| A | B |
|---|
| A/a | alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient |
| ABCs | airway, breathing, circulation |
| ABG | arterial blood gas |
| AC | before meals (ante cibum) |
| AC | acromioclavicular |
| ACE | angiotensin-converting enzyme |
| aCL | anticardiolipin (antibody) |
| ACLS | Advanced Cardiac Life Support |
| ACOG | American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| ACTH | adrenocorticotropic hormone |
| AD | Alzheimer’s dementia or disease |
| A Fib | atrial fibrillation |
| AFB | acid-fast bacilli |
| AFP | alpha-fetoprotein |
| AFV | amniotic fluid volume |
| AGCUS | atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance |
| AI | amnioinfusion |
| AIDS | acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
| ALT | alanine aminotransferase |
| ANA | antinuclear antibody |
| ANCA | antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody |
| AP | anteroposterior |
| APS | antiphospholipid syndrome |
| APSAC | anistreplase, anisoylated plasminogen-streptokinase activator complex |
| APTT | activated partial thromboplastin |
| ARC | AIDS-related complex |
| ARDS | adult respiratory distress syndrome |
| ARF | acute renal failure |
| ASA | acetylsalicylic acid |
| ASAP | as soon as possible |
| ASCUS | atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance |
| ASO | antistreptolysin O antibody |
| AST | aspartate aminotransferase |
| Atg | anti-human thymocyte globulin |
| ATN | acute tubular necrosis |
| AV | arteriovenous; atrioventricular |
| AZT | zidovudine (Azidothymidine) |
| B12 | vitamin B12 |
| BAER | brainstem auditory evoked responses |
| BBT | basal body temperature |
| BCG | bacille Calmette-Guérin |
| BCP | birth control pill |
| BHCG | beta human chorionic gonadotropin |
| BID | twice a day (bis in die) |
| BiPAP | bilevel positive airway pressure |
| BOOP | bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia |
| BP | blood pressure |
| BPAD | bipolar affective disorder |
| bpm | beats per minute |
| BPP | biophysical profile |
| BPPV | benign paroxysmal positional vertigo |
| BSA | body surface area |
| BUN | blood urea nitrogen |
| BV | bacterial vaginosis |
| BVM | bag valve mask |
| C&S | culture and sensitivity |
| C-peptide | insulin chain C-peptide |
| C-section | cesarean section |
| C-spine | cervical spine |
| CABG | coronary artery bypass graft |
| CACl2 | calcium chloride |
| CAD | coronary artery disease |
| cap | capsule |
| c-ANCA | central antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody |
| CBC | complete blood cell count |
| cc | cubic centimeter (for solids and gases but ml for liquids) |
| CD41 | helper T cell (cluster of differentiation no. 41) |
| CDC | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga. |
| CEA | carcinoembryonic antigen |
| CFU | colony-forming unit |
| CHF | congestive heart failure |
| Chol | cholesterol |
| CIN | cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (1 to 3: mild to severe) |
| CK | creatine kinase |
| CLL | chronic lymphocytic leukemia |
| cm | centimeter |
| CMV | cytomegalovirus |
| CNS | central nervous system |
| CO2 | carbon dioxide |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| CPAP | continuous positive airway pressure |
| CPD | cephalopelvic disproportion |
| CPK | creatine phosphokinase |
| CPPD | calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (crystals) (pseudogout) |
| CPR | cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| Cr | creatinine |
| CRF | chronic renal failure |
| CRP | C-reactive protein |
| CSF | cerebrospinal fluid |
| CST | contraction stress fluid |
| CT | computerized tomography |
| CVA | cerebrovascular accident |
| CVAT | costovertebral-angle tenderness |
| CVD | cerebrovascular disease |
| CVN | central venous nutrition |
| CVP | central venous pressure |
| CVS | cardiovascular system |
| c/w | consistent with |
| CXR | chest x-ray film or radiograph |
| D&C | dilatation and curettage |
| DBP | diastolic blood pressure |
| DDAVP | 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin |
| DDC, ddC | dideoxycytidine, zalcitabine, Hivid |
| DDI, ddI | dideoxyinosine, didanosine |
| D5W | 5% dextrose in water |
| D4T | stavudine |
| DHE | dihydroergotamine |
| DHT | dihydrotestosterone |
| DIC | disseminated intravascular coagulation |
| DIP | distal interphalangeal joint |
| DKA | diabetic ketoacidosis |
| dl | deciliter |
| DM | diabetes mellitus |
| DPL | diagnostic peritoneal lavage |
| DPT | diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (vaccine) |
| DS | double strength |
| DSM | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (of Mental Disorders) |
| dsDNA | double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid |
| DTR | deep tendon reflexes |
| DTs | delirium tremens |
| DVT | deep venous thrombosis |
| D/W | dextrose in water |
| EBV | Epstein-Barr virus |
| ECF | extracellular fluid |
| ECG | electrocardiogram |
| ECMO | extracorporeal membrane oxygenation |
| ED | emergency department |
| EDC | estimated date of confinement |
| EEG | electroencephalogram |
| EES | erythromycin ethylsuccinate |
| EGD | esophagogastroduodenoscopy |
| EIA | enzyme immunoassay |
| ELISA | enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay |
| EM | erythema multiforme |
| EMG | electromyogram |
| ENG | electronystagmography |
| ENT | ear, nose, throat |
| ER | emergency room |
| ERCP | endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography |
| ESR | erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
| ET | endotracheal tube |
| FB | foreign body |
| FDA | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Fe | iron |
| FENa | fractional excretion of sodium |
| FEF | forced expiratory flow |
| FEV1 | forced expiratory volume at 1 second |
| FFP | fresh frozen plasma |
| FH | family history |
| FHR | fetal heart rate |
| FSH | follicle-stimulating hormone |
| FTA | fluorescent treponemal antibody |
| FTA-ABS | fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (test) |
| 5-FU | 5-fluorouracil |
| F/U | follow-up (study, exam, test, care) |
| FUO | fever of unknown origin |
| G | gauge |
| G6PD | glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase |
| GBS | group B Streptococcus bacteria, or group B streptococcal infection |
| GC | gonococcus |
| GCS | Glasgow Coma Scale |
| GCT | glucose challenge test |
| GDM | gestational diabetes mellitus |
| GE | gastroesophageal |
| GFR | glomerular filtration rate |
| GI | gastrointestinal |
| g | gram |
| GM-CSF | granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor |
| GN | glomerulonephritis |
| GnRH | gonadotropin-releasing hormone |
| GODM | gestational onset diabetes mellitus |
| gtt | drops (guttae) |
| GTT | glucose tolerance test |
| GU | genitourinary |
| GXT | graded exercise stress test |
| GYN | gynecologic |
| h, hr | hour |
| H&P | history and physical examination |
| HA | headache |
| Hb | hemoglobin |
| HC/AC | head circumference-to-abdominal circumference (ratio) |
| HCG | human chorionic gonadotropin |
| HCT | hematocrit |
| HCTZ | hydrochlorothiazide |
| HDL | high-density lipoprotein |
| HELLP | hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (syndrome) |
| HepBsAg | hepatitis B surface antigen |
| HGE | human granulocytic ehrlichiosis |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| HME | human monocytic erlichiosis |
| HMG | human menopausal gonadotropin |
| h/o | history of |
| HPF | high-power field |
| HRT | hormone replacement therapy |
| HS | at bedtime (hora somni) |
| HSV | herpes simplex virus |
| ht, Ht | height |
| HTN | hypertension |
| HUS | hemolytic uremic syndrome |
| HZV | herpes zoster virus |
| I&D | incision and drainage |
| I&O | intake and output |
| ICF | intracellular fluid |
| ICP | intracranial pressure |
| ICU | intensive care unit |
| ID | infectious disease |
| IDDM | insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus |
| IFA | immunofluorescence assay |
| IgG | immunoglobulin G |
| IHSS | idiopathic hypertrophic aortic stenosis |
| IM | intramuscular |
| IMV | intermittent mandatory ventilation |
| IN | intranasally |
| INH | isoniazid, isonicotinc acid hydrazide |
| INR | International Normalized Ratio |
| IO | intraosseous |
| IPPV | intermittent positive-pressure ventilation |
| ISA | intrinsic stimulating activity |
| ITP | idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura |
| IU | International Unit |
| IUD | intrauterine device |
| IUFD | intrauterine fetal demise |
| IUGR | intrauterine growth retardation |
| IUP | intrauterine pregnancy |
| IV | intravenous |
| IVDA | intravenous drug abuser |
| IVP | intravenous pyelogram |
| JRA | juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
| JVD | jugular venous distension |
| kg | kilogram |
| K, K1 | potassium |
| KOH | potassium hydroxide |
| KS | Kaposi’s sarcoma |
| LA | lupus anticoagulant |
| LAT | preparation of lidocaine, epinephrine (adrenaline), tetracaine |
| LBBB | left bundle branch block |
| LDH | lactate dehydrogenase |
| LDL | low-density lipoprotein |
| LE | lupus erythematosus |
| LES | lower esophageal sphincter |
| LFT | liver function tests |
| LGI | lower GI (gastrointestinal) |
| LH | luteinizing hormone |
| LLQ | left lower quadrant |
| LMP | last menstrual period |
| LMW | low molecular weight |
| LOC | loss of consciousness |
| LP | lumbar puncture |
| LR | lactated Ringer’s solution |
| L/S | lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (ratio) |
| LSIL | low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion |
| LUQ | left upper quadrant |
| LV | left ventricular |
| MAI/MAC | Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare/M. avium complex |
| MAO | monoamine oxidase |
| MAOI | monoamine oxidase inhibitors |
| MAST | military antishock trousers |
| MCP | metacarpophalangeal joint |
| MCV | mean corpuscular volume |
| MDD | major depressive disorder |
| MDI | metered dose inhaler |
| MEE | middle ear effusion |
| mEq | milliequivalent |
| mg | milligram |
| mg | microgram |
| MI | myocardial infarction |
| min | minute |
| mm Hg | millimeters of mercury |
| mmol | millimole |
| MMPI | Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory |
| MMR | measles-mumps-rubella (vaccine) |
| MMSE | Mini-Mental State examination |
| mOsm | milliosmole |
| MR | measles and rubella (vaccine) |
| MRI | magnetic resonance imaging |
| MS | multiple sclerosis |
| MTP | metatarsophalangeal joint |
| MVP | mitral valve prolaspe |
| N&V | nausea and vomiting |
| NCV | nerve conduction velocity |
| NG | nasogastric |
| NHL | non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma |
| NIDDM | non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
| NPH | neutral protamine Hagedorn |
| NPO | nothing by mouth (nulla per os) |
| NS | normal saline solution |
| NSAID | nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
| NST | nonstress test |
| NSVD | normal spontaneous vaginal delivery |
| NTD | neural tube defect |
| NTG | nitroglycerin |
| O&P | ova and parasites |
| OA | osteoarthritis |
| OCD | obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| OCP | oral contraceptive pill |
| 17-OHS | 17-hydroxysteroid (that is, 17-hydroxycorticosteroid) |
| OM | otitis media |
| OPV | oral poliovirus |
| ORS | WHO oral rehydration solution |
| osm, Osm | osmole; osmolality |
| OTC | over the counter |
| PA | posteroanterior |
| PAC | premature atrial contraction |
| PALS | Pediatric Advanced Life Support |
| Pap | Papanicolaou test or smear |
| PAS | para-aminosalicylic acid |
| PCA | patient-controlled analgesia |
| PCN | penicillin |
| PCOD | polycystic ovarian disease |
| PCP | Pneumocystis pneumonia |
| PCR | polymerase chain reaction |
| PCWP | pulmonary capillary wedge pressure |
| PD | Parkinson’s disease |
| PDA | patent ductus arteriosus |
| PE | physical examination |
| PE | pulmonary embolism |
| PEEP | positive end-expiratory pressure |
| PEFR | peak expiratory flow rate |
| PET | positron emission tomography |
| PFTs | pulmonary function tests |
| PG | phosphatidylglycerol |
| pH | hydrogen-ion concentration; pH 7, normal; less is acidic; more is alkaline (or basic) |
| PID | pelvic inflammatory disease |
| PIH | pregnancy-induced hypertension |
| PIP | proximal interphalangeal joint |
| plt | platelet |
| PMNs | polymorphonuclear lymphocytes |
| PMR | polymyalgia rheumatica |
| PMS | premenstrual syndrome |
| PO | per mouth (per os) |
| POD | postoperative day |
| PPD | protein purified derivative |
| PR | per rectum |
| PRN | as needed (pro re nata) |
| PROM | premature rupture of membranes |
| PSA | prostate specific antigen |
| PSVT | paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia |
| PT | prothrombin time |
| PTCA | percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty |
| PTL | premature labor |
| PTSD | post-traumatic stress disorder |
| PTT | partial thromboplastin time |
| PTU | propylthiouracil |
| PUD | peptic ulcer disease |
| PVC | premature ventricular contraction |
| QD | every day (quaque die) |
| QHS | properly "every hour of sleep," but usually "at every bedtime" (quaque hora somni) |
| QID | four times per day (quater in die) |
| QOD | every other day (tertio quoque die) |
| RA | rheumatoid arthritis |
| RBC | red blood cell |
| RCA | right coronary artery |
| REM | rapid eye movement |
| RF | renal failure |
| RFI | renal failure index |
| RIA | radioimmunoassay |
| RIND | reversible ischemic neurologic deficit |
| RLQ | right lower quadrant |
| RMSF | Rocky Mountain spotted fever |
| R/O, r/o | rule out |
| ROM | rupture of membranes; range-of-motion (exercise) |
| RPR | rapid plasma reagin |
| RSI | rapid-sequence intubation |
| RSV | respiratory syncytial virus |
| rt-PA | tissue-type plasminogen activator (recombinant) (Alteplase, Recombinant) |
| RUQ | right upper quadrant |
| RVMI | right ventricular myocardial infarction |
| SAARD | slow-acting antirheumatic drug(s) |
| SAH | subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| SBP | systolic blood pressure |
| SCIWORA | spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality |
| SGA | small for gestational age |
| SGOT | aspartate aminotransferase |
| SGPT | alanine aminotransferase |
| SIL | squamous intraepithelial lesions |
| SK | streptokinase |
| SL | sublingual |
| SLE | systemic lupus erythematosus |
| SLR | straight-leg raising (test) |
| SOB | shortness of breath |
| sp. gr. | specific gravity |
| SPECT | single-photon emission computerized tomography |
| SQ | subcutaneous |
| SR | slow release |
| SROM | spontaneous rupture of membrane |
| SS | single strength |
| SSKI | saturated solution of potassium iodide |
| SSRI | selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors |
| STD | sexually transmitted disease |
| T3 | triiodothyronine |
| T4 | thyroxine |
| TAC | preparation of tetracycline, epinephrine (adrenaline), cocaine |
| Tb, TB | tuberculosis |
| TBG | thyroxine-binding globulin |
| TBSA | total body surface area |
| TBW | total body water |
| 3TC | lamivudine |
| TCA | tricyclic antidepressant |
| TEDS | thromboembolic disease support (stockings, hose) |
| TEE | transesophageal echocardiography |
| TENS | transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation |
| TFT | thyroid function test |
| TG | triglycerides |
| TIA | transient ischemic attack |
| TIBC | total iron-binding capacity |
| TM | tympanic membrane |
| TMJ | temporomandibular joint |
| TMP/SMX | trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (complex) |
| TORCHS | toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, syphilis (infection) |
| TPA | tissue plasminogen activator |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| TRH | thyrotropin-releasing hormone |
| TSH | thyroid-stimulating hormone |
| TTP | thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura |
| TURP | transurethral prostatectomy |
| TWAR | Taiwan acute respiratory disease |
| U | unit |
| UA | urinalysis |
| UC | ulcerative colitis |
| UGI | upper gastrointestinal (tract) |
| U/P | urine-to-plasma ratio |
| URI | upper respiratory infection |
| U/S | ultrasound, ultrasonogram, ultrasonography |
| UTI | urinary tract infection |
| UV | ultraviolet (radiation); B refers to the shorter-wave, more damaging range |
| V Fib | ventricular fibrillation |
| V Tach | ventricular tachycardia |
| VBAC | vaginal birth after cesarean section |
| VCUG | voiding cystourethrogram |
| VDRL | Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (test) |
| V/Q | ventilation-perfusion ratio |
| VSD | ventricular septal defect |
| Vt | tidal volume |
| VT | vestibular training |
| vWF | von Willebrand’s factor |
| WBC | white blood cell (count) |
| wt, Wt | weight |
