@  

at; each  

 _C 

with (cum)  

♀

female; female sex

♂

male; male sex

—

negative; no; none; alkaline (reaction); concave lens; deficiency; subtract; not ordered

+

positive; decreased or diminished (reflexes); acid (reaction); convex lens; added to; ordered

++

average (reflexes)

+++

increased (reflexes)

++++

markedly hyperactive (reflexes)

<

smaller than; less than; caused by

=

equal; equal to

≠

not equal; not equal to

>

larger than; greater than; causes

↑

above; elevated; enlarged; improved

↓

below; decreased; falling; depressed

#

pounds; number; gauge

170H progesterone

17 hydroxy progesterone

250H Vitamin D

25 hydroxy vitamin D

5HIAA

five hydroxy indole acetic acid

5HTP

five hydroxy tryptophan

A

assessment (in problem-oriented medical record)

AA

automobile accident

AAF

African American female

AAM

African American male

AB; Ab

abortion; antibody

abd

abdomen; abduction

ABG

arterial blood gas

ACLS

advanced cardiac life support

AC

anterior chamber

acid phos

acid phosphatase

accom

accommodation

ACT-D

actinomycin-D

ACTH

adrenocorticotrophic hormone

AD

auris dextra (right ear)

ADA

American Diabetic Association; Americans with Disabilities Act

add; ADD

adduction; attention deficit disorder

ADH

antidiuretic hormone

ADL

activities of daily living

AEA

above-elbow amputation

AEC

acid etch composite (restoration)

AER

auditory-evoked response

AF

anterior fontanel

AFO

ankle foot orthosis

A fib

atrial fibrillation

AFB

acid-fast bacillus

A flut

atrial flutter

A/G ratio

albumin-globulin ratio

AGA

appropriate for gestational age

AHA

autoimmune hemolytic anemia; American Heart Association; American Hospital Association

AHF

antihemophilic factor

AHTR

Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction

AI

aortic insufficiency

AICD

Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

AIDS

acquired immune deficiency syndrome

AJCC

American Joint Committee on Cancer

AKA

above-knee amputation

AL

auris laeva (left ear)

ALL

acute lymphocytic Leukemia

alk phos

alkaline phosphatase

ALS

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ALT

alanine aminotransferase; argon laser trabececuloplasty

AM

before noon

AMA

against medical advice

amal

amalgam

amb

ambulate

AMI

acute myocardial infarction

AML

acute myelocytic leukemia

amnio

amniocentesis

ANC

absolute neutrophils count

angio

angiogram

ant

anterior

AOB

Administrative Office Building

AOD

arterial occlusive disease

A,OX3

alert and oriented in 3 spheres (time, place, person)

A/P

assessment/plan

AP

anteroposterior

APB

abductor pollicis brevis

APD

afferent pupillary defect

APL

abductor pollicis longus

appt

appointment

APR

abdominal peritoneal resection

ARDS

adult respiratory distress syndrome

ARF

acute renal failure

AROM

artificial rupture of membranes

As

arsenic

AS

aortic stenosis

ASA

acetylsalicylic acid

ASAP

as soon as possible

ASCVD

arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

ASC

anterior subcapsular cataract

ASD

atrial septal defect

ASHD

arteriosclerotic heart disease

AST

aspartate aminotransferase

A-T

primary (deciduous) teeth, total of 20 (A-T)

AU

auris unitas (both ears)

AUH

auditory hallucinations

AV

atrioventricular

A-V

arteriovenous

AVN

avascular necrosis

AVR

aortic valve replacement

A & W

alive and well

B

black

B I

Billroth I gastrectomy

B II

Billroth II gastrectomy

Ba E

barium enema

BBB

bundle branch block

BC

bone conduction (hearing test)

BC/BS

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

BCG

bacille Calmette Guerin vaccine

BCLS

basic cardiac life support

BCP

birth control pill

BDL

below detectable level/limit

BDR

background diabetic retinopathy

BEA

below elbow amputation

BF

black female

BFS

blood flow studies

BG

blood glucose

BHCG

beta-sub unit haman chorionic gonadotropin

bid

twice a day

bil

bilateral

bili

bilirubin

bili T/D

bilirubin total and direct

BKA

below knee amputation

bl time

bleeding time

Bl Ty

blood type

BM

black male

bm

bowel movement

BMI

body mass index

BML

below measurable level/limit

BMR

basal metabolic rate

BOT

base of tongue

BOW

bag of water

BP

blood pressure

BPD

bronchopulmonary dysplasia

bpd

biparietal diameter

BPH

benign prostatic hypertrophy

BPP

biophysical profile

BR

bed rest

BRAO

branch retinal artery occlusion

BRB

bright red blood

BRL

Biologic Resource Lab

BRBPR

bright red blood per rectum

BRVO

branch retinal vein occlusion

BS; bs

bowel sounds; breath sounds

BSA

body surface area

BSO

bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

BTB

breakthrough bleeding

BTL

bilateral tubal ligation

buc

buccal

BUN

blood urea nitrogen

BW

birth weight

Bx

biopsy

BWX

bite-wing x-ray

CA

carcinoma

Ca

Calcium

CABG

coronary artery bypass graft

CAD

coronary artery disease

cal

calorie

CAPD

continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

CAT

computerized axial tomography

cat

cataract

cath

catheterization

CB

ciliary body

CBC

complete blood count

CBD

common bile duct

CBG

capillary blood gas

cc

cubic centimeter 

CC

chief complaint

CC1

clinical chemistry 1

CCE

clubbing, cyanosis and edema

CCU

Coronary Care Unit

CD

cadaver donor

CDC

Center For Disease Control And Prevention

CDE

common duct exploration

CDH

congenital dislocation of the hip

CEA

carcinoembryonic antigen (assay)

cea

carotid endarterectomy

CF

cystic fibrosis

cf

count fingers (eye exam)

Cef

effective compliance

CES

cervical epidural steroid

CDJ

cemento-enamel junction

CG

cystogram

CGA

contact guard assist

CHB

complete heart block

CHBD

common hepatic bile duct

CHD

congenital heart disease; coronary heart disease

CHF

congestive heart failure

CHO

carbohydrate

chol

cholesterol

CI

cardiac index

CIN

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

CIS

carcinoma in situ

CKMB

creatinine kinase myocardial band

CL

chloride

CLC

corpus luteum cyst

cm

centimeters

CME

cystoid macular edema

CMG

cystometrogram

CML

chronic myeloctic leukemia 

CMS

Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (old HFCA)

CMV

cytomegalovirus IGM; controlled mechanical ventilation

CMV IGG

cytomegalovirus IGG

CNM

certified nurse midwife

CNS

central nervous system; clinical nurse specialist

CO

carbon monoxide

c/o

complains of

CO₂

carbon dioxide

COPD

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

conj

conjunctiva

CP

cerebral palsy; chest pain

CPAP

continuous positive airway pressure

CPD

cephalopelvic disproportion

CPDA

citrate phosphate dextrose adenine

CPK

creatine phosphokinase

CPM

continuous passive movement

CPR

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPT

chest physical therapy

CR

centric relation

CRH

corticotropin releasing hormone

creat

creatinine

CRAO

central retinal artery occlusion

CRF

chronic renal failure

CRVO

central retinal vein occlusion

CRYO

cryoprecipitate

CRYO-AHF

cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor

CS

cesarean section

C & S

culture and sensitivity

CSF

cerebrospinal fluid

CT Scan

computer-assisted tomography

CTS

carpal tunnel syndrome

CTU

Cardiothoracic Surgery Intensive Care Unit

cult

culture

CV

color vision

CVA

cerebrovascular accident

CVAT

costovertebral angle tenderness

CVD

cardiovascular disease

CVF

confrontational visual field

CVI

cerebrovascular incident

CVP

central venous pressure

Cx

cervix

CXR

chest x-ray

cysto

cystoscopy

D

diopter (eye exam)

d

day

D55%

dextrose

DA

degenerative arthritis

D & A

discission and aspiration

DAT

direct antiglobulin test (Coombs' Test)

d DAVP

desamino D-argihine vasopressin

D bil

direct bilirubin

D/C

discontinue

DC

discharge

D & C

dilatation and curettage

DCL

diffusing capacity of the lung

DCR

dacryocystorhinostomy

DDST

Denver Developmental Screening Test

decid

deciduous or primary (teeth)

DEJ

dento-enamel junction

dept.

department

DES

dry eye syndrome

DFE

dilated fundus exam

DFMR

daily fetal movement record

DHEA

dihydroepiahdroisterone

DHEAs

dihydroepiahdroisterone sulfate

DHL

diffuse histocytic lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease or lymphoma)

DHHS

Department of Human Health Services

DHTR

delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction

DI

diabetes insipidus

DIC

disseminated intravascular clotting

diff

differential

dil

dilated

DIP

distal interphalangeal

diph

diphtheria

dist

distal

DJD

degenerative joint disease

DKA

diabetic ketoacidosis

dl

deciliter

DM

diabetes mellitus

DME

Durable Medical Equipment

DNA

deoxyribonucleic acid

DNR

do not resuscitate (abbreviation not acceptable as an order)

DOA

dead on arrival

DOB

date of birth

DOC

doctor on call

DOE

dyspnea on exertion

DOI

date of injury

DOL

Department of Labor

DOT

Department of Transportation

DP

dorsalis pedis

DPT

diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (vaccine); demerol-phenergan-thorazine

DRG

Diagnosis Related Group

drsg

Dressing

DZ, Ds

Disease

DT

delirium tremens; diphtheria and tetanus

DTR

deep tendon reflex

DUB

dysfunctional uterine bleeding

DVA

distance visual acuity

DVT

deep vein thrombosis

D5W

5% dextrose/water

Dx

diagnosis

E₁

estrone

E₂

17-ß-estradiol

E₃

estriol

E₄

estetrol

EAC

external auditory canal

EAS; EAP

employee assistance Service; employee assistance program

EBL

estimated blood loss

EBV

Epstein-Barr virus

ECC

emergency cardiac care

ECCE

extracapsular cataract extraction

ECG

electrocardiogram

ECHO

echocardiogram

ECRF

extensor carpi radialis

ECT

electric convulsive therapy

ECU

extensor carpi ulnaris

ED

Emergency Department

EDC

estimated date of confinement

EEG

electroencephalogram

EEI

Eye & Ear Infirmary

EF

ejection fraction

EFM

external fetal monitor

EFW

estimated fetal weight

EGBUS

external genitalia, Bartholin, urethral & Skene's glands

EGD

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

EKG

electrocardiogram

EMD

electromechanical dissociation

EMG

electromyogram

ENG

electronystagmogram

ENT; EENT

ears, nose and throat; eyes, ears, nose and throat

E/O

expected outcome

EOG

electro-oculogram

EOM

extraocular movement

EOMI

extraocular muscles intact

eos

eosinophils

EPB

extensor pollicis brevis

epith

epithelial (cells)

Epi

epinephrine

EPL

extensor pollicis longus

ER

Emergency Room

ERCP

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

ERG

electroretinogram

ERL

equal reaction to light

ERT

estrogen replacement therapy

ESR

erythrocyte sedimentation rate

ESRD

end-stage renal disease

EST

electroshock therapy

ET

esotropia

ETOH

alcohol

EUA

examination under anesthesia

eval

evaluation

EVD

external ventricular drain

exam

examination

exc

excision

exp

expired

ext.

external; extension

EWCL

extended wear contact lens

F

female

FA, FANG

fluorescein angiogram

FAC

Fetal Assessment Clinic

FB

foreign body

FBS

fasting blood sugar

FCC

Family Centered Care

FCR

flexor carpi radialis

FCU

flexor carpi ulnaris

FDA

Food and Drug Administration

FDP

flexor digitorum profundus

FDS

flexor digitorum superficialis

Fe

iron

FeS04

iron sulfate

FEV

forced expiratory volume

FF

fundus firm

FFP

fresh frozen plasma

FHR

fetal heart rate

FHx

family history

FHT

fetal heart tones

FIO₂

fraction of inspired oxygen

fl

fluid

Flexi Sig

flexible sigmoidoscopy

fl vol

fluid volume

fl oz

fluid ounce

flex

flexion

FM

fetal movement

FME

full mouth extractions

FML

focal macular laser

FNA

fine needle aspiration

FNHTR

febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction

FPB

flexor pollicis brevis

FPL

flexor pollicis longus

freq

frequency

FROM

full range of motion

FSH

follicle stimulating hormone

FT

full term

FTA

fluorescent treponemal antibodies (syphilis lab serology)

FTI

free thyroxine index

ft

foot

FTND; FTNVD

full term normal delivery; full term normal vaginal delivery 

FTSG

full thickness skin graft

FTT

failure to thrive

FU, F/U

follow-up

FWB

full weight bearing

FVC

forced vital capacity

FVE

forced volume, expiratory

Fx

fracture

FUO

fever of unknown origin

G₆PD

glucose 6 phosphate deficiency

GA

gestational age

GB

gallbladder

GBS

group B streptoccal

G-B Syn

Guillain-Barre syndrome

GC

gonococcus (gonorrhea)

gen

general

Geri

geriatrics

GGS

Gastrografin swallow

GH

growth hormone

GHRH

growth hormone releasing hormone

GI

gastrointestinal

gluc

glucose

gm

gram

GnRH

gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Gonio

gonioscopy

G/P

gravida/para

gr

grain

gr + cocci

gram positive cocci

GSW

gunshot wound

G-tube

gastrostomy tube

GTD

gestational trophoblastic disease

GTN

gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

GTT

glucose tolerance test

gtt

guttae (drops)

GU

genitourinary

GVF

Goldman visual fields

H

hydrogen

HA

headache

HA5

5% homatropine

HASHD

hypertensive arteriosclerotic heart disease

HAT/gent/PP

homatropine/gentamicin pressure patch

HAV

hepatitis A virus

HB

heart block

HBV

hepatitis B virus

HCG

human chorionic gonadotropin

HCl

hydrochloric acid

HCO₃

bicarbonate

hct

hematocrit

HCTZ

hydrochlorothiazide

HCV

hepatitis C virus

HDL

high density lipoprotein

HDN

hemolytic disease of the newborn (or fetus)

HDR

high dose radiation

HDV

hepatitis D virus (the delta agent)

HEENT

head, eyes, ears, nose, throat

heme

blood

Hep

hepatitis

HEV

hepatitis E virus

HF

Hispanic female

Hg

mercury

hgb

hemoglobin

HGG

human gamma globulin

HHD

hypertensive heart disease

H & H

hemoglobin and hematocrit

HHO₂

high humidity oxygen

HIB

Haemophilus-influenza type b (vaccine)

HIV -1 or-2

human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 or 2

HIM

Health Information Management (Department)

HLA

human leukocyte antigen(s)

HLV

herpes-like virus

HM

hand movements; Hispanic male

HMD

hyaline membrane disease

HMG/CoA

hydroxymethylglutaryl-co-enzyme A

HMO

health maintenance organization

HNP

herniated nucleus pulposus

h/o

history of

H₂0₂

hydrogen peroxide

H & P

history and physical

/HPF

per high power field

HPI

history of present illness

HPV

human papilloma virus

hr

hour/s

HR

heart rate; hypertensive retinopathy

HRN

High Risk Nursery

HRT

hormone replacement therapy

HSV

highly selective vagotomy

ht

height

HTLV -I or -II

human T-cell lymphotrophic virus, type I or II

HTN

hypertension

HTO

high tibia osteotomy

HVD

hypertension vascular disease

HVF

humprey visual fields

hyperal

hyperalimentation

Hx

history

I¹²³

the 123 molecular

I¹²⁵

the 125 molecular

I¹³¹

radioactive iodine; molecular weight the 131 isotope of radioactive iodine

IABAD

intra-aortic balloon assist device

IAN

intern admitting note

IABP

intra-aortic balloon pump

ICCE

intracapsular cataract extraction

ICF

Intermediate Care Facility

ICH

intracranial hemorrhage

ICP

intracranial pressure

ICS

intercostal space

ICU

Intensive Care Unit

I & D

incision and drainage

IMV

intermittent mandatory ventilation

inf

inferior

INH

isoniazid

inj

injection

IHSS

idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

Ig

immunoglobulin

IM

intramuscular

IMV

intermittent mechanical ventilation

int

internal

IO

inferior oblique (muscle)

I & O

intake and output

IOL

intraocular lens

IOP

intraocular pressure

I/P

iris/pupil

IPC

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression

IPPB

intermittent positive pressure breathing

IPPV

intermittent positive pressure ventilation

IR

inferior rectus (muscle)

IRB

institutional review board

ITP

idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

IUD

intrauterine device

IUFD

intrauterine fetal demise

IUGR

intrauterine growth retardation

IUP

intrauterine pregnancy

IUPC

intrauterine pressure catheter

IV

intravenous

IVC

intravenous cholangiogram

IVDA

intravenous drug abuse (abuser)

IVDU

intravenous drug use (user)

IVF

in vitro fertilization

IVH

intraventricular hemorrhage

IVP

intravenous pyelogram; intravenous push

IVPB

intravenous piggyback

IVU

intravenous urogram

JCAHO

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

J-tube

jejunostomy tube

JPR

junctional premature contraction

JP's

Jackson-Pratt drain

JRA

juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

JVD

jugular venous distention

JVP

jugular venous pulse

K

potassium

K cal

kilocalorie

KCL

potassium chloride

kg

kilogram

KO

keep open

KOR

keep open rate

KS

ketosteroids

KUB

kidney, ureter, bladder

L

left

LA

left atrium; 

LA/AO

left atrial/aortic

lab

laboratory

LAC

long arm cast

LAD

left anterior descending

LAG

lymphangiogram

LAP

left atrial pressure

lap

laparotomy

LASH

left anterior superior hemiblock

lat

lateral

LBBB

left bundle branch block

LBP

low back pain

LCP

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

LCX

left circumflex coronary artery

L & D

labor and delivery

LDL

low density lipoprotein

LDR

labor, delivery and recovery

LDW

last day worked

LE

lower extremity

LEEP

left end expiratory pressure

LES

lumbar epidural steroid

LGA

large for gestational age

LGI

lower gastrointestinal (barium enema)

LH

luteinizing hormone

Li

lithium

LIH

left inguinal hernia

LIMA

left internal mammary artery

ling

lingual

LLC

long leg cast

LLE

left lower extremity

LLL

left lower lobe

LLQ

left lower quadrant

LMP

last menstrual period

LOC

loss of consciousness

LP

lumbar puncture

LPN

Licensed Practical Nurse

L & R

left and right

LR

lateral rectus (muscle)

L/R

lactated Ringer’s (injection)

LS

Lumbosacral

LSB

left sternal border

L/S ratio

lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio

L/S scan

liver-spleen scan

LTCS

low transverse cesarean section

LTG

long term goal; low tension glaucoma

LUE

left upper extremity

LUL

left upper lobe

LUQ

left upper quadrant

LV

left ventricle

LVEDP

left ventricular end diastolic pressure

LVEDV

left ventricular end diastolic volume

LVEF

left ventricular ejection fraction

LVAD

left ventricular assist device

LVH

left ventricular hypertrophy

LVSWI

left ventricular stroke work index

lytes

electrolytes

M

male

m

murmur

M.A.

medical assistant

MAC

mycobacterium avium complex

mand

mandibular

MAP

mean arterial pressure

max

maximum

Max A

maximal assist

M/C

mail code

mcg

microgram

MCH

mean corpuscular hemoglobin

MCHA

anti-microsomal antibody

MCHC

mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrate

MCL

midclavicular line

MCP

Medical Care Plan

MCS

Managed Care Specialist

MCV

mean corpuscular volume

MD

doctor of medicine

ME

medical examiner

mec

meconium

mec asp

meconium aspiration

meds

medications

mEq

milliequivalent

mes

mesial

MET

metabolic equivalent

mg

milligram

MG

Marcus Gunn

Mg

magnesium

MI

myocardial infarction

MICU

Medical Intensive Care Unit

Min A

minimum assist

misc

miscellaneous

ml

milliliter

mm

millimeters

MM

myelomeningocele

MMEFR

maximal mid-expiratory flow rate

mod

moderate

Mod A

moderate assist

MP

metacarpophalangeal (joint)

MPAP

mean pulmonary artery pressure

MR

medial rectus (muscle)

MRI

magnetic resonance imaging

MR Scan

magnetic resonance scan

MS

multiple sclerosis

MSBOS

maximum surgical blood order schedule

MSE

mental status examination

MSP

Medical Service Plan

MUGA Scan

multiple gated acquisition scan (Cardiac)

MV

minute volume

MVA

motor vehicle accident

MVO₂

myocardial oxygen consumption

MVP

mitral valve prolapse

MVR

mitral valve replacement

N

nitrogen

Na

sodium

NA

not available; not applicable

NaCl

sodium chloride

NAD

no acute distress

NAG

narrow angle glaucoma

Narc

narcotic

NAS

no added salt

NNBT

Nelson Baker tube

NC

noncontributory

NC/AT

normocephalic, atraumatic

NCP

Nursing Care Plan

NCV

nerve conduction velocity

NEC

necrotizing enterocolitis

Neg

negative

Neuro

neurology

Ng

nanogram

NG

nasogastric

NGB

neurogenic bladder

NJT

nasojejunal tube

NKA

no known allergies

NKDA

no known drug allergies

NNICU

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

NNT

Nelson Nyhus Tube

noc

nocte (at night)

NLP

no light perception

NPH

neutral protamine Hagedorn (isophane insulin)

NPO

nothing by mouth

NRL

normal reaction to light

NS

nuclear sclerosis

NSAIDS

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

N/S

normal saline

NSR

normal sinus rhythm

NST

nonstress test

NSTEMI

non ST Segment Myocardial Infarction

NSVD

normal spontaneous vaginal delivery

NTG

nitroglycerin

NV

near vision

N & V

nausea and vomiting

NVA

near visual acuity

NVD

normal vaginal delivery

NVS

neurovascular status

NWB

nonweight bearing

NYHA

New York Heart Association

O

oral

OA

osteoarthritis

OB-GYN

Obstetrics and Gynecology

OC

oral contraceptives

occ

occupational

occl

occlusal

OCG

oral cholecystogram

OCT

oxytocin challenge test

OD

oculus dexter (right eye) 

OHD

organic heart disease

OHTN

ocular hypertension

OI

opportunistic infections

oint

ointment

OJ

orange juice

O & P

ova and parasites

ophth

ophthalmology

OPV

oral polio vaccine

OR

operating room

ORIF

open reduction with internal fixation

OS

left eye

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OT

occupational therapy

OU

both eyes

P

pulse; post

PA

periapical

PAC

premature atrial contraction

PACU

Post Anesthesia Care Unit

pal

palatal

PAMP

pulmonary artery mean pressure

PAP

pulmonary artery pressure

Pap Smear

Papanicolaou's smear

PAR

Postanesthesia Recovery

PAWP

pulmonary artery wedge pressure

PBI

protein bound iodine

PC

posterior chamber

PCA

patient-controlled analgesia

PCC

Patient Care Coordinator

PCN

penicillin

PCO₂

carbon dioxide pressure

PCP

primary care provider; Pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia; phencyclidine

PCV

packed cell volume

PCVC

percutaneous central vein catheter

PCWP

pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

PDL

periodontal ligament

PDA

patent ductus arteriosus

PE

physical examination; pulmonary embolism

Peds

pediatrics

PEEP

positive end-expiratory pressure

PEL

permissible exposure level

perf

perforation (ed)

PERLA

pupils equal, reactive to light and accommodation

PERRLA

pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation

PERRLAC

pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation consensually

PEX

plasma exchange

PFC

persistent fetal circulation

PFS

put and fissure sealant

PFT

pulmonary function test

pg

picogram

pH

hydrogen ion concentration (acidity)

PHACO

phacoemulsification

PHN

post herpetic neuralgia

PHTN

pregnancy induced hypertension

PI

peripheral iridectomy

PICC

percutaneous inserted central catheter

PICU

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

PID

pelvic inflammatory disease

PIPJ

proximal interphalangeal joint

PKP

penetrating keratoplasty

PKU

phenylketonuria

PLOV

painless, progressive loss of vision

PM

post meridiem, (time from noon to midnight)

PMH

past medical history

PMI

point of maximum impulse

PM & R

physical medicine and rehabilitation

PNB

prostate needle biopsy

po

(by mouth)

pO2

oxygen tension or pressure

POAG

primary open angle glaucoma

POD

post op day (#)

POH

post-ocular history

pos

positive

pp

peripad

PP

postprandial

PPD

packs per day; postpartum day; purified protein derivative; permanent partial disability

P & PD

percussion and postural drainage

PPLV

pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy

PPTL

postpartum tubal ligation

PRBC

packed red blood cells

PRL

poor reaction to light

PRO

Peer Review Organization

Pro

prothrombin

prob amb

progressive ambulation

Procto

proctoscopy

PROM

premature rupture of membranes

PRP

panretinal photocoagulation

PS

pressure support

PSC

posterior subcapsular cataract

PSU

Presurgical Unit

Psych

Psychiatry

PT

physical therapy

pt

patient

PTA

prior to arrival; percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

PTBC

patellar tendon bearing cast

PTCA

percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

PTD

permanent total disability

PTH

parathyroid hormone

PTHRP

parathyroid hormone related peptide

P Thallium

persantine thallium

PTP

posterior tibial pulse

PTSD

post traumatic stress disorder

PTT

partial thromboplastin time

PUD

peptic ulcer disease

PUL

pulmonary

PV

peripheral vascular

PVC

premature ventricular contraction

PVD

peripheral vascular disease; posterior vitreous detachment

PVR

pulmonary vascular resistance

PWB

partial weight bearing

Q

also; each or every

qam

every morning

q2h

every two hours

QNS

quantity not sufficient

qs

quantum satis (sufficient quantity)

QS/QT

intrapulmonary shunt fraction

R

right

RA

rheumatoid arthritis; room air; right atrial; right arm

RAC

radial arterial catheter

RAD 

restrictive airway disease 

RAIU

radioactive iodine uptake

RAP

right atrial pressure

RAN

resident's admission note

RBBB

right bundle branch block

RBC

red blood cell (count)

RCA

right coronary artery

RD

retinal detachment; Registered Dietician

RD-PC

random donor platelet concentrate (single unit)

RDS

respiratory distress syndrome

REEP

right end-expiratory pressure

reg

regular

rehab

rehabilitation

RF

rheumatoid factor

RG

ruptured globe

RGPG

retrograde pyelogram

Rh

Rhesus (blood factor)

RHD

rheumatic heart disease

RIA

radioimmunoassay

RIH

right inguinal hernia

RLE

right lower extremity

RLL

right lower lobe

RLQ

right lower quadrant

RML

right middle lobe

RN

registered nurse

R/O

rule out

ROD

resident on duty

ROM

range of motion; rupture of membranes

ROS

review of systems

RP

retinitis pigmentosa

RPE

retinal pigment epithelium

RPR

rapid plasma reagin (test for syphilis)

rpt

repeat; report

RR

Recovery Room

RRD

rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

RT

radiation therapy

RTC

return to clinic

RTW

return to work

RUE

right upper extremity

RUG

retrograde urethrogram

RUL

right upper lobe

RUQ

right upper quadrant

RV

right ventricle; recto-vaginal

RVEF

right ventricular ejection fraction

RVH

right ventricular hypertrophy

RVSWI

right ventricular stroke work index

Rx

prescription; treatment

s

without (sine)

SA

sinoatrial

S/A

sugar and acetone

SAC

short arm cast

SBE

subacute bacterial endocarditis

sc

subcutaneous

SCA

sickle cell anemia

SCC

sickle cell crisis

SCD

sickle cell disease

SCD

Sequential Compression Device

SCFE

slipped capital femoral epiphysis

SCL

soft contact lens

SCLE

subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus

SC prep

sickle cell prep

SCS

sickle cell screen

SD

sagittal depth (of cornea)

SE

saline enema

Se

side effects

sec

seconds

SEM

systolic ejection murmur

SEP

somatosensory evoked potential

SF

Spanish female

SG

specific gravity

SGA

small for gestational age

SGB

stellate ganglion block

SGOT

serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase

SGPT

serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase

SH

social history

SI

sector iridectomy

SICU

Surgical Intensive Care Unit

SIDS

sudden infant death syndrome

SKB

SmithKline Beecham

SL

slit lamp

SLC

short leg cast

SLE

systemic lupus erythematosus; slit lamp exam

sle

slit lamp examination

SLR

straight leg raises

SM

Spanish male

SMR

submucous resection

SO

superior oblique (muscle)

SOAP

subjective, objective, assessment, plans (in problem oriented medical record

SOB

shortness of breath

S/P

status post

SPK

superficial punctate keratitis

SPP

suprapubic prostatitis

SPECT

single photon emission computed tomography

SPEP

serum protein electrophoresis

sph

spherical

sq

squamous

SQ

subcutaneous(ly)

SR

superior rectus (muscle)

SROM

spontaneous rupture of membranes

S & S

signs and symptoms

SSC

stainless steel crown

SSE

soap suds enema

SSKI

saturated solution of potassium iodide

SSS

sick sinus syndrome

ST

sinus tachycardia

staph

staphylococcus

STAT

immediately

STD

sexually transmitted disease

STEMI

ST Segment Myocardial Infarction

STG

short term goal

str/sen

strength & sensation

strep

streptococcus

STSG

split thickness skin graft

succed

succedaneous or permanent (dentition) 1-32

SUID

suicidal ideation

sup

superior

supnmr

supernumerary tooth

supp

suppository

SV

selective vagotomy

SVE

sterile vaginal exam

SVI

stroke volume index

SVR

systolic vascular resistance

SVT

supraventricular tachycardia

SW

stab wound

Sx

service

sym

symptoms<

T

temperature

T₃

tri-iodothyronine

T₄

thyroxine

T₃RU

tri-iodothryonine resin uptake

Ta

tension by applanation

T & A

tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

tab

tablet

TAH

total abdominal hysterectomy

T-AX

temperature, axillary

TB

tuberculosis

tbsp

tablespoon

TBT

tracheal bronchial toilet

TC

total cholesterol

T & C

type and crossmatch

T & H

type and hold

T & S

type and screen

TCD

transcranial Doppler

TDWB

touch down weight bearing

T-E

tracheoesophageal fistula

TENS

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

tet tox

tetanus toxoid

TG

triglyceride

TGHA

anti-thyroglobulin antibody

TGV

transposition of the great vessels

T&H

type & hold

THA

total hip arthroplasty

TIA

transient ischemic attack

TIBC

total iron-binding capacity

tid

three times a day

TKA

total knee arthroplasty

TKO

to keep open

TL

tubal ligation

TM

tympanic membrane

TMJ

temporomandibular joint

TMT

treadmill test

TNM

Tumor, lymph nodes, metastates

T-O

temperature, oral

TOL

trial of labor

tot prot

total protein

TPA

tissue plasminogen activator

TPI

trigger point injections

TPN

total parenteral nutrition

TPR

temperature, pulse, respirations

T-r

temperature, rectal

trach

tracheostomy

TRAM flap

transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap

TRH

thyrotropin releasing hormone

Ts

tension by Schiotz

T's & Blues

Talwin and Pyrabenzamine

TSH

thyroid stimulating hormone; transphenoidal hypophysectomy

TSI

thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin

tsp

teaspoon

TST

tuberculin skin test

TTD

temporary total disability

TTP

thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

TTMT

thallium treadmill test

TURP

transurethral resection of the prostate

TV

tidal volume

TVC

true vocal cord

TWA

time weighted average

TWE

tap water enema

Tx

treatment

TX

transplant

UA

urinalysis

UAC

umbilical artery catheter

UCG

urinary chorionic gonadotropin

UE

upper extremity

UGI

upper gastrointestinal

UHS

University Health Service

UIC

University of Illinois at Chicago

UIMC

University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago

UIH

University of Illinois Hospital

UIPD

University of Illinois Police Department

U/O

urine output

up adlib

out of bed as desired

URI

upper respiratory infection

URTI

upper respiratory tract infection

US

ultrasound

USN

ultrasonic nebulizer

UTI

urinary tract infection

UVC

umbilical venous catheter

V

vitreous

VA

visual acuity

V & A

vagotomy and antrectomy

Vac

vaccine; vaccination; vacation

vag

vagina/vaginal

vasc

vascular

VBAC

vaginal birth after cesarean

VCUG

voiding cystourethrogram

VD

venereal disease

VDRL

Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (syphilis test)

VER

visual-evoked response

VF

ventricular fibrillation

VH

vitreous hemorrhage

VIH

visual hallucinations

Vit

vitamin

VMA

vanillylmandelic acid

VNA

Visiting Nurse Association

VOD

vision right eye

vol

volume

VOS

vision left eye

VP

ventricular peritoneal

V & P

vagotomy and pyloroplasty

V/S

vital signs

vs

versus

VSD

ventricular septal defect

V-tach

ventricular tachycardia

VTE

Venous Thromboembolism

VV

varicella virus

vx

vertex

VZV

varicella zoster virus (vaccine)

W

white

WA

while awake

WB

whole blood

WBAT

weight bearing as tolerated

WBC

white blood cell (count)

W/C

wheelchair

WF

white female

w/o

without

WCC

Well Child Clinic

WD/WN

well-developed, well-nourished

WNL

within normal limits

wk

week

WM

white male

WPC

washed packed cells

WPW

Wolff-Parkinson-White (syndrome)

wt

weight

w/u

workup

x

times

x-match

crossmatch

XT

exotropia

YO

years old

yr

year

ZMC

zygomaticomaxillary complex (compound)

IU

Write "international unit"

Q.D.

Write "daily"

Q.O.D.

Write "every other day"

U

Write out the word "Units"

ug

Write out as "mcg" for "micrograms"

Ms or MS04

Write out as "morphine" or "morphine sulfate"

MgSO4

Write out as "magnesium sulfate"

Nitro drip

Write out as "Nitroglycerin" or "Nitroprusside" as appropriate

T.I.W.

Write "3 times weekly" or "three times weekly" or specify the actual three days e.g. "every Mon-Wed-Fri"

2.0 mg

Write out as "2 mg" - do not use trailing zeros

.1 mcg

Write out as "0.1 mcg"