricyclic Antidepressant
TC - Current Temperature
TCC - Transitional Cell Cancer
TD - Tetanus and Diptheria Vaccination; Tardive Dyskinesia
TDWBAT - Touch Down Weight Bearing As Tolerated
TEE Trans-Esophageal Echocardiogram
TFs - Tube Feeds
TG - Triglycerides
THA - Total Hip Arthroplasty
THR - Total Hip Replacement
TIA - Transient Ischemic Attack
TIBC - Total Iron Binding Capacity
TID - Three times per day
TIPS - Transvenous Intrahepatic Porto-Systemic Shunt
TKA - Total Knee Arthroplasty
TKR - Total Knee Replacement
TLC - Triple Lumen Catheter; Total Lung Capacity
TM - Tympanic Membrane; Maximum Temperature
TMJ - Temporo-Mandibular Joint
TMN - Tumor Metastases Nodes (universal tumor staging system)
TNF - Tumor Necrosis Factor
TOA - Tubo-Ovarian Abscess
TOX - Toxicology
TOXO - Toxoplasmosis
TP - Total Protein
TPA - Tissue Plasminogen Activator
TPN - Total Parenteral Nutrition
TR - Tricuspid Regurgitation
TRUS - Transrectal Ultrasound
T&S - Type and Screen
TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
TTE - Trans-Thoracic Echocardiogram
TTP - Tender To Palpation; Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
TURBT - Transurethral Resection Bladder Tumor
TURP - Transurethral Prostatectomy
TV - Tidal Volume
TVC - True Vocal Cord
TX - Transfusion; Treatment
UA - Urine Analysis; also Uric Acid
UC - Ulcerative Colitis
UCC - Urgent Care Center
UCX - Urine Culture
UDS - Urodynamic Study, Urine Drug Screen
UE - Upper Extremity (usually preceded by R or L)
UF - Ultra Filtration, University of Florida
UFH - Unfractionated Heparin
UMBO - Umbillical
UMN - Upper Motor Neuron
UNSA - Unstable Angina
UO - Urine Output
UPEP - Urine Protein Electro-Pheresis
UPPP - Uvulopalatopharyngeoplasty
URI - Upper Respiratory tract Infection
US - Ultrasound
UTD - Up To Date
UTI - Urinary Tract Infection
UV - Ultraviolet
V - Vomiting
VA - Visual Acuity
VATS - Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
VAX - Vaccine
VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Cesearean Section
VBG - Venous Blood Gas
VC - Vital Capacity; Vocal Cord
VCUG - Voiding Cysto-Urethrogram
VF - Ventricular Fibrillation
VIP - Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
VP - Ventriculo-Peritoneal
V&P - Vagotomy and Pyloroplasty
VS - Vital Signs
VSD - Ventricular Septal Defect
VSS - Vital Signs Stable
VT - Ventricular Tachycardia
VWF - Von Willebrand Factor
WBAT - Weight Bearing As Tolerated
WBC - White Blood Cells
WDWN - Well Developed, Well Nourished
WNL - Within Normal Limits
 W/O - Without
W/U - Work-Up
X - Except
XLR - Crossed Leg Raise
XRT - Radiation Therapy
ZE - Zollinger Ellison

Abbreviation English Meaning Arabic Meaning

Ac Before meals ‫قبل وجبات الطعام‬

AM Before noon ‫صباحا‬
BBT Basal body temperature ‫درجة حرارة الجسم األساسية‬
bid Twice a day ‫مرتين باليوم‬
BP Blood pressure ‫ضغط الدم‬
BW Body Weight ‫وزن الجسم‬
Ca Carcinoma ‫سرطان‬
CC Chief complaint ‫الشكوى الرئيسية‬
CNS Central Nervous System ‫الجهاز العصبي المركزي‬
CVA Cerebrovascular accident ‫حادثة وعائية دماغية‬
CVP Central Venous pressure ‫الضغط الوريدي المركزي‬
Derma Dermatology ‫طب األمراض الجلدية‬
DOA Dead on arrival ‫الوفاة عند الوصول للمستشفى‬
Dy Diagnosis ‫التشخيص‬
e.g. For example ‫على سبيل المثال‬
ENT Ear, Nose, Throat ‫األذن واألنف والحنجرة‬
EST electroshock therapy ‫المعالجة بالصدمة الكهربية‬
F Fahrenheit ‫الدرجة الفهرناتيه‬
FH Family history ‫التاريخ المرضي العائلي‬
Fx Fracture ) ‫كسر(جمع كسور‬
GIT Gastrointestinal tract ‫السبيل الهضمي‬
GSW Gunshot Wound ‫جرح ناري‬
hr Hour ‫ساعة‬
HS (h.s) At bed time ‫عند النوم‬
Ht Height ‫الطول‬
ICU Intensive care unit ‫وحدة العناية المركزة‬
IM Intramuscular )‫عضلي (داخل العضل‬
Int, Internal ‫داخلي‬
IV Intravenous ) ‫وريدي (داخل الوريد‬
Kg. Kilogram ‫كيلو غرام‬
KUB kidney, ureter, bladder ‫ المثانة‬،‫ الحالب‬،‫الكلية‬
L. Liter ‫لتر‬
Med. Medicine ‫الطب ’ الدواء‬
Mg. Milligram ‫مل غرام‬
mm Millimeter ‫ملليمتر‬
Neg. Negative ‫سالب‬
NM Neuromuscular ‫عصبي عضلي‬
No Number ‫رقم‬
NPO Nothing by mouth ‫الشي عن طريق الفم‬
NYD Note yet diagnosed ‫لم يتم التشخيص بعد‬
OB Obstetrics ‫طب التوليد‬
OD Once a day ‫مره باليوم‬
O.R. Operating room ‫غرفة العمليات‬
OT Occupational therapy ‫العالج بالعمل‬
Orth. Orthopedics ‫جراحة العظام‬
P Pulse ‫النبض‬
P.C. After meals ‫بعد األكل‬
PE Physical examination ‫الفحص الجسدي‬
PH Past history ‫التاريخ المرضي السابق‬
Phys.Med. Physical medicine ‫الطب الفيزيائي‬
PI Present illness ‫المرض الحالي‬
Post.OP Post operative ‫ما بعد الجراحة‬
Pt. Patient ‫مريض‬
PT Physical therapy ‫العالج الطبيعي‬
g.d. Every day ‫كل يوم‬
g.h. Every hour ‫كل ساعة‬
 QID Four times a day ‫أربع مرات باليوم‬
R Right ‫يمين‬
RF Rheumatic fever ‫حمى الروماتيزم‬
R\o Rule out ‫استثناء‬
RR Recovery room ‫غرفه اإلفاقة‬
RS Review of symptoms ‫مراجعه األعراض‬
S Without ‫بدون‬
SH Social history ‫التاريخ االجتماعي‬
SOB Shortness of breath ‫ضيق التنفس‬
Sol Solution ‫محلول‬
Surg. Surgery ‫الجراحة‬
T Temperature ‫درجة الحرارة‬
TID Three times a day ‫ثالث مرات باليوم‬
TPR Temperature, pulse, respiration ‫ التنفس‬،‫ النبض‬،‫درجة الحرارة‬
URI Upper respiratory infection ‫العدوى التنفسية العليا‬
UNG. Unguentum ‫مرهم‬
V Vein ‫وريد‬
VP Venous pressure ‫الضغط الوريدي‬
VS Vital signs ‫العالمات الحيوية‬
Wt. Weight ‫وزن‬
WHO World Health Organization ‫منظمة الصحة العالمية‬
° Degree ‫درجة‬
- Negative ‫سالب‬
+ Positive ‫موجب‬
♂ Male ‫ذكر‬
♀ Female ‫أنثى‬
C\O Complains of ‫يشكو من‬
D.O.B. Date of Birth ‫تاريخ الميالد‬
HBV Hepatitis B virus ‫فيروس االلتهاب الكبد _ب‬
HR Heart rate ‫سرعة القلب‬
I.M. Intramuscular ‫عضلي‬
IC Infection control ‫مكافحة العدوى‬
M.R.C.P. Member of the royal college of physicians ‫زميل كلية األطباء الملكية‬
O.D. Over dose ‫جرعه مفرطة‬
OPD Out patient department ‫قسم العيادات الخارجية‬
LD Lethal Dose ‫الجرعة القاتلة‬