Abbreviations And Acronyms Used In

ABBREVIATIONS
AND
ACRONYMS
USED IN
MEDICINE
Assoc. Prof. Warwick Carter
MB.BS., FRACGP, FAMA
Abbreviations, acronyms, symbols and postnominals
that may be encountered in medical books,
magazines, letters, research articles and
advertisements,
or patient records, prescriptions and reports.
The interpretation of an abbreviation
may vary in different contexts.
The use of medical acronyms and abbreviations
should be discouraged.
PREFACE
Abbreviations and acronyms seem to be multiplying exponentially in modern
medicine. Some are just a passing fad, or have only local significance; others,
though, become widely used and recognised. Unfortunately, remembering the
details about the alphabet soup that may appear in medical records or reports
has become an impossible task for the busy clinician.
This book is aimed to assist doctors, medical students, nurses and others
involved in reading medical notes and reports in interpreting the abbreviations
and acronyms used by others. It is NOT designed to encourage their use in any
way. The use of abbreviations and acronyms in medical records and reports may
lead to errors in patient care as they may be misunderstood or misinterpreted.
When acronyms and abbreviations are used, they should always be defined
within the records, report etc. in which they appear, thus:
“Mr. Jones has suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). His CVA has left him
with a left hemiplegia.”
Not every abbreviation and acronym used in every clinical and geographical area
of medicine can possibly be described in a book of this size, but it should include
the majority of those encountered by most physicians.
I trust that you will find this book useful in your practice.
Warwick Carter
Brisbane
2009
SYMBOLS
Δ
ψ
Σ
#
†
Θ
diagnosis / change
psychiatry / psychiatrist
sum / syphilis
fracture / number
death
birth
15/60
3/24
5/7
30/40
10/52
4/12
5 HIAA
7vPCV
14C
23vPPV
fifteen minutes
three hours
five days
thirty weeks pregnant
ten weeks
four months
5-hydroxyindole acetic acid
seven valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Carbon-14
23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
NUMBERS
A
A
A2
A2RB
A&E
A&O
A1AT
AA
aa
AAA
AAAGP
AAD
AAGP
AAL
AAO
AAPM
AAT
AAV
AB
Ab
ABD
ABG
ABN
ABVD
Aedes / argon / artery / Ancyclostoma / Ascaris
angiotensin 2 / aortic second sound
angiotensin 2 receptor blocker
accident and emergency
alert and orientated
alpha-1-antitrypsin
Alcoholics Anonymous / amino acid / affected area
equal quantities of each ingredient
abdominal aortic aneurysm
Australian Association of Academic General Practitioners
antibiotic associated diarrhoea
Australian Association of General Practitioners
anterior axillary line
alert awake oriented
Australian Association of Practice Managers
alpha1-antitrypsin
adenovirus-associated virus
abortion / abnormal
antibody
abdomen
arterial blood gas
abnormal
adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblatine and dacarbazine
AC
ac
Ac
ACE
ACER
ACh
AChE
ACL
ACLE
ACP
ACRRM
ACS
ACTH
AD
ad lib
ADD
ADEC
ADGP
ADH
ADHD
ADIS
ADL
ad lib
ADM
ADP
ADR
ADT
AE
AED
AF
AFB
AFP
AG
Ag
A/G
AGES
AGPAL
A-GR
AH
AHD
AHF
AHIA
AI
AID
acromioclavicular / acute / anterior chamber (eye)
ante cibum (before food) / acetyl
actinium
angiotensin converting enzyme
Australian Council for Educational Research
acetylcholine
acetylcholinesterase
anterior cruciate ligament
acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
acid phosphatase; acetyl carrier protein
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
acute coronary syndrome / American College of Surgeons
adrenocorticotrophic hormone
Alzheimer disease / auris dextra (right ear)
ad libitum (at freedom, as desired)
attention deficit disorder
Australian Drug Evaluation Commission
Australian Divisions of General Practice
antidiuretic hormone
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Australasian Drug Information Service
activities of daily living
as much as is necessary / liberally
admission / admitted
adenosine diphosphate
adverse drug reaction
adult diphtheria and tetanus (vaccine) / any damn thing
above elbow
anti-epilepsy drug
atrial fibrillation
acid fast bacillus
alpha-fetoprotein / Australian Family Physician
antigen
silver
albumin-globulin ratio
Australian Gynaecological Endoscopic Society
Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited
albumin-globulin ratio
after hours / Accuhaler / antihistamine / Allen & Hanburys
advance health directive / after hours doctor
anti-haemolytic factor
Australian Health Insurance Association
aortic incompetence / artificial intelligence
artificial insemination by donor
AIDS
AIH
AIIRA
AJ
AK
AKA
Al
alb
alc
Alk.Phos.
ALL
ALP
ALT
alt.
AMA
amb
AMC
AMD
AMI
AML
amn
AMO
AMP
amp
ANA
ANCA
ANF
ANS
ant
Ant-AChR
ante
AntiXa
ANZFA
AO
AOB
AON
AP
APA
APC
APH
APPT
APTT
aq
acquired immune deficiency disorder
artificial insemination by husband
angiotensin two reuptake inhibitors
ankle jerk
above knee
above knee amputation / alcoholic ketoacidosis
aluminium
albumin
alcohol
alkaline phosphatase
acute lymphatic leukaemia
alkaline phosphatase
alanine amino transferase
alternate / alternative
Australian Medical Association / American Medical Association /
antimitochondrial antibody / against medical advice
ambulatory
Australian Medical Council
age-related macular degeneration
anterior myocardial infarct
acute myeloid leukaemia
amniocentesis / amniotic fluid
attending medical officer
adenosine monophosphate
ampoule / amputation
antinuclear antibody
anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
antinuclear autoantibodies, fluorescent / antinuclear factor
autonomic nervous system
anterior
anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody
before
anti-factor Xa
Australian and New Zealand Food Authority
alert and orientated
alcohol on breath
area of need
anteroposterior / abdomino-perineal / antepartum
Australian Physiotherapy Association
activated protein C
ante-partum haemorrhage
activated partial prothrombin time
activated partial thromboplastin time
aqua (water)
APR
Ar
ARB
ARC
ARD
ARDGP
ARDS
ARF
ARM
AROM
ART
AS
As
ASA
ASAP
ASD
ASOT
AST
At
AT III
ATFL
ATP
ATSI
Au
aud
AV
AVF
AVN
AW
Ax
AXR
AZT
abdomino-perineal resection
argon
angiotensin receptor blocker
AIDS related complex
acute respiratory distress
Australian Rural Divisions of General Practice
acute/adult respiratory distress syndrome
acute renal failure / acute respiratory failure
artificial rupture of membranes
artificial rupture of membranes
assisted reproductive technologies / artery
aortic stenosis; auris sinistra (left ear)
arsenic
acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
as soon as possible
atrial septal defect
antistreptolysin O titre
aspartate aminotransferase
astatine
antithrombin III
anterior tibio-fibula ligament
adenosine triphosphate
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
gold
auditory
atrioventricular / arteriovenous
arteriovenous fistula
atrioventricular node
atomic weight
anxiety / axilla
abdominal x-ray
azidothymidine
B
B
B2M
BA
Ba
BAL
BAppSc
BBB
BCC
BCG
BCh
Bacillus / bath / blood / boron
beta-2 Microglobulin
Bachelor of Arts
barium
British Anti-Lewesite
Bachelor of Applied Science
blood-brain barrier / bundle branch block
basal cell carcinoma
Bacille Calmette-Guérin (TB)
Bachelor of Surgery
BChir
bd
BDSc
BE
Be
Beta HCG
BHA
Bi
bid
BIH
bil
BK
BKA
BM
BMA
BMD
BMedSc
BMI
BMJ
BMR
BMT
BNF
BNO
BNS
BOccThy
BOM
BOO
BOZ
BP
BPH
BPhty
BPM
BPO
BPP
Br
BR
BS
BSA
BSL
BSP
BSpThy
BT
BTU
BTZ
Bachelor of Surgery (UK)
bis die (twice a day)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
barium enema / below elbow
beryllium
beta human chorionic gonadotrophin
Bachelor of Health Administration
bismuth
bis in die (twice in a day)
bilateral inguinal hernias
bilirubin
below knee
below knee amputation
Bachelor of Medicine / bowel movement / bone marrow
British Medical Association
bone mineral density
Bachelor of Medical Science
body mass index
British Medical Journal
basal metabolic rate
bone marrow transplant
British National Formulary
bowels not opened
Blue Nursing Service
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
bilateral otitis media
bladder outlet obstruction
bismuth oxide and zinc cream
blood pressure / British Pharmacopoeia
benign prostatic hypertrophy
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
beats per minute
benzyl peroxide
Better Practice Program / brand price premium
breech (pregnancy) / Brucella / bromine
bed rest
Bachelor of Surgery / bowel sounds / breath sounds / blood sugar
body surface area
blood sugar level
bromsulfophthalein
Bachelor of Speech Therapy
bleeding time
British thermal unit
butazolidin
BUN
BW
Bx
Bz
blood urea nitrogen
birth weight / body weight / bi-weekly
biopsy
benzoyl
C
C
c.
C1-7
C&S
c/o
c/s
Ca
CA
ca.
CABG
CACP
CACS
CAD
CAI
cal
CAM
cAMP
cap
CAPD
CASA
CAT
cath
CB
CBC
CBG
CBT
CC
cc
CCA
CCB
CCF
CCP
CCU
CD
Cd
CDC
carbon / calorie / capsule / Celcius / cephalic (pregnancy) / cervical /
cervix / Clostridium / complement
cum (with)
cervical vertebrae one to seven
culture and sensitivity
care of / complains of
cycles per second / culture and sensitivity
calcium
carbohydrate (cancer) antigen / cancer / cardiac arrest / community
acquired
circa (approximately)
coronary artery bypass graft
coreoathetoid cerebral palsy
coronary artery calcification score
coronary artery disease
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
calorie
complementary and alternate medicine
cyclic adenosine monophosphate
capsule
continual ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
cancer associated serum antigen
computerised axial tomography
catheter
caesarean birth
complete blood count
capillary blood gas
cognitive behaviour therapy
chief complaint
cubic centimetre
calcium channel antagonist
calcium channel blocker
congestive cardiac failure
cyclic citrulinated peptide
coronary care unit / catch clean urine
cardiac disease / contagious disease
cadmium
Centre for Disease Control (USA)
CDT
CE
CEA
CEO
ceph
CF
CFC
CFP
CFS
CFT
CG
CHA
ChB
CHD
CHF
CHO
chol
chr
CI
CJD
CK
CKD
Cl
CLE
CLL
CLO
cm
CMA
CMCJ
CME
CMI
CML
CMV
CN
CNS
CO
Co
CO2
CoA
COAD
COC
Comm.
Comp.
COPD
child diphtheria and tetanus vaccine
continuing education
carcinoembryonic antigen
chief executive officer
cephalic (pregnancy)
cardiac failure / complement fixation / cystic fibrosis
chlorofluorocarbon
Certificate in Family Planning.
chronic fatigue syndrome
complement fixation test
chorionic gonadotrophin
Certificate of Health Administration.
Bachelor of Surgery (British University)
congenital heart disease / coronary heart disease
congestive heart failure / chronic heart failure
carbohydrate
cholesterol
chronic
cardiac index / cardiac insufficiency / colour index
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
creatine kinase
chronic kidney disease
chloride / chlorine / Clostridium
cutaneous lupus erythematosus
chronic lymphatic leukaemia
Campylobacter like organism
centimetre
Canadian Medical Association / certified medical assistant (USA)
carpo-metacarpal joint
continuing medical education
consumer medical information
chromic myeloid leukaemia
cytomegalovirus
cranial nerve(s)
central nervous system
carbon monoxide / cardiac output / complains of
cobalt
carbon dioxide
coenzyme A
chronic obstructive airways disease
combined oral contraceptive
comment
compound / compensation
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
cor
COX
CP
CPAP
CPD
CPH
CPK
CPR
cps
CR
Cr
CRF
CRP
CS
Cs
CSF
CSIRO
CSL
CT
CTG
CTR
CTS
Cu
cu
CV
CVA
CVD
CVL
CVP
CVS
Cx
CXR
CYP
coronary
cyclooxygenase
cerebral palsy / chest pain
continuous positive airways pressure
cephalopelvic disproportion / continuing professional development
Certificate in Public Health.
creatine phospho kinase
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
cycles per second
controlled release / computed radiography
creatinine / chromium
chronic renal failure
cross reactive protein
caesarean section
caesium
cerebrospinal fluid
Commonwealth Scientific Institute and Research Organisation
Commonwealth Serum Laboratories
computerised tomography / coronary thrombosis / cerebral tumour
cardiotocograph
cardio-thoracic ratio / carpal tunnel repair
carpal tunnel syndrome
copper
cubic
cardiovascular / curriculum vitae
cerebrovascular accident / costovertebral angle
cardiovascular disease
central venous line
central venous pressure
cardiovascular system /chorionic villus sampling
cervix / culture / cancel
chest x-ray
cytochrome P-450
D
D
d
D5W
D&C
DA
dB
DC
DCBE
DCH
daughter / decreased / dioptre / dorsal
day
dextrose 5% in water
dilation and curettage
Diploma in Anaesthetics / developmental age
decibel
direct current / discharge / discontinue
double contrast barium enema
Diploma in Child Health
DCh
Doctor of Surgery
DCIS
ductal carcinoma in situ
DCP
Diploma in Clinical Pathology.
DD
differential diagnosis / discharge diagnosis
DDSc
Doctor of Dental Science.
DDU
Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound.
DES
description / diethylstilboestrol
DEXA
dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
DFP
Diploma in Family Planning
DHEA
dihydroepiandrosterone
DHODH
dihydrooroate dyhdrogenase
DI
diabetes insipidus / diagnostic imaging
DIC
disseminated intravascular coagulation
DIPJ
distal interphalangeal joint
DipMedSurg Diploma in Medical Surgery (Papua New-Guinea)
DIU
death in utero
DJD
degenerative joint disease
DKA
diabetic ketoacidosis
DLE
disseminated lupus erythematosus
DM
Doctor of Medicine / diabetes mellitus / diastolic murmur
DMARD
disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug
DMSO
dimethyl sulfoxide
DNA
did not attend/deoxyribonucleic acid
DNR
do not resuscitate
DO
Diploma in Ophthalmology
DOA
dead on arrival
DOB
date of birth
DObstRACOG
Diploma in Obstetrics from the Royal Aust. College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
DOE
dyspnoea on exertion
DPH
Diploma in Public Health
DPI
dry powder inhaler
DPM
Diploma in Psychological Medicine
DPT
diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus
DPyd
deoxypyridinoline
DR
delivery room
DRACOG
Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Royal Australian College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
DRE
digital rectal examination
DRG
diagnosis related group
DS
Doctor of Surgery / double strength / discharge summary
DSA
digital subtraction angiography
DSAP
disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis
DSM
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (of Mental Disorders)
DT
DTH
DTM
DTP
DTPa
DTR
DTs
DU
DUI
DVA
DVT
DW
Dx
delirium tremens
Diploma in Tropical Health.
Diploma in Tropical Medicine
diphtheria tetanus pertussis (vaccine)
diphtheria tetanus pertussis adsorbed (vaccine)
deep tendon reflex
delirium tremens
duodenal ulcer
driving under influence
Department of Veteran Affairs
deep venous thrombosis
dextrose water
diagnosis
E
E
e.
EAA
eAG
EBM
EBV
EC
ECF
ECG
ECT
ED
EDC
EDD
EDP
EDTA
EEG
EENT
eGFR
EGFR
EHEC
EKG
ELISA
EMG
EMS
EMW
ENA
ENG
Eng
ENT
electrolytes / engaged (pregnancy) / Escherichia
ex (without)
essential amino acids
estimated average glucose
evidence based medicine / expressed breast milk
Epstein-Barr virus
enteric coated
extracellular fluid
electrocardiograph
electroconvulsive therapy
effective dose / emergency department / eating and drinking
estimated date of confinement
expected date of delivery
end diastolic pressure
ethylenediaminete- traacetic acid
electroencephalogram
ears eyes nose throat
estimated glomerular filtration rate
epidermal growth factor receptor
Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli Infection
electrokardiogramme (German - ECG)
enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
electromyogram
emergency medical service
early morning waking
extractable nuclear antigen
electronystagmogram
engaged (pregnancy)
ear, nose & throat
E/O
EPAP
EPC
epis
EPO
EPP
EPS
ER
ERCP
ERG
ERV
ESP
ESR
EST
ESWL
ESWT
Et.
ETOH
ETR
ETT
EUA
EUC
Ex
ex aq
ex lac
exp
ext
excision of
expiratory positive airways pressure
enhanced primary care
episiotomy
evening primrose oil
electrophoretic pattern of plasma
electrophysiological studies
extended release / emergency room
endoscopic retrograde cholecysto-pancreatography
electroretinogram
expiratory reserve volume
extrasensory perception
erythrocyte sedimentation rate
exercise stress test
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
extracorporeal shock wave therapy
etiology
ethanol
effective thyroxine ratio
endotracheal tube
examination under anaesthesia
electrolytes urea creatinine
exercise / example
ex aqua (with water)
ex lactis (with milk)
expire(s)
external
F
F
FA
FAAD
FAAOO
FAAP
FACA
FACD
FACP
FACR
FACRRM
FACS
FAMA
FAMAS
FANA
FB
Fahrenheit / father / female / femoral / finger / fluorine
fluorescent antibody / first aid
Fellow American Academy of Dermatology
Fellow American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
Fellow American Academy of Paediatrics
Fellow American College of Anaesthetists
Fellow Australian College of Dermatology
Fellow American College of Physicians
Fellow American College of Radiologists
Fellow Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
Fellow American College of Surgeons
Fellow of the Australian Medical Association
Fellow Australian Medical Acupuncture Society
fluorescent antinuclear antibodies
foreign body
FBC
FBG
FBS(L)
FC
FCAP
FDA
FDP
Fe
FEF
FESS
FEV1
FFP
FH
FHR
fL
Fl
fl
FM
FMF
FMH
FMNF
FMP
FNAC
FOBT
FRACDS
FRACGP
FRACOG
FRACP
FRACR
FRACS
FRANZCP
FRCGP
FRCOG
FRCP
FRCPath
FRCPsych
FRCS
FS
FSH
FT
ft
FTA
full blood count
fasting blood glucose
fasting blood sugar (level)
film coated
Fellow College of American Pathologists
Food and Drug Administration (USA)
fibrin degradation products / flexor digitorum profundus
iron / ferrous
forced expiratory flow
functional endoscopic sinus surgery
forced expiratory volume in one second
fresh frozen plasma
foetal heart / family history
foetal heart rate
femtolitre
fluid
flaccid
family medicine
foetal movements felt
foetomaternal haemorrhage
foetal movements not felt
Family Medicine Program
fine needle aspiration cytology
faecal occult blood test
Fellow Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons
Fellow Royal Australian College of General Practitioner
Fellow Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists
Fellow Royal Australian College of Physicians
Fellow Royal Australian College of Radiologists
Fellow Royal Australian College of Surgeons.
Fellow Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Fellow Royal College of General Practitioners (UK)
Fellow Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (United
Kingdom)
Fellow Royal College of Physicians (UK)
Fellow Royal College of Pathologists (UK)
Fellow Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK)
Fellow Royal College of Surgeons (UK)
flexible sigmoidoscopy
follicle stimulating hormone
falling titre / full term (pregnancy)
foot
fluorescent treponema antibody
FTE
FTI
FTT
FU
FUO
FVC
Fx
full time equivalent
free thyroxine index
failure to thrive
fluorouracil / follow up
fever of unknown origin
forced vital capacity
fracture
G
g
G6PD
GA
GABA
GAD
GAMSAT
GB
GBS
GC
GCS
GE
GERD
GETT
GFR
GGT
GH
GHB
GHb
GHRF
GI
GIFT
GIT
GLP
gm
GM
GMC
GNC
GnRH
GORD
GP
GPCG
GPEA
GPET
GPI
Giardia / gravida (pregnancies)
gram / guttae (drops)
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
general anaesthetic
gamma-amino butyric acid
generalised anxiety disorder
Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test
gall bladder
Group B Streptococcus
gonococcal
Glasgow Coma Scale
gastroenterology / gastroenteritis
gastroesophageal reflux disease
general by endotracheal tube
glomerular filtration rate
gamma glutamyl transferase / transpeptidase
growth hormone
gamma-hydroxybutyrate
glycosylated haemoglobin
growth hormone releasing factor
gastrointestinal
gammete intrafallopian transfer
gastrointestinal tract
glucagon-like peptide
gram
grand mal
General Medical Council (UK)
general nursing care
gonadotrophin releasing hormone
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
general practitioner / general paralysis
General Practice Computer Group
General Practice Education Australia
General Practice Education and Training
general paralysis of insane
G
GPPP
GPRA
gr
grav
GSAD
GSW
GTN
GTP
GTT
gtt
GU
GUS
GvHD
GW
GYN
generalised pustular psoriasis of pregnancy
General Practice Registrars Association
grain (1 grain = 65mg).
gravida (pregnancy no.)
generalised social anxiety disorder
gunshot wound
glyceryl trinitrate
guanosine triphosphate
glucose tolerance test
guttae (drops)
gastric ulcer / genitourinary
genitourinary system
graft versus host disease
glucose water
gynaecology
H
h
HA
HAV
HB
Hb
HbA1
HbA1c
HbCO
HbF
HbH
HBIG
HbM
HbO2
HBP
HbS
HBV
HC
HCG
HCl
HCO3
HCT
HCV
Hd
HD
HDL
HDN
Haemophilus / Helicobacter / history / husband / hydrogen
hour
headache
hepatitis A virus / hepatitis A vaccine
heart block
haemoglobin
haemoglobin A1 (Glycated Haemoglobin)
haemoglobin A1 (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)
carboxyhaemoglobin
foetal haemoglobin
haemoglobin H
hepatitis b immune globulin
haemoglobin M
oxygenated haemoglobin
high blood pressure
haemoglobin S
hepatitis B vaccine / hepatitis B virus
head circumference
human chorionic gonadotrophin
hydrochloric acid
bicarbonate
haematocrit / hydrochlorthiazide
hepatitis C virus
head
Hodgkinʼs disease
high density lipoprotein
haemolytic disease of newborn
H
He
HEENT
hep
HER
Hg
HGH
HIAA
HiB
HIC
HIE
HIV
HLA
HMD
HMG
HMG-CoA
HMMA
HMO
HO
HOB
hor
HPA
HPF
HPV
HR
HRT
hs
HS
HSM
HSV
Ht
HT
HTLV
HUS
HV
HVA
Hx
Hz
HZ
helium
head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
hepatitis
human epidermal receptor
mercury
human growth hormone
hydroxyindole acetic acid
Haemophilus influenzae B
Health Insurance Commission
hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy
human immunodeficiency virus
human leucocyte associated antigen / histocompatability locus
antigen
hyaline membrane disease
human menopausal gonadotrophin
hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A
4-hydroxy-3-methoxy mandelic acid
health maintenance organisation
history of / house officer
head of bed
horizontal
hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis
high powered field
human papilloma virus
heart rate
hormone replacement therapy
hora somni (evening)
heart sounds
hepatosplenomegaly
Herpes simplex virus
height / heart
hypertension
human T-cell lymphocytotrophic virus
haemolytic uraemic syndrome
home visit
homovanillate
history (medical)
hertz
Herpes zoster
I
I
I&D
I&O
iodine / Ixodes
incision and drainage
intake and output
IA
IBC
IBD
IBNR
IBS
ICCU
ICD
ICF
ICP
ICS
ICSI
ICU
ID
IDDM
IDU
IEC
IF
IFG
IFN
Ig
IgA
IgE
IGF
IgG
IgM
IGT
IHD
II
IL
IM
IMG
IMI
in.
inc.
inf.
inj
INR
insp.
int.
IOL
IOP
IP
IPC
IPJ
intra-arterial
iron binding capacity
inflammatory bowel disease
incurred but not reported (indemnity cases)
irritable bowel syndrome
intensive coronary care unit
International Classification of Diseases
intracellular fluid
intracranial pressure
intercostal space
intracytoplasmic sperm injection
intensive care unit
infectious disease / identification / intradermal
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
idoxuridine
intraepithelial carcinoma
intrinsic factor
impaired fasting glucose
interferon
immunoglobulin
immunoglobulin A
immunoglobulin E
intrinsic growth factor
immunoglobulin G
immunoglobulin M
impaired glucose tolerance
ischaemic heart disease
image intensifier
interleukin
intramuscular / infectious mononucleosis / internal medicine
international medical graduate
intramuscular injection
inch
increased / incomplete
infusion / inferior / infection
injection
international normalised ratio
inspiration
internal
intraocular lens
intraocular pressure
intraperitoneal
inter-practice comparison
interphalangeal joint
IPP(B)
IPV
IRDM
IQ
IR
Ir
IRV
ISQ
ITP
IU
IUCD
IUD
IUFD
IV
IVC
IVD
IVF
IVI
IVP
IVU
Ix
IZS
intermittent positive pressure (breathing)
injectable polio vaccine
insulin resistant diabetes mellitus
intelligence quotient
infra-red
iridium
inspiratory reserve volume
in status quo (no change in condition)
idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
international unit(s)
intrauterine contraceptive device
intrauterine device
intrauterine foetal death
intravenous
inferior vena cava / intravenous cholangiogram
intravertebral disc
invitro fertilisation
intravenous injection
intravenous pyelogram
intravenous urogram
investigation)s)
insulin zinc suspension
J
J
JAMA
JIA
JODM
JRA
Jt
JVD
JVP
joule / joint
Journal of the American Medical Association
juvenile idiopathic arthritis
juvenile onset diabetes mellitus
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
joint
jugular venous dilation
jugular venous pressure
K
K
KA
KAu
kcal
KCl
kg
kJ
KJ
kPa
kph
potassium / Kelvin / kidney
keratoacanthoma
King-Armstrong units
kilocalorie
potassium chloride
kilogram
kilojoule
knee jerk
kilopascal
kilometres per hour
KUB
KYR
kidney, ureter, bladder
know your risk
L
L1-5
L&D
L-S R
LA
left / Leishmania / Leptospira / litre / liver / low / lumbar
lumbar vertebrae
labour and delivery
lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio
local anaesthetic / left arm / left atrium / light and accommodation /
lupus anticoagulant
long acting beta agonist
laceration / lacrimal / lactic
left axis deviation (ECG) / left anterior descending (coronary artery)
left atrial enlargement
laminectomy
lateral
long acting thyroid stimulator
laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy
pound
large bowel
left bundle branch block
lower back pain
low birth weight
lethal concentration
left coronary artery
Licentiate College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK)
ligase chain reaction
lethal dose 50%
left dorsal anterior
lactic dehydrogenase
low density lipoprotein
left dorsal posterior
lupus erythematosus / left eye / left ear / lower extremities
low forceps
liver function tests
large
lymphogranuloma venereum
luteinising hormone
lithium
left iliac fossa
ligament / ligature
left inguinal hernia
liquid / liquor
lower inner quadrant (breast)
L
LABA
lac
LAD
LAE
lam
lat
LATS
LAVH
lb
LB
LBBB
LBP
LBW
LC
LCA
LCPS
LCR
LD50
LDA
LDH
LDL
LDP
LE
LF
LFT
Lg
LGV
LH
Li
LIF
lig
LIH
liq
LIQ
LKS
LL
LLL
LLQ
LM
LMLP
LMO
LMP
LMSSA
LN
LN2
LNMP
LOA
LOC
LOL
LOM
LOP
LOQ
LP
LPC
LPF
LRCP
LRCPS
LRQ
LRTI
LS
LSCS
LSD
LSK
LSO
LUL
LUQ
LUSCS
LUTS
LV
LVEF
LVF
LVH
LVRS
lytes
liver kidney spleen
lower lid
left lower lobe
left lower quadrant
Licentiate in Medicine (UK)
left middle lobe pneumonia
local medical officer
last menstrual period
Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery, Society of Apothecaries (UK)
lymph node
liquid nitrogen
last normal menstrual period
left occipito-anterior (position of foetal head)
loss of consciousness / level of consciousness
left occipito-lateral (position of foetal head)
left otitis media / loss of movement
left occipito-posterior (position of foetal head)
lower outer quadrant (breast)
lumbar puncture
liquor picis carbonis (coal tar solution)
low power field
Licentiate Royal College of Physicians (UK)
Licentiate Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK)
lower right quadrant
lower respiratory tract infection
lumbosacral
lower segment caesarean section
lysergic acid diethylamide
liver spleen kidneys
left salpingo-oophorectomy
left upper lobe
left upper quadrant / lateral upper quadrant
lower uterine segment caesarean section
lower urinary tract symptoms
left ventricle
left ventricular ejection fraction
left ventricular failure
left ventricular hypertrophy
lung volume reduction surgery
electrolytes
m
M
MASS / metre / minim
Mycobacterium / mole / molar / male / married / mother / muscle
M
M(C)SU
M/C/S
M1
M2
MA
mab
mane
MAOI
MAP
max
MB
MBC
MBS
MC
MCD
MCF
mcg
MCh
MCH
MCHC
mCi
MCL
MCPJ
MCTD
MCV
MD
MDA
MDI
MDO
MDU
mdu
ME
MEC
MEA
med
MEDLARS
MEN
MenCCV
MEP
mEq
MEST
met
MEV
microscopy and (culture) sensitivity of urine
microscopy, culture and sensitivity
first mitral sound
second mitral sound
metered aerosol / mental age
monoclonal antibody
morning
monoamine oxidase inhibitor
morning after pill / mean arterial pressure
maximum / maxilla
Bachelor of Medicine
minimum bactericidal concentration
medical benefits schedule
miscarriage
meningococcal disease
Medical & Commercial Finance
microgram
Master of Surgery
mean corpuscular haemoglobin
mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration
millicurie
midclavicular line
metacarpo-phalangeal joint
mixed connective tissue disease
mean corpuscular volume
Doctor of Medicine (USA) / muscular dystrophy
medical defence association
metered dose inhaler
medical defence organisation(s)
Medical Defence Union
more dicto utendus (use as directed)
myalgic encephalomyelitis / middle ear/ medical examiner /
mucolytic and expectorant
medical emergency clinic
microwave endometrial ablation
medial / medicine
Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System
multiple endocrine neoplasia
meningococcal C conjugate vaccine
maximum expiratory pressure
milliequivalent
maximal exercise stress test
metastases
million electron volts
Mg
mg
MG
MGR
MH
MHC
MHz
MI
MIC
MICA
MICU
MIIAA
MIMS
min
MIPS
mist
mitt
mIU
MJA
mL
mm
MM
mmHg
mmol
MMR
Mn
MO
Mo
mo
mod
mol.wt
MOM
mOsm
MoU
MOW
MPJ
mPa.s
MPI
MPJ
MR
MRC
MRI
MRSA
magnesium
milligram
myasthenia gravis
murmurs gallops rubs
medical history / marital history
major histocompatability complex
megahertz
myocardial infarct / mitral insufficiency
minimum inhibitory concentration
medical intensive care ambulance
medical intensive care unit
Medical Indemnity Insurance Association of Australia
Monthly Index of Medical Specialties
minute / minimum
Medical Indemnity Protection Society
mistura (mixture)
mitte (send / dispense)
milli-international unit
Medical Journal of Australia
millilitre
millimetre / muscles
mucous membrane
millimetres of mercury
millimol
measles mumps rubella (vaccine)
manganese / midnight
medical officer / Medical Observer
molybdenum
month
moderate
molecular weight
milk of magnesia
milliosmole
memorandum of understanding
Meals on Wheels
metacarpophalangeal
milliPascal seconds
myocardial perfusion imaging
metacarpo-phalangeal joint
mitral regurgitation / modified release / mental retardation / medial
rectus
Medical Research Council (USA)
magnetic resonance imaging
methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MS
Ms
MSc
MSD
MSF
MSG
MSH
MSL
mss
MSSA
MSU
MT
MTPJ
MV
MVA
MVE
MVR
MW
MWF
Mx
multiple sclerosis / mitral stenosis / morphine sulphate
murmurs
Master of Science
Merck Sharpe & Dohme Ltd.
Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)
monosodium glutamate
melanocyte stimulating hormone
midsternal line
massage
methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus
midstream urine
muscles and tendons
metatarsophalangeal joint
multivitamin
motor vehicle accident
Murray Valley encephalitis
mitral valve replacement
molecular weight
monday, wednesday, friday
medications
N
N2O
Na
NAC
NaCl
NAD
Neisseria / nerve / nitrogen / normal
nitrous oxide
sodium
National Asthma Campaign / N-acetyl cysteine
sodium chloride (salt)
no abnormality detected / no apparent distress / no active disease /
not actually done
National Association of Medical Deputising Australia
neutrophil alkaline phosphatase
note benne (note well)
newborn
nil by mouth
normal bowel sounds / normal breath sounds
non compus scribus (unable to write)
not engaged (pregnancy) / not examined
no evidence of disease
negative
New England Journal of Medicine
no evidence recurrent disease
not for resuscitation
nanogram
nasogastric
N
NAMDA
NAP
nb
NB
NBM
NBS
ncs
NE
NED
neg
NEJM
NERD
NFR
ng
NG
NGT
NGU
NHMRC
NHS
Ni
NICU
NIDDM
NK
NKA
NLV
NM
nmol
NMR
NND
nocte
NOF
NOTES
NP
NR
nRNA
NS
NSA
NSAID
NSR
NSTEACS
NSU
NSVD
NT
NTT
NV
NWB
NYD
nasogastric tube
nongonococcal urethritis
National Health and Medical Research Council
National Health Service (UK)
nickel
neonatal intensive care unit
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
not known / nil known
no known allergies
Norwalk-like virus
nuclear medicine / neuromuscular
nanomol
nuclear magnetic resonance
neonatal death
at night
neck of femur
natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery
new patient
normal range
nuclear ribonucleic acid
normal saline / nervous system / neurosurgery
no significant abnormality
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
normal sinus rhythm
non-ST-segment-elevation coronary syndrome
non specific urethritis
normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
nasotracheal
nasotracheal tube
nausea and vomiting
non weight bearing
not yet diagnosed
O
o
O
OA
OAG
OB
OBG
obs
OBS
OC(P)
OCD
none / without
oral / oxygen
osteoarthritis
open angle glaucoma
obstetrics
obstetrics and gynaecology
observation(s)
organic brain syndrome
oral contraceptive (pill)
obsessive compulsive disorder / osteochondritis dessicans
OCG
oculent
od
OD
OE
oh
OHSS
om
OM
on
OOB
Op
OP
OPD
OPV
OR
ORIF
OT
OTC
ov
OXT
oz
oral cholecystogram
ocullentum (eye ointment)
omni die (every day)
overdose
otitis externa / on examination
omni hora (every hour)
ovarian hypersensitivity syndrome
omni mane (every morning)
otitis media
omni nocte (every night)
out of bed
operation
outpatient / osmotic pressure
outpatients department
oral polio vaccine
operating room
open reduction internal fixation
occupational therapy (therapist)
over the counter (non-prescription drugs) / ornithine
transcarbamylase
ovum (egg)
oxytocin
ounce
P
P
PA
PABA
PAH
PAN
PaO2
Pap
Para
PAS
PASA
PAT
Pb
PB
PBAC
PBC
PBG
PBL
PBS
para (pregnancy) / phosphorus / plasma / Plasmodium / pressure /
Proteus
posteroanterior / physicianʼs assistant / percussion and auscultation
para-aminobenzoic acid
pulmonary arterial hypertension
polyarteritis nodosa
partial pressure of oxygen in arteries
Papanicolou smear
prior births / paraplegic
periodic acid-Schiff stain / para-aminosalicylic acid
para-aminosalicylic acid
paroxysmal atrial tachycardia / pregnancy at term
lead
peripheral blood
Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee
permanent birth control
porphobilinogen
problem based learning
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
pc
PC
PCB
PCL
PCN
pCO2
PCP
PCR
PCV
PD
PDA
PDR
PDT
PE
PEEP
PEFR
PEG
Pen
PEP
PERLA
PET
PF
PFT
pg
PG
PGD
pH
PH
PHC
PhD
PHI
phys
PI
PICA
PID
pig
PIL
PIN
PIP
PIPJ
PK
PKU
PM
post cibum (after food)
presenting complaint / politically correct
polychlorinated biphenyl
posterior cruciate ligament
percutaneous nephrolithotomy
partial pressure of carbon dioxide
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
polymerase chain reaction
packed cell volume
provisional diagnosis / Parkinson disease / peritoneal dialysis
patent ductus arteriosus / Private Doctors Association
Physicians Desk Reference
photodynamic therapy
pre-eclampsia / pulmonary embolus / physical examination
positive end expiratory pressure
peak expiratory flow rate
percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy / polyethylene glycol
penicillin
polymorphic eruption of pregnancy / post exposure prophylaxis
pupils equal and reacting to light and accommodation
positron emission tomography / pre-eclamptic toxaemia
push fluids
pulmonary function tests
picogram
prostaglandin
pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
acidity / hydrogen ion concentration
past history
primary health care
Doctor of Philosophy
private health insurance
physical / physiology
product information / pulmonary incompetence / prothrombin index /
present illness
posterior inferior coronary artery
pelvic inflammatory disease / prolapsed intervertebral disc
pigmentum (paint)
patient information leaflet
prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia
Practice Incentive Program
proximal interphalangeal joint
pyruvate kinase
phenylketonuria
post mortem / petit mal / afternoon
PMB
PMH
PMN
pmol
PMR
PMS
PMT
PN
PND
PNX
po
pO2
POAG
POD
POM
POMR
POP
pop
POR
pos
post
PP
pp
PPD
PPH
PPI
ppm
PPV
PR
PRBC
prep
PRF
primip
prn
prog
PROM
PS
PSA
PSH
psi
PSP
PSR
postmenopausal bleeding
past medical history
polymorphonuclear leukocyte
picomol
polymyalgia rheumatica
premenstrual syndrome
premenstrual tension
practice nurse
post-nasal drip / paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea / premature nodal
contraction
pneumothorax
per os (by mouth)
partial pressure of oxygen
primary open angle glaucoma
post-op day
prescription only medicine
problem oriented medical record
plaster of Paris
popliteal
problem oriented record
positive
posterior
post partum
post prandial (after food)
purified protein derivative (tuberculin)
post partum haemorrhage
proton pump inhibitor
parts per million
positive pressure ventilation
per rectum /pulse rate / prothrombin ratio
packed red blood cells
preparation / prepare / preparatory
prolactin-releasing factor
primiparous (first pregnancy)
pro re nata (when necessary/as required)
prognosis
passive range of movements
presenting symptoms / pulmonary stenosis / psychotic / plastic
surgery
prostate specific antigen
past surgical history
pounds per square inch
progressive supra-nuclear palsy
Professional Services Review
PSVT
Pt
P/T
PT
PTA
PTC
PTCA
PTEA
PTH
PTSD
PTT
PTU
PTX
PU
Pu
PUJ
PUO
PUPPP
PUVA
PV
PVC
PVD
Px
PZI
paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
platinum / patient
part time
prothrombin time / physiotherapy
plasma thromboplastin antecedent / prior to admission
plasma thromboplastin component
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
pulmonary thromboendarterectomy
parathormone
post-traumatic stress disorder
partial thromboplastin time
propylthiouracil
pneumothorax
peptic ulcer
plutonium
pelviureteric junction
pyrexia of unknown origin
pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy
psoralen and ultraviolet A
per vagina (vaginal examination) / plasma volume
polyvinyl chloride / premature ventricular contraction
peripheral vascular disease
physical examination
protamine zinc insulin
Q
q
q3h
QA
qd
qds
qh
qid
QNS
qqh
qs
qv
qw
quaque (every)
quaque 3 hora (every 3 hours)
quality assurance
quater die (every day)
quater die sumendum (strictly four times a day)
quaque hora (every hour)
quater in die (four times in a day)
quantity not sufficient
quaque quarta hora (every fourth hour)
quantum sufficiat / satis (sufficient quantity)
as much as desired
every week
R
R
RA
Ra
RACF
right / return / Rickettsia / resistance / rectal
right arm / right atrium / rheumatoid arthritis
radium
residential aged care facility
RACGP
RACOG
RACP
RACR
RACS
RAD
rad
RAI
RAMC
RANZCP
RAS
RAST
RBBB
RBC
RCA
RCC
RCGP
RCOG
RCP
RCPath
RCPsych
RCS
RD
RDA
RDAA
RDS
re
RE
reg
REM
RF
RH
Rh
RHD
RHF
RI
RIA
RIF
RIH
RIMA
RLA
RLL
RLQ
RML
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Royal Australian College of Physicians
Royal Australian College of Radiologists
Royal Australian College of Surgeons
reversible airways disease / right axis deviation (ECG)
radial
radioactive iodine
Royal Army Medical Corps
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
renin-angiotensin system
radioallergosorbent test
right bundle branch block
red blood cell
right coronary artery
red cell count
Royal College of General Practitioners (UK)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK)
Royal College of Physicians (UK)
Royal College of Pathologists (UK)
Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK)
Royal College of Surgeons (UK)
respiratory distress
recommended daily allowance
Rural Doctors Association of Australia
respiratory distress syndrome
review / regarding / with reference to
right eye / right ear
regular
rapid eye movements
rheumatic fever / rheumatoid factor / releasing factor
releasing hormone
rhesus factor
rheumatic heart disease
right heart failure
reference interval
radioimmune assay
right iliac fossa
right inguinal hernia
reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A
reacts to light and accommodation
right lower lobe
right lower quadrant
right middle lobe
RMO
RN
Rn
RNA
RO
ROA
ROM
ROP
ROS
ROT
RP
RPBS
rpm
RPR
RQ
RR
RRR
RS
RSD
RSI
RSO
PSR
RSV
RT
RTS
RUL
RUQ
RV
RVH
RVS
RWA
Rx
resident medical officer
registered nurse
radon
ribonucleic acid
rule out
right occipito anterior
range of movements / right otitis media / rupture of membranes
right occipito posterior
removal of sutures / review of systems
right occipito transverse
retrograde pyelogram
Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
revolutions per minute
rapid plasma reagin test
respiratory quotient
recovery room / relative risk
regular rate and rhythm
respiratory system
reflex sympathetic dystrophy
repetitive strain injury
right salpingo-oophorectomy
Professional Services Review
respiratory syncitial virus
radiation therapy / respiratory
Rural Training Stream
right upper lobe
right upper quadrant
residual volume
right ventricular hypertrophy
relative value study
Rural Workforce Agency
recipe / treatment / medication / prescription
S
S
SA
Sa
SAAG
Sag
SAH
SB
Sb
SBE
SBO
Sarcoptes / Schistosoma / son / serum / Strongyloides / sulphur
sustained action / sinoatrial
saline
serum-ascites albumin gradient
sagittal
subarachnoid haemorrhage
seen by / stillbirth
antimony
subacute bacterial endocarditis
small bowel obstruction
SBS
SC
SCC
SCI
SCID
SD
SE
Se
sec
SERM
SET
SFX
SG
SGGT
SGOT
SH
SI
Si
SIADH
sib
SIDS
sig
SIG
SIN
SIR
SK
SKM
sl
SLE
SLR
SMA
SMR
Sn
SNAP
SNRI
SNS
SO
SO4
SOAP
SOB
SOBOE
sol
soln
sp
short bowel syndrome
subcutaneous / sugar coated / sternoclavicular / sickle cell
squamous cell carcinoma
subcutaneous injection
severe combined immunodeficiency
standard deviation
side effect(s)
sensitivity / selenium
second
selective (o)estrogen-receptor modulator
single embryo transfer
side effects
specific gravity
serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase
social history
system internationale / sacro-iliac
silicon
syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
sibling
sudden infant death syndrome
signa (label)
special interest group
see if necessary
standardised incidence ratio
seborrhoeic keratosis / streptokinase
skeletal muscle
slight / sublingual
systemic lupus erythematosus
straight leg raising
smooth muscle antibodies
submucous resection / standardised mortality ratio
tin
smoking nutrition alcohol and physical activity
selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor
sympathetic nervous system
superior oblique
sulphate
subjective, objective, assessment and plan
short of breath
short of breath on exertion
soluble
solution
species (singular) / specimen
Sp
SPECT
SPF
spg
spp
SPT
sq
SR
Sr
SS
SRN
SSRI
SSS
SSTT
stat
STD
STI
STM
STS
sup
supp
susp
SVC
SVD
SVT
SWD
Sx
specificity
single photon emission computed tomography
sun protection factor
sponge
species (plural)
skin prick test
square
sustained release / sinus rhythm / system review / sedimentation
rate
strontium
social services
state registered nurse
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
sick sinus syndrome
saturday, sunday, tuesday, thursday
statim (immediately / at once)
sexually transmitted disease
soft tissue injury / sexually transmitted infection
short term memory
serological test for syphilis
superior / supine
suppository
suspension
superior vena cava
spontaneous vaginal delivery
supraventricular tachycardia / superficial venous thrombosis
short wave diathermy
symptoms
T
T
t
T1-12
T&A
T&C
T1DM
T2DM
T3
T4
TA
tab
TAB
TAH
tablet / temperature / term (pregnancy) / thoracic / tinea /
Treponema /Trichomonas
tonne
thoracic vertebrae
tonsils and adenoids
type and cross (blood)
type one diabetes mellitus
type two diabetes mellitus
triiodothyronine
thyroxine
tendo achilles / tonsils and adenoids
tablet
therapeutic abortion
total abdominal hysterectomy
TB
TBG
TBI
TBV
TCA
TCEA
TDR
tds
Te
TEDS
TEN
TENS
tet
TFT
TG
TGA
TGP
Th
THC
THR
Ti
TI
TIA
TIBC
tid
TKR
Tl
TLC
TM
TMJ
TMTJ
TNF
TO
tox
TP
tPA
TPHA
TPN
TPR
tr
TRD
TRF
TRH
tRNA
tuberculosis
thyroid binding globulin
total body irradiation
total blood volume
tricyclic antidepressants / trichloracetic acid
transcervical endometrial ablation
treating doctorʼs report
ter die sumendum (strictly three times a day)
technetium
thromboembolic deterrent stocking
toxic epidermal necrolysis
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
tetanus
thyroid function tests
triglyceride(s)
Therapeutic Goods Administration
therapeutic group premium
thorium
tetrahydrocannabinol
total hip replacement
titanium
tricuspid incompetence
transient ischaemic attack
total iron binding capacity
ter in die (three times in a day)
total knee replacement
thallium
tender loving care / thin layer chromatography / total lung capacity
tympanic membrane
temporomandibular joint
tarso-metatarsal joint
tumour necrosis factor
telephone order
toxin/toxoid
term pregnancy
tissue plasminogen activator
Treponema pallidum haemagglutination
total parenteral nutrition
temperature, pulse, respiration
trace
temporary resident doctor
thyrotropin releasing factor
thyrotropin releasing hormone
transfer ribonucleic acid
Trp
TRUS
TRV
TS
TSH
TSS
TTSS
TURP
tuss
TV
TVH
TVT
Tx
tryptophan
transrectal ultrasound
transverse
tricuspid stenosis
thyroid stimulating hormone
toxic shock syndrome
tuesday, thursday, saturday, sunday
trans-urethral resection of prostate
tussis (a cough)
tidal volume
total vaginal hysterectomy
tension-free vaginal tape
treatment / traction
U
U
UA
UAC
UC
UCD
UDP
ug
UGI
UGIS
UIQ
uL
UL
uln
ULQ
UMAT
umol
UMP
ung
UO
UOQ
URQ
URTI
US
USP
USPHS
ut
ut dict
UTI
UV
unit / uranium / urine
urinalysis
umbilical artery catheter
ulcerative colitis / umbilical cord / uterine contraction
usual childhood diseases
uridine diphosphate
microgram
upper gastrointestinal
upper gastrointestinal series
upper inner quadrant (breast)
microlitre
upper lid
ulna(r)
upper left quadrant
undergraduate medical assessment test
micromol
uridine monophosphate / United Medical Protection (now Avant)
unguentum (ointment)
under observation
upper outer quadrant (breast)
upper right quadrant
upper respiratory tract infection
ultrasound
United States Pharmacopeia
United States Public Health Service
uterus
ut dictum (as directed)
urinary tract infection
ultraviolet
V
V
VA
vax
VC
vCJD
VD
VDRL
VE
VF
VG
VH
VHD
VHDL
via
vit
VLDL
VMA
VMO
VMRSA
vol
VP
VPRC
V/Q
VR
VS
VSA
VSD
VT
VTE
vv
VV
vWf
Vx
VZV
vagina / vein / venous / Vibrio / vision / volt / volume
visual acuity / viral antigen / ventriculoatrial
vaccine
vital capacity / vasoconstrictor
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
venereal disease
Venereal Disease Reference Laboratory
vaginal examination
ventricular fibrillation / vocal fremitus / visual fields
vein graft
very high
valvular heart disease
very high density lipoprotein
by way of
vitamin
very low density lipoprotein
vanillylmandelic acid
visiting medical officer
vancomycin and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
volume
vasopressin / venous pressure
volume of packed red cells
ventilation-perfusion ratio
vocal resonance / vancomycin resistant / vocationally registered
vital signs
vital signs absent
ventricular septal defect
ventricular tachycardia
venous thromboembolism
veins
varicose veins
von Willebrand Factor
vertex
varicella zoster vaccine
W
W
WB
WBC
WC
WCC
WE
tungsten / watt / wife / widow / Wuchereria
whole blood
white blood cells
wheelchair
white cell count
wide excision
WHO
wk
WNL
WONCA
WPW
WR
wt
WTU
WU
World Health Organisation
week
within normal limits
World Organisation of National Colleges and Associations
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Wassermann reaction
weight
ward test of urine
work up
X
X
x
x2d
XL
XM
XR
XRT
XS
X chromosome / wrong
times
twice a day
extended release / extra large
cross match
x-ray
x-ray therapy
excess
Y
YF
yo
yr
ytd
Yersinia / Y chromosome / yttrium
yellow fever
years old
year
year to date
Y
Z
ZDV
ZEEP
ZES
ZN
Zn
zidovudine
zero end expiratory pressure
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Ziehl-Neelsen (stain)
zinc
UNCONVENTIONAL
ABBREVIATIONS
(Culled from medical records)
CODOWISO coming down with something
DTN
do the needful
FIIK
f...ed if I know
FLK
funny looking kid
GOK
God only knows
GOMER
get out of my emergency room
LOLINAD
little old lay in no apparent distress
NTT
not today or tomorrow
Omerta
keep quiet about this (Mafia code of silence)
PAAN
pissed as a newt
PAFO
pissed and fell over
PFO
pissed and fell over
PITA
pain in the arse
SLOL
sweet little old lady
SYT
sweet young thing
© Warwick Carter
www.medwords.com.au
POSTSCRIPT
Assoc. Prof. Warwick Carter has written 24 books (including seven medical text
books and 15 medical books for lay people) which have a total circulation
exceeding 4.5 million in eleven languages. He has also written hundreds of radio
and television scripts, scores of patient education guides, and over three
thousand magazine and newspaper articles. He has been the editor, consultant
editor or member of the editorial boards of numerous medical journals including
“General Practitioner”, the “Macquarie Dictionary” and “MIMS”.
Since 1977 he has been a general practitioner in the Western suburbs of
Brisbane.
Warwick Carter is deputy chair of the Avant Queensland Medical Experts Core
Committee, and a member of the Professional Services Review Tribunal of the
Commonwealth Department of Health.
He is also is an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences and
Medicine at Bond University on the Gold Coast.