COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Common Medical/Dental Abbreviations

and Acronyms
a (specific) absorption ALS advanced life support; AVN atrioventricular node
(coefficient) (USUALLY amyotrophic lateral AW atomic weight
ITALIC); (total) acidity; sclerosis; antilymphocyte ax. axis
area; (systemic) arterial serum AZT azidothymidine
(blood) (SUBSCRIPT); ALT alanine (zidovudine)
asymmetric; atto aminotransferase B barometric (pressure)
A absorbance Am americium (SUBSCRIPT); boron
Å angstrom; Ångström unit AML acute myelogenous B or Bucc buccal surface
aa [G.] ana of each (USED leukemia (caries or restoration)
in prescriptions) ANOVA analysis of Ba barium
AA amino acid; aminoacyl variance BBB blood brain barrier;
Ab antibody ANS autonomic nervous bundle branch block
ABG arterial blood gas system BBT basal body temperature
ABO blood group system ANUG acute necrotizing BCG bacille bilié de
a.c. [L.] ante cibum, before ulcerative gingivitis Calmette Guérin (vaccine)
a meal AP anteroposterior Be beryllium
AC acetate; APAP acetaminophen Bi bismuth
acromioclavicular; air ARDS adult or acute b.i.d. [L.] bis in die, twice a
conduction; alternating respiratory distress day
current; atriocarotid syndrome BMD bone mineral density
ACE angiotension ARF acute renal failure; BMI body mass index
converting enzyme acute rheumatic fever BP blood pressure; boiling
ACEI angiotensin As arsenic point; British
converting enzyme ASA acetylsalicylic acid Pharmacopoeia
inhibitor (aspirin) BPH Bachelor of Public
ACh, Ach acetylcholine ASCP American Society Health, benign prostatic
ACTH adrenocorticotropic of Clinical Pathologists hyperplasia
hormone (corticotropin) AST aspartate Bq becquerel (SI unit of
ad lib. [L.] ad libitum, aminotransferase radionuclide activity)
freely, as desired at. wt. atomic weight Br bromine
ADH antidiuretic hormone ATL adult T cell BS, BSc Bachelor of Science
ADHD attention deficit leukemia; adult T cell (Baccalaureus Scientiae)
hyperactivity disorder lymphoma BSA body surface area
ADLs activities of daily atm (standard) atmosphere BSN Bachelor of Science in
living ATP adenosine 5′ Nursing
ADR adverse drug reaction triphosphate BT bleeding time
AED automated external ATPase adenosine BTPS body temperature,
defibrillator triphosphatase ambient pressure,
AFB acid fast bacillus ATPD ambient saturated (with water
Ag (or AG) amalgam temperature and vapor)
restoration, silver alloy pressure, dry BTU British thermal unit
amalgam; antigen; [L.] ATPS ambient temperature BTX botulinum toxin
argentum, silver and pressure, saturated BUN blood urea nitrogen
A:G R albumin globulin (with water vapor) BUS Bartholin glands,
ratio Au [L.] aurum, gold urethra, Skene glands
AIDS acquired AUC area under the curve Bx biopsy
immunodeficiency AV arteriovenous c calorie (small); capillary
syndrome A-V arteriovenous; (blood); centi
Al aluminum atrioventricular C calorie (large); carbon;
ALL acute lymphocytic AVM Celsius; centigrade;
leukemia arteriovenousmalformation clearance (rate, renal) C ;
COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

compliance; concentration; CGA catabolite gene CPK creatine phosphokinase

cylindric (lens); cytidine activator CPR cardiopulmonary
c [L.] cum, with cGMP cyclic guanosine resuscitation
C&S culture and sensitivity monophosphate cps cycles per second
C.C. chief complaint cgs, CGS centimeter- CPT Current Procedural
c/o complains of gramsecond (system, unit) Terminology
ca. [L.] circa, about, ChB Bachelor of Surgery Cr chromium; creatinine
approximately (Chirurgiae Baccalaureus) CR Chief Resident;
Ca calcium; cathodal; ChD, Chir Doct Doctor of conditioned reflex;
cathode Surgery (Chirurgiae crown rump (length)
CA cancer; carcinoma; Doctor) CRD chronic respiratory
cardiac arrest; CHF congestive heart failure disease
chronologic age; contrast CHO carbohydrate CRNA Certified Registered
angiography; croup Ci curie Nurse Anesthetist
associated (virus); CI color index; Colour CRNP Certified Registered
cytosine arabinoside Index; confidence interval Nurse Practitioner
CABG coronary artery CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob CRP cross reacting protein
bypass graft disease CRT Certified Respiratory
CAD coronary artery CK creatine kinase Therapist
disease Cl chlorine Cs cesium
cal calorie (small) CL cardiolipin CSF cerebrospinal fluid;
Cal calorie (large) CLA(ASCP) Clinical colony-stimulating factor
CAM complementary and Laboratory Assistant CT computed tomography
alternative medicine (American Society of Cu [L.] cuprum, copper
CAO conscious, alert, Clinical Pathologists) CV cardiovascular
oriented CLIA Clinical Laboratory CVA cerebral vascular
cap capsule Improvement Amendments (cerebrovascular)
CAPD continuous CLL chronic lymphocytic accident, costovertebral
ambulatory peritoneal leukemia angle
dialysis cm centimeter CVP central venous
CAT computerized axial Cm curium pressure
tomography (obsolete) CMA Certified Medical CVS cardiovascular system;
CBC complete blood (cell) Assistant chorionic villus sampling
count CME continuing medical CXR chest x-ray
\ cc, c.c. cubic centimeter
䡬 education ⌬ delta; change; heat
CCU coronary care unit; CMI cell mediated d deci-; day
critical care unit immunity d dextrorotatory
Cd cadmium CML chronic myelogenous D- prefix indicating that a
CD compact disc leukemia molecule is sterically
CDA Certified Dental CMO Chief Medical Officer analogous to D
Assistant CMT Certified Medical glyceraldehyde
CDC (U.S.) Centers for Transcriptionist da deca
Disease Control and CMV controlled mechanical Da dalton
Prevention ventilation; DA developmental age
CDP cytidine 5′ diphosphate cytomegalovirus db, dB decibel
Ce cerium CNS central nervous system DC Dental Corps; Doctor
CEU continuing education Co cobalt of Chiropractic; direct
unit Comp composite resin current
Cf californium restoration \ D/C discharge;
䡬
CF complement fixation; COPD chronic obstructive discontinue
cystic fibrosis; coupling pulmonary disease DCh Doctor of Surgery
factor COS Chief of Staff (Doctor Chirurgiae)

\ ) appears opposite abbreviations prohibited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare

The forbidden symbol (䡬
Organizations (JCAHO).
 COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

DDS Doctor of Dental dr dram ENT ear, nose, and throat

Surgery Dr Med Doctor of EPO erythropoietin
def decayed, extracted, or Medicine ER endoplasmic reticulum;
filled (deciduous teeth) DRG diagnosis-related emergency room
DEF decayed, extracted, or group Er erbium
filled (permanent teeth) DrPH Doctor of Public ERBF effective renal blood
DEXA dual energy x-ray Health; Doctor of Public flow
absorptiometry Hygiene ERPF effective renal plasma
df decayed and filled DRVVT dilute Russell flow
(deciduous teeth) viper venom test ERT estrogen replacement
DF decayed and filled D-S Doerfler Stewart (test) therapy
(permanent teeth) DSA digital subtraction Es einsteinium
DH Dental Hygienist angiography ESEP extreme
DIC disseminated DSc Doctor of Science somatosensory evoked
intravascular coagulation DSD dry sterile dressing potential
DIF direct DVM Doctor of Veterinary ESR electron spin
immunofluorescence Medicine resonance; erythrocyte
DJD degenerative joint DVT deep vein thrombosis sedimentation rate
disease Dx diagnosis ESRD end stage renal
dk deca-, deka- EB Epstein Barr (virus) disease
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis EBV Epstein Barr virus ESWL extracorporeal shock-
dL deciliter ECF extended care wave lithotripsy
dM decimorgan facility; extracellular EtOH ethyl alcohol
DM diabetes mellitus fluid Eu europium
DMD Doctor of Dental ECG electrocardiogram ev, eV electron volt
Medicine; Duchenne ECM erythema chronicum F Fahrenheit; faraday
muscular dystrophy migrans (constant); fertility
DME Director of Medical ECMO extracorporeal (factor); field (of vision);
Education membrane oxygenation fluorine; force; fractional
dmf decayed, missing, or ECS electrocerebral silence (concentration); free
filled (deciduous teeth) ECT electroconvulsive (energy)
DMF decayed, missing, or therapy f femto-; (respiratory)
filled (permanent teeth) ED eating disorder; frequency
DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide effective dose; FAAN Fellow of the
DMT N,N emergency department; American Academy of
dimethyltryptamine erectile dysfunction Nursing
DMV Doctor of Veterinary EEG electroencephalogram FAAP Fellow of the
Medicine EENT eye, ear, nose, and American Academy of
DNR do not resuscitate throat Pediatrics
DO disto-occlusal surfaces EIA enzyme immunoassay FACA Fellow of the
(caries or restoration); EKG [German] American College of
Doctor of Osteopathy Elektrokardiogramme, Anesthesiology
DOA dead on arrival electrocardiogram FACAL Fellow of the
DOB date of birth ELISA enzyme-linked American College of
DP Doctor of Pharmacy; immunosorbent assay Allergy
Doctor of Podiatry EMF electromotive force FACC Fellow of the
DPH Doctor of Public EMG electromyogram; American College of
Health; Doctor of Public exomphalos, Cardiologists
Hygiene macroglossia, and FACD Fellow of the
DPharm Doctor of gigantism (syndrome) American College of
Pharmacy EMS eosinophilia-myalgia Dentists
DPM Doctor of Physical syndrome FACFP Fellow of the
Medicine; Doctor of EMT Emergency Medical American College of
Podiatric Medicine Technician Family Physicians
COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

FACO Fellow of the FVC forced vital capacity H & H hematocrit and
American College of Fx fracture hemoglobin
Otolaryngology G giga; glucose; gravitation HⳭ hydrogen ion
FACOG Fellow of the (newtonian constant of); HAART highly active
American College of guanosine (or guanylic anti-retroviral therapy
Obstetricians and acid) residues in HAV hepatitis A virus
Gynecologists polynucleotides Hb hemoglobin
FACOS Fellow of the g gram HbA adult hemoglobin
American College of Ga gallium HBcAg Hepatitis B core
Orthopaedic Surgeons GABA ␥-aminobutyric acid antigen
FACP Fellow of the GABHS group-A HBe Hepatitis B early
American College of ␤-hemolytic Streptococcus antigen
Physicians Gal galactose HBeAb Hepatitis B early
FACR Fellow of the GC gonococcus, gonorrhea antibody
American College of Gd gadolinium HbeAg Hepatitis B early
Radiology Ge germanium antigen
FACS Fellow of the GERD gastroesophageal Hbg hemoglobin
American College of reflux disease HBIG hepatitis B immune
Surgeons GFR glomerular filtration globulin
FAMA Fellow of the rate HBO hyperbaric oxygen
American Medical GGT ␥-glutamyl transferase HBsAb hepatitis B surface
Association GH-RH growth hormone antibody
FB foreign body releasing hormone HBsAg hepatitis B surface
FBS fasting blood sugar GI gastrointestinal; Gingival antigen
FDA (U.S.) Food and Index HBV hepatitis B virus
Drug Administration GIC glass ionomer cement HCFA Health Care
Fe [L.] ferrum, iron GLC gas liquid Financing
FEF forced expiratory chromatography Administration
flow GMO General Medical HCl hydrochloric acid;
FET forced expiratory Officer hydrochloride
time GMS Gomori (or Grocott) Hct hematocrit
FEV forced expiratory methenamine silver HCV Hepatitis C virus
volume (stain) h. d. [L.] hora decubitus,
FF filtration fraction GN Graduate Nurse at bedtime
FFD focus film distance
GOT glutamic oxaloacetic HDL high-density
FIA fluorescent
transaminase (aspartate lipoprotein
immunoassay
aminotransferase) Hg [L.] hydrargyrum,
FISH fluorescent in situ
GPI Gingival Periodontal mercury
hybridization
Index Hgb hemoglobin
Fm fermium
FNA fine-needle aspiration gr grain HGE human granulocytic
FPD Fixed Partial Denture GSW gunshot wound ehrlichiosis
fps, FPS foot pound gt. [L.] gutta, a drop HGH human (pituitary)
second (system, unit) gtt. [L.] guttae, drops growth hormone
Fr francium; French GTT glucose tolerance test HGSIL high-grade
(gauge, scale) GU genitourinary squamous intraepithelial
FRC functional residual GVHD graft versus host lesion
capacity (of lungs) disease HIPAA Health Insurance
French (catheter gauge) Gy gray (unit of absorbed Portability and
FTA-ABS fluorescent dose of ionizing radiation) Accountability Act
treponemal antibody H henry; hydrogen; HIV human
absorption (test) hyperopia; hyperopic immunodeficiency virus
F/U follow-up h Planck constant HLA human lymphocyte
FUO fever of unknown H & E hematoxylin and antigen, human
origin eosin leukocyte antigen
 COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

HMG CoA 3 hydroxy 3 IF initiation factor; LD lethal dose

methylglutaryl coenzyme intrinsic factor LDL low-density lipoprotein
A IFN interferon LE lupus erythematosus
HMO Health Maintenance Ig immunoglobulin LGV lymphogranuloma
Organization IGF insulinlike growth venereum
h/o history of factor LP lumbar puncture
HPF high power field IL interleukin LPN Licensed Practical
HPI history of present ILA insulinlike activity Nurse
illness IM internal medicine; \ ␮ mu; micro; heavy chain
䡬
HPV human papillomavirus intramuscular(ly); class corresponding to
\ h. s., HS [L.] hora somni,
䡬 infectious mononucleosis IgM
at bedtime IMS Indian Medical \ ␮Ci microcurie
䡬
HSV herpes simplex virus Service \ ␮g microgram
䡬
5-HT 5-hydroxytryptamine IND investigational new \ ␮l,␮L microliter
䡬
(serotonin) drug \ ␮m micrometer
䡬
Ht hyperopia, total INR international ␮␮ micromicro
HTLV human T cell normalized ratio m mass; meter; milliminim;
lymphocytotrophic virus; IOML infraorbitomeatal molar
human T cell lymphoma/ line m- meta
leukemia virus IP interphalangeal; M mega, meg; molar; moles
HTN hypertension intraperitoneal(ly) (per liter); morgan;
Hx (medical) history IPAP inspiratory positive myopic; myopia
Hz hertz airway pressure M molar; moles (per liter)
125
I iodine 125 IQ intelligence quotient m moles (per liter)
131
I iodine 131 IRB institutional review mA milliampere
123
I iodine 123 board MA Master of Arts
(radioisotope) IU International Unit (Magister Artium);
I & D incision and IV intravenous, Medical Assistant; mental
drainage intravenously; age
I & O (fluid) intake and intraventricular MAb monoclonal antibody
output IVDA intravenous drug MAC Mycobacterium avium
IADLs instrumental abuse(r) complex
activities of daily living IVP intravenous pyelogram MAI Mycobacterium
IBD inflammatory bowel J flux (density) aviumintracellulare
disease J joule MAO monoamine oxidase
IBS irritable bowel K [Mod. L.] kalium, MAOI monoamine oxidase
syndrome potassium; kelvin inhibitor
IBW ideal body weight k kilo mA-S milliampere second
ICD International kat katal MBC maximum breathing
Classification of Diseases kb kilobase capacity
of the World Health kc kilocycle MC Medical Corps
Organization; implantable kcal kilocalorie mCi millicurie
cardioverterdefibrillator kDa kilodalton mcm millimicron
ICDA International kg kilogram MD [L.] Medicinae Doctor,
Classification of Diseases, KOH potassium hydroxide Doctor of Medicine
Adapted for Use in the KS Kaposi sarcoma Med Tech Medical
United States kv kilovolt Technician; Medical
ICP intracranial pressure kVp kilovolt peak Technologist
ICU intensive care unit l, L liter (use of CAPITAL MEDLARS Medical
ID infective dose letter preferred) Literature Analysis and
IDU idoxuridine; injecting/ L or Ling lingual surface Retrieval System
injection drug user (caries or restoration) meq, mEq milliequivalent

\ ) appears opposite abbreviations prohibited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare

The forbidden symbol (䡬
Organizations (JCAHO).
COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

MEV million electron MRI magnetic resonance Ni nickel

volts (106 ev) imaging NIH National Institutes of
mg milligram mRNA messenger RNA Health
Mg magnesium MRSA methicillin-resistant NK natural killer (cell)
MHC major Staphylococcus aureus NKA no known allergies
histocompatibility MS Master of Science NLM National Library of
complex \ MS multiple sclerosis;
䡬 Medicine
MHz megahertz magnesium sulfate; nm nanometer
MI mitral insufficiency; morphine sulfate NP Nurse Practitioner
myocardial infarction msec millisecond NPO [L.] nihil per os,
ml, mL milliliter m/sec meters per second nothing by mouth
MLC mixed lymphocyte MSG monosodium NS normal saline
culture (test) glutamate NSAID nonsteroidal
MLD minimal lethal dose MSM men who have sex antiinflammatory drug
mm millimeter with men NSR normal sinus rhythm
mmHg millimeters of MSN Master of Science in NUG necrotizing ulcerative
mercury (torr) Nursing gingivitis
mmol millimole MT Medical Technologist; ⍀ omega; ohm
MMPI Minnesota Medical Transcriptionist; o- ortho
Multiphasic Personality Monitor Technician O [L.] oculus, eye;
Inventory (test) mtDNA mitochondrial DNA opening (in formulas for
MMR measles-mumps- MUGA multiple gated electrical reactions);
rubella (vaccine)
acquisition (imaging) oxygen
Mn manganese
mV millivolt OB obstetrics
Mo molybdenum
Mv mendelevium OB/GYN obstetrics (and)
MO mesio-occlusal
MVA motor vehicle accident gynecology
surfaces (caries or
MW molecular weight OC oral contraceptive
restoration); Medical
␯ nu; kinematic viscosity Occ occlusal surfaces
Officer; mineral oil
n index of refraction; nano (caries or restoration)
MOC Medical Officer on
Call N newton; nitrogen; normal OCD obsessive compulsive
MOD Medical Officer of (concentration) disorder
N normal (SMALL caps) OD Doctor of Optometry;
the Day
mol mole Na [Modern L.] natrium, Officer of the Day;
mol wt molecular weight sodium overdose
MOM Milk of Magnesia NA Nomina Anatomica \ OD [L.] oculus dexter,
䡬
MOPP Mustargen NAD nicotinamide adenine right eye
(mechlorethamine dinucleotide; no apparent ODD oculodentodigital
hydrocholoride), (or acute) distress (dysplasia, syndrome)
Oncovin (vincristine NCV nerve conduction Oe oersted (centimeter
sulfate), procarbazine velocity gram second unit of
hydrochloride, and Nd neodymium magnetic field strength)
prednisone Nd:YAG neodymium: OFD orofaciodigital
MPD maximal permissible yttriumaluminum- garnet (dysostosis, syndrome)
dose [laser] OML orbitomeatal line
MPH Master of Public NDA New Drug Application OMM
Health Ne neon ophthalmomandibulomelic
MRCP Member of the NE norepinephrine; not (dysplasia, syndrome)
Royal College of examined OP osmotic pressure;
Physicians NF National Formulary outpatient
MRCS Member of the ng nanogram OPV oral poliovirus
Royal College of NGF nerve growth factor vaccine
Surgeons (antigen) OR operating room

\ ) appears opposite abbreviations prohibited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare

The forbidden symbol (䡬
Organizations (JCAHO).
 COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ORIF open reduction and PEEP positive end p.r.n. PRN, [L.] pro re nata,
internal fixation expiratory pressure as needed
Os osmium PEG polyethylene glycol psi pounds per square inch
OSA obstructive sleep apnea PET positron emission PSV pressure-supported
OSHA Occupational Safety tomography ventilation
and Health Administration PFM porcelain fused to PT physical therapy;
OT occupational therapy; metal (crown) prothrombin time
Koch old tuberculin pg picogram Pt platinum
OTC over the counter PG prostaglandin PTH parathyroid hormone
(nonprescription) drug PGA prostaglandin A PTT partial thromboplastin
\ OU [L.] oculus uterque,
䡬 PGB prostaglandin B time
each eye (both eyes) PGE prostaglandin E PVC premature ventricular
oz ounce PGF prostaglandin F contraction
p pico; pupil pH hydrogen ion PVL plasma viral load
p- para concentration; p (power) PVP polyvinylpyrrolidone
P partial (pressure); peta; of [HⳭ]10 (povidone)
phosphorus, phosphoric Pharm D Doctor of q [L.] quisque, every
(residue); plasma Pharmacy (Pharmaciae Q coulomb; volume of blood
(concentration); pressure; Doctor) flow
para (obstetric history) PhD Doctor of Philosophy Qco2 microliters CO2 given
32
P phosphorus-32 (Philosophiae Doctor) off per milligram of
PA Physician Assistant; PhD [L.] Philosophiae dryweight of tissue per
posteroanterior Doctor, Doctor of hour
Pa pascal Philosophy \ q.d. [L.] quaque die, every
䡬
PA Physician’s Assistant; PhG [L.] Pharmacopoeia day
posteroanterior; pulmonary Germanica, German q.i.d. [L.] quater in die, four
artery Pharmacopeia times a day
Pb [L.] plumbum, lead PhG Graduate in
QNS quantity not sufficient
p.c. [L.] post cibum, after a Pharmacy
\ q.o.d. every other day
䡬
meal PHN Public Health Nurse;
q.s. [L.] quantum satis, as
PCB polychlorinated postherpetic neuralgia
much as is enough; [L.]
biphenyl PICC peripherally inserted
quantum sufficiat, as much
Pco2 partial pressure of central catheter
as may suffice; quantity
carbon dioxide PK pyruvate kinase
sufficient
PCP phencyclidine; plasma PKU phenylketonuria
r racemic; roentgen
cell pneumonia pm picometer
(Pneumocystic carinii Pm promethium RA rheumatoid arthritis
pneumonia); primary care PM post mortem RAD reactive airways
provider PMI point of maximum disease
PCR polymerase chain intensity rbc red blood cell; red blood
reaction PMN polymorphonuclear (cell) count
PCWP pulmonary capillary (leukocyte) RBC red blood cell; red
wedge pressure PN Practical Nurse blood (cell) count
Pd palladium PND paroxysmal nocturnal RBF renal blood flow
PDA patent ductus dyspnea; postnasal drip RCM right costal margin
arteriosus; posterior PO [L.] per os, by mouth RCT root canal treatment
descending artery PPD purified protein RD reaction of degeneration;
PDGF platelet derived derivative (of tuberculin) reaction of denervation;
growth factor ppm parts per million Registered Dietitian
PDR Physicians’Desk PPV positive pressure RDA recommended daily
Reference ventilation allowance

\ ) appears opposite abbreviations prohibited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare

The forbidden symbol (䡬
Organizations (JCAHO).
COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

RDH Registered Dental S [L.] sinister, left; SPF sun protection (or
Hygienist saturation of hemoglobin protective) factor
RDS respiratory distress (percentage of) (followed spp. species (plural)
syndrome by subscript o2 or co2); SQ subcutaneous
RE right ear; right eye siemens; spheric; spheric ssp. subspecies
rem roentgen equivalent, (lens); sulfur; Svedberg SSRI selective serotonin
man (unit) reuptake inhibitor
REM rapid eye movement SA sinuatrial stat; STAT [L.] statim,
(sleep); reticular S-A sinuatrial immediately, at once
erythematous mucinosis SAD seasonal affective STD sexually transmitted
rep roentgen equivalent, disorder disease
physical S and P Scale and Polish STEL short-term exposure
RF release factor; (periodontics) limit
rheumatoid factor SARS severe acute STI sexually transmitted
Rh Rhesus (Rh blood respiratory syndrome infection
group); rhodium SBE subacute bacterial STM short-term memory
RIA radioimmunoassay endocarditis STPD standard
RN Registered Nurse sc subcutaneous(ly) temperature (0⬚ C) and
RNA Registered Nurse ScD Doctor of Science pressure (760 mmHg
Anesthetist; ribonucleic SCID severe combined absolute), dry
acid immunodeficiency STS serologic test for
RNC Registered Nurse, SD standard deviation; syphilis
Certified streptodornase Sv, SV sievert (unit)
RNP Registered Nurse SGOT serum SVT supraventricular
Practitioner glutamicoxaloacetic tachycardia
R/O rule out transaminase (aspartate t metric ton
ROM range of motion aminotransferase) t temperature (Celsius);
ROS review of systems SGPT serum glutamic- tritium
RP Registered Pharmacist pyruvic transaminase T temperature, absolute
RPD Removable Partial (alanine aminotransferase) (Kelvin); tension
Denture SH serum hepatitis (intraocular); tera; tesla;
RPh Registered Pharmacist SI [French] Système tetanus (toxoid); tidal
rpm revolutions per International d’Unités; (volume) (SUBSCRIPT);
minute International System of tocopherol; transverse
RPR rapid plasma reagin Units (tubule); tritium; tumor
(test) SID source-to-image (- (antigen)
RQ respiratory quotient receptor) distance T absolute temperature
RT Radiologic SIDS sudden infant death (Kelvin)
Technologist; Registered syndrome T & C type and
Technologist; sig. [L.] signa, affix a label, crossmatch
Respiratory Therapist inscribe Ta tantalum
RVEF right ventricular SIRD source-to- TA Terminologia
ejection fraction imagereceptor distance Anatomica
RVH right ventricular SL sublingual(ly) tab tablet
hypertrophy SLE systemic lupus TB tuberculosis
␴ sigma; reflection erythematosus TBV total blood volume
coefficient; standard Sn [L.] stannum, tin Tc technetium
99m
deviation; 1 millisecond SN Student Nurse Tc technetium 99m
(0.001 sec) SOB short(ness) of breath TCA tricarboxylic acid;
s [L.] semis, half; steady sol. solution trichloracetic acid
state (SUBSCRIPT); [L.] soln. solution TEN toxic epidermal
sinister, left SP Speech Pathologist necrolysis
s sine, without sp. gr. specific gravity TFCI transient focal
s/s signs and symptoms sp. species cerebral ischemia
 COMMON MEDICAL/DENTAL ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

THC tetrahydrocannabinol tr. tincture VLDL very low density

Ti titanium TSH thyroid stimulating lipoprotein
TIA transient ischemic hormone Vmax maximal velocity
attack TSS toxic shock syndrome VN Visiting Nurse,
TIBC total iron-binding TTP thrombotic Vocational Nurse
capacity thrombocytopenic VO vocal order
t.i.d. [L.] ter in die, three purpura VS vital signs; volumetric
times a day TU toxic unit, toxin unit solution
tinct. tincture Tx treatment VT tidal volume
\ t.i.w. three times a week
䡬 Tyr tyrosine (and its VZIG varicella-zoster
Tl thallium \ U unit
radicals) 䡬 immune globulin
TMJ temporomandibular URI upper respiratory W watt; [German] Wolfram,
joint infection tungsten
TNF tumor necrosis factor US ultrasound WD well-developed
TNM tumor, node, USAN United States WDLL well-differentiated
metastasis (tumor staging) Adopted Names lymphocytic (or
t-PA, TPA tissue (Council) lymphatic) lymphoma
plasminogen activator USP United States WHO World Health
TPHA Treponema pallidum Pharmacopeia Organization
hemagglutination (test) USPHS United States WN well nourished
TPI Treponema pallidum Public Health Service Y yttrium
immobilization (test) UTI urinary tract infection YAG yttrium-
TPN total parenteral VDRL Venereal Disease aluminumgarnet (laser)
nutrition Research Laboratory (test) Yb ytterbium
TPR temperature, pulse, and VHDL very high density Zn zinc
respirations lipoprotein Zr zirconium

\ ) appears opposite abbreviations prohibited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare

The forbidden symbol (䡬
Organizations (JCAHO).