Big list of medical abbreviations
Just a big list of medical abbreviations. Note:
- These abbreviations are based on Australian (and specifically Victorian) usage. Some abbreviations have other meanings elsewhere (e.g. BSL for British Sign Language).
- The inclusion of a abbreviation here does not imply it is recommended to be used. Some abbreviations here are rare, unusual, limited in application, or liable to misinterpretation. Some abbreviations are specifically prohibited by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
- Though big, this list is not complete. In particular, some abbreviations may have other meanings not listed.
- No warranty is given as to the accuracy of this list. Nothing in this list constitutes medical advice; if you have questions about your healthcare, you should seek advice from your doctor.
| Abbreviation | Term |
| ? | query |
| /24 | hours |
| /52 | weeks |
| /60 | minutes |
| /7 | days |
| # | fracture |
| # | issue |
| ½NS | half normal saline (0.45% sodium chloride) |
| 2/2 | secondary to |
| 2o | secondary |
| 4WF | four-wheel frame |
| 5-HT | serotonin |
| 6MWT | 6 minute walk test |
| 9HPT | 9 hole peg test |
| A/E | air entry |
| a/w | associated with |
| A&O | alert and orientated |
| A&Ox3 | alert and orientated to time, place and person |
| AA | aplastic anaemia |
| AAA | abdominal aortic aneurysm |
| AAU | acute assessment unit |
| ABG | arterial blood gas |
| ABx | antibiotics |
| ACA | anterior cerebral artery |
| ACDF | anterior cervical discectomy and fusion |
| ACL | anterior cruciate ligament |
| ACR | albumin-creatinine ratio (urine) |
| ACS | acute coronary syndrome |
| ACS | acute confusional state |
| ADLs | activities of daily living |
| AF | atrial fibrillation |
| AFI | amniotic fluid index |
| AGSU | acute general surgical unit |
| AKA | above knee amputation |
| AKI | acute kidney injury |
| ALL | acute lymphoblastic leukaemia |
| AMA | anti-mitochondrial antibody |
| AMA | against medical advice |
| AMI | acute myocardial infarction |
| AML | acute myeloblastic leukaemia |
| AMS | altered mental state |
| ANCA | anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody |
| AOM | acute otitis media |
| AP | anterior-posterior |
| APE | abdominal-perineal excision |
| APH | antepartum haemorrhage |
| APR | abdominal-perineal resection |
| APS | acute pain service |
| AR | aortic regurgitation |
| AR | anterior resection |
| ARF | acute renal failure |
| ARM | artificial rupture of membranes |
| AS | aortic stenosis |
| ASA | American Society of Anesthesiologists (Physical Status Classification) |
| ASD | atrial septal defect |
| ASU | acute surgical unit |
| ATOR | at time of review |
| ATR | advanced training registrar |
| ATSP | asked to see patient |
| AVF | arteriovenous fistula |
| AVNRT | atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia |
| AVR | aortic valve replacement |
| AVRT | atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia |
| AVSS | afebrile, vital signs stable |
| aw. | await |
| Ax | assessment |
| AxO | assessment order |
| AXR | abdominal X-ray |
| b/g | background |
| B/L | bilateral |
| BAL | broncho-alveolar lavage |
| BD | 2 times daily |
| BDZ | benzodiazepine |
| BGL | blood glucose level |
| BIBA | brought in by ambulance |
| BID | 2 times daily |
| BKA | below knee amputation |
| BLO | bowels last opened |
| BM | bowel motion |
| BMA | bone marrow aspirate |
| BMAT | bone marrow aspirate and trephine |
| BNI | bladder neck incision |
| BNO | bowels not opened |
| BO | bowels opened |
| BP | blood pressure |
| BPAD | bipolar affective disorder |
| BPD | borderline personality disorder |
| BPH | benign prostate hyperplasia |
| BS | bowel sounds |
| BSL | blood sugar level |
| BSO | bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy |
| BSSO | bilateral saggital split osteotomy |
| BWO | bowels were opened |
| Bx | biopsy |
| c.c. | with food |
| c/b | complicated by |
| c/o | complains of |
| C/S | Caesarean section |
| CA | corrected age |
| CABG | coronary artery bypass graft |
| CAG | coronary artery graft |
| CBC | complete blood count |
| CBD | common bile duct |
| CBWO | continuous bladder washout |
| CCB | calcium channel blocker |
| CCMx | continue current management |
| CF | cystic fibrosis |
| CF | clear fluids |
| CHF | congestive heart failure |
| CIC | consultant in charge |
| CK-MB | creatine kinase-MB |
| CKD | chronic kidney disease |
| CLL | chronic lymphocytic leukaemia |
| CML | chronic myelocytic leukaemia |
| CMML | chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia |
| CMP | calcium, magnesium and phosphate |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| COTWB | cup of tea weight bearing |
| CP | chest pain |
| CP | cerebral palsy |
| CPM | continue present management |
| CRF | chronic renal failure |
| CRT | capillary refill time |
| CSCI | continuous subcutaneous infusion |
| CSF | cerebrospinal fluid |
| CSL | compound sodium lactate |
| CT | computed tomography |
| CTA | CT angiogram |
| CTCA | CT coronary angiogram |
| CTCAP | CT chest, abdomen and pelvis |
| CTG | cardiotocograph |
| CTIVC | CT intravenous cholangiogram |
| CTIVP | CT intravenous pyelogram |
| CTKUB | CT kidneys, ureters and bladder |
| CTPA | CT pulmonary angiogram |
| CTR | carpal tunnel repair |
| CTS | carpal tunnel syndrome |
| CTSx | cardiothoracic surgery |
| CTx | chemotherapy |
| CVA | cerebrovascular accident |
| CVC | central venous catheter |
| CVS | cardiovascular system |
| CWR | consultant ward round |
| CXR | chest X-ray |
| d/c | discharge |
| d/t | due to |
| D/W | discussed with |
| D&C | dilation and curettage |
| D10W | 10% glucose in water |
| D5W | 5% glucose in water |
| DAMA | discharge against medical advice |
| DAPT | dual antiplatelet therapy |
| DBS | deep brain stimulation |
| DCR | direct current reversion (cardioversion) |
| DDx | differential diagnosis |
| DI | delayed intensification |
| DI | diabetes insipidus |
| DM | diabetes mellitus |
| DNS | district nursing services |
| DOI | date of injury |
| DOS | day of surgery |
| DOSA | day of surgery admission |
| DSH | deliberate self-harm |
| DSP | deliberate self-poisoning |
| DT | drain tube |
| DTR | deep tendon reflexes |
| DVT | deep vein thrombosis |
| Dx | diagnosis |
| E/G | endoluminal graft |
| E/LFT | electrolytes and liver function test |
| E/O | excision of |
| E+D | eat and drink |
| EAEBL | equal air entry bilaterally |
| ECG | electrocardiogram |
| ECOG | Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (Performance Status Scale) |
| ECT | electroconvulsive therapy |
| ED | emergency department |
| ED | erectile dysfunction |
| EDH | extradural haematoma |
| EF | ejection fraction |
| EFW | estimated fetal weight |
| EMR | electronic medical record |
| ENT | ears, nose and throat |
| EOLC | end-of-life care |
| EOM | extra-ocular movement |
| EPOA | enduring power of attorney |
| ERCP | endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography |
| EtOH | alcohol |
| ETT | endotracheal tube |
| EUA | examination under anaesthesia |
| EVD | external ventricular drain |
| Ex | examination |
| F/I | for investigation |
| f/u | follow up |
| FB | foreign body |
| FBC | full blood count |
| FBC | fluid balance chart |
| FBE | full blood examination |
| FESS | functional endoscopic sinus surgery |
| FF | free fluids |
| FFEMB | fasting from early morning breakfast |
| FFMN | fasting from midnight |
| FHx | family history |
| FN | from nipple |
| FOOSH | fall on outstretched hand |
| FR | fluid restriction |
| FUDS | fluoroscopic urodynamics |
| FWD | full ward diet |
| FWT | full ward test (urine dipstick) |
| G-J | gastrostomy-jejunostomy |
| GA | gestational age |
| GA | general anaesthetic |
| GAMP | general anaesthetic and manipulation of plaster |
| GCA | gestationally corrected age |
| GCA | giant cell arteritis |
| GCS | Glasgow coma scale |
| GEM | geriatric evaluation and management |
| GI | gastrointestinal |
| GMU | general medicine unit |
| GORD | gastro-oesophageal reflux disease |
| GUM | genitourinary medicine |
| H&M | haematemsis and melaena |
| Hb | haemoglobin |
| HCP | Home Care Package |
| HD | haemodynamic (as in “HD stable”) |
| HDS | haemodynamically stable |
| HEENT | head, eyes, ears, nose and throat |
| Hgb | haemoglobin |
| HI | homicidal ideation |
| HOLEP | holmium laser enucleation of prostate |
| HOPC | history of presenting complaint |
| HPB | hepatic/pancreatic/biliary |
| HPI | history of present illness |
| HR | heart rate |
| HS | heart sounds |
| HS | head strike |
| HSDNA | heart sounds dual, nil added |
| HSDNM | heart sounds dual, no murmur |
| HSM | hepatosplenomegaly |
| HTN | hypertension |
| Hx | history |
| Ⓘ | independent |
| I/C | in charge |
| I/O | insertion of |
| I&D | incision and drainage |
| IBD | inflammatory bowel disease |
| IBS | irritable bowel syndrome |
| ICA | internal carotid artery |
| IDC | indwelling catheter |
| IDDM | insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus |
| IF | immunofluorescence |
| IHD | ischaemic lung disease |
| ILD | interstitial lung disease |
| IM | intramuscular |
| IM | interim maintenance |
| IMI | intramuscular injection |
| IMU | internal medicine unit |
| IO | intraosseous |
| IOC | intraoperative cholangiogram |
| IOL | intraocular lens |
| IT | intrathecal |
| ITH | intrathecal |
| IU | international units |
| IUTD | immunisations up to date |
| IV | intravenous |
| IVC | intravenous cannula |
| IVH | intraventricular haemorrhage |
| Ix | investigations |
| JMML | juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia |
| JVPNE | jugular venous pressure not elevated |
| Ⓛ | left |
| L) | left |
| LA | left arm |
| LA | left atrium |
| LAD | lymphadenopathy |
| LAD | left anterior descending (artery) |
| LCL | lateral collateral ligament |
| LCT | linear cautery turbinates |
| LCx | left circumflex (artery) |
| LFT | liver function test |
| LI | loop ileostomy |
| LIF | left iliac fossa |
| LL | lower limb |
| LL | left leg |
| LLE | left lower extremity |
| LLL | left lower limb |
| LLL | left lower lobe (of lung) |
| LLQ | left lower quadrant (of abdomen) |
| LMA | laryngeal mask airway |
| LMP | last menstrual period |
| LMZ | left middle zone (of lung) |
| LN | lymph node |
| LNMP | last normal menstrual period |
| LOA | loss of appetite |
| LOC | loss of consciousness |
| LOW | loss of weight |
| LP | lumbar puncture |
| Lt | left |
| LUE | left upper extremity |
| LUL | left upper limb |
| LUL | left upper lobe (of lung) |
| LUQ | left upper quadrant (of abdomen) |
| LUSCS | lower uterine segment Caesarean section |
| LV | left ventricle |
| LWD | light ward diet |
| M/C | miscarriage |
| MAC | Mycobacterium avium complex |
| MAC | My Aged Care |
| mane | morning |
| MCA | middle cerebral artery |
| mcg | micrograms |
| MCL | medical collateral ligament |
| MCS | microscopy, culture and sensitivities |
| MDS | myelodysplastic syndrome |
| MEPOA | medical enduring power of attorney |
| MEVT | middle ear ventilating tubes |
| MI | myocardial infarction |
| MI | mitral incompetence |
| midi | midday |
| MLG | microlaryngoscopy |
| MM | mucus membranes |
| MM | multiple myeloma |
| MOI | mechanism of injury |
| MONC | medical oncology |
| MOW | Meals on Wheels |
| MR | mitral regurgitation |
| MR | magnetic resonance |
| MRCP | magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography |
| MRI | magnetic resonance imaging |
| MRND | modified radical neck dissection |
| MS | mitral stenosis |
| MSM | men who have sex with men |
| MSU | mid-stream urine |
| MTDM | medical treatment decision maker |
| MTOP | medical termination of pregnancy |
| MVA | motor vehicle accident |
| MVD | microvascular decompression |
| MVR | mitral valve repair |
| Mx | management |
| Ⓝ | normal |
| N&V | nausea and vomiting |
| NAD | no abnormalities detected |
| NBL | neuroblastoma |
| NBM | nil by mouth |
| ND | night duty |
| neb. | nebuliser |
| NG | nasogastric |
| NGT | nasogastric tube |
| NGTD | no growth to date |
| NH | nursing home |
| NHL | non-Hodgkin lymphoma |
| NIC | nurse in charge |
| NIDDM | non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus |
| NKDA | no known drug allergies |
| nocte | night |
| NOF | neck of femur |
| NRIS | not responding to internal stimuli |
| NRRTV | normal rate, rhythm, tone, volume |
| NS | normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) |
| NS | nursing staff |
| NSAID | non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
| NSR | normal sinus rhythm |
| NSSI | non-suicidal self-injury |
| NSTEMI | non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction |
| NV | neurovascular (as in “NV intact”) |
| NVB | normal vaginal birth |
| NVI | neurovascularly intact |
| NWB | non-weight bearing |
| NYHA | New York Heart Association (Functional Classification) |
| Ø | nil |
| O/E | on examination |
| o/n | overnight |
| OA | osteoarthritis |
| obs. | observations |
| OD | daily |
| OD | oculus dexter (right eye) |
| OGD | oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy |
| OGS | orthogeriatric surgery |
| OHG | oral hypoglycaemic agent |
| OMFS | oral and maxillofacial surgery |
| OP | output |
| OP | outpatient |
| OPA | oropharyngeal airway |
| OPA | Office of the Public Advocate |
| ORIF | open reduction, internal fixation |
| OS | oculus sinister (left eye) |
| OSA | obstructive sleep apnoea |
| OT | occupational therapy |
| OT | operating theatre |
| OU | oculus uterque (both eyes) |
| OVB | operative vaginal birth |
| p.c. | after food |
| p/w | presents with |
| PA | posterior-anterior |
| PCA | posterior cerebral artery |
| PCL | posterior cruciate ligament |
| PCNL | percutaneous nephrolithotomy |
| PCR | protein-creatinine ratio (urine) |
| PDA | posterior descending artery |
| PDA | patent ductus arteriosus |
| PE | pulmonary embolism |
| PEARL | pupils and reactive to light |
| PEG | percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy |
| PEJ | percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy |
| PERRLA | pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation |
| PET | positron emission tomography |
| PET | pre-eclampsia toxaemia |
| PFT | pulmonary function test |
| PHx | past history |
| PICC | peripherally inserted central catheter |
| PMHx | past medical history |
| PMR | polymyalgia rheumatica |
| PNS | post nasal space |
| PO | per os (oral) |
| POA | power of attorney |
| POC | point of care |
| POCUS | point of care ultrasound |
| PPH | postpartum haemorrhage |
| pPROM | preterm prelabour rupture of membranes |
| PR | per rectum |
| PR | pulse rate |
| PRBC | packed red blood cells |
| PRN | as required |
| PROM | prelabour rupture of membranes |
| PRS | plastic/reconstructive surgery |
| PSA | prostate specific antigen |
| PSA | patient service assistant |
| PSVT | paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia |
| pt | patient |
| PT | physiotherapy |
| PTX | pneumothorax |
| PUD | peptic ulcer disease |
| PUIT | patient urinated in toilet |
| PUL | pregnancy of unknown location |
| PV | per vaginum |
| PVB | per vaginum bleeding |
| PVD | peripheral vascular disease |
| PVP | photovaporisation of prostate |
| PWB | protected weight bearing |
| pyh | pack-year history |
| q_h | every _ hours (e.g. q4h) |
| QD | daily |
| QDS | 4 times daily |
| QID | 4 times daily |
| QOD | every other day |
| Ⓡ | right |
| R) | right |
| r/o | rule out |
| R/O | removal of |
| r/v | review |
| RA | room air |
| RA | rheumatoid arthritis |
| RA | right arm |
| RA | right atrium |
| RACF | residential aged care facility |
| RAPD | relative afferent pupillary defect |
| RBC | red blood cell |
| RCA | right coronary artery |
| RFT | renal function test (UEC) |
| RIB | resting in bed |
| RIF | right iliac fossa |
| RL | right leg |
| RLE | right lower extremity |
| RLL | right lower limb |
| RLL | right lower lobe (of lung) |
| RLQ | right lower quadrant (of abdomen) |
| RMZ | right middle zone (of lung) |
| ROM | range of motion |
| ROM | rupture of membranes |
| RONC | radiation oncology |
| RPAO | routine post-anaesthetic observation |
| RR | respiratory rate |
| Rt | right |
| RTT | return to theatre |
| RUE | right upper extremity |
| RUL | right upper limb |
| RUL | right upper lobe (of lung) |
| RUQ | right upper quadrant (of abdomen) |
| RV | right ventricle |
| RWR | registrar ward round |
| Rx | prescription |
| S/B | seen by |
| SAH | subarachnoid haemorrhage |
| SC | subcutaneous |
| SCZ | schizophrenia |
| SDH | subdural haematoma |
| SHx | social history |
| SI | suicidal ideation |
| SjS | Sjögren's syndrome |
| SL | sublingual |
| SMR | scanned medical record |
| SND | selective neck dissection |
| SNOH | surgical neck of humerus |
| SNT | soft, non-tender |
| SOB | shortness of breath |
| SOBOE | shortness of breath on exertion |
| SOEOB | sitting over edge of bed |
| SOOB | sitting out of bed |
| SpA | spondyloarthropathy |
| SPS | single point stick |
| SR | senior registrar |
| SR | sinus rhythm |
| SSc | systemic sclerosis |
| SSx | signs and symptoms |
| stat | immediately |
| STD | ST depression |
| STE | ST elevation |
| STEMI | ST-elevation myocardial infarction |
| STOP | surgical termination of pregnancy |
| SVT | supraventricular tachycardia |
| SW | social work |
| SWD | soft ward diet |
| Sx | surgery |
| Sx | signs/symptoms |
| T | temperature |
| T&A | tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy |
| T1DM | type 1 diabetes mellitus |
| T1RF | type 1 respiratory failure |
| T2DM | type 2 diabetes mellitus |
| T2RF | type 2 respiratory failure |
| TAH | total abdominal hysterectomy |
| TAVI | transcatheter aortic valve implantation |
| TAVR | transcatheter aortic valve replacement |
| TCI | to come in |
| TDS | 3 times daily |
| TFT | thyroid function test |
| TGA | transposition of the great arteries |
| TGN | trigeminal neuralgia |
| THR | total hip replacement |
| TIA | transient ischaemic attack |
| TID | 3 times daily |
| TKR | total knee replacement |
| TKVO | to keep vein open |
| TM | tympanic membrane |
| TnI | troponin I |
| TnT | troponin T |
| TOC | transfer of care |
| TOE | transoesophageal echocardiogram |
| TOF | tetralogy of Fallot |
| TOP | termination of pregnancy |
| top. | topical |
| TOV | trial of void |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| TPP | time, place and person |
| TTE | transthoracic echocardiogram |
| TURBT | transurethral resection of bladder tumour |
| TURP | transurethral resection of prostate |
| TVH | total vaginal hysterectomy |
| TWI | T-wave inversion |
| Tx | treatment |
| U | units |
| U/S | ultrasound |
| U&E | urea and electrolytes |
| UA | urinalysis |
| UA | uric acid |
| UEC | urea, electrolytes and creatinine |
| UL | upper limb |
| UPPP | uvulopalatopharyngoplasty |
| UPSI | unprotected sexual intercourse |
| URS | ureterorenoscopy |
| USS | ultrasound scan |
| VATS | video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery |
| VBG | venous blood gas |
| VCAT | Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal |
| VF | ventricular fibrillation |
| VOS | voiding on sensation |
| VP | ventricular-peritoneal |
| VSD | ventricular septal defect |
| VT | ventricular tachycardia |
| VTE | venous thromboembolism |
| w/e | weekend |
| WBAT | weight bear as tolerated |
| WBC | white blood cell |
| WCC | white cell count |
| WLE | wide local excision |
| WNL | within normal limits |
| WOB | work of breathing |
| WR | ward round |
| XFN | transfusion |
| XM | crossmatch |
| XR | X-ray |