Medical Abbreviations

A

 * a: artery, before
 * A&Ox3: alert and oriented to person, place and time
 * A-a:alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient
 * aa: equal part of each
 * AA: affected area
 * AAA: abdominal aortic aneurysm
 * A2: aortic second sound
 * AAL: acute lymphoblastic, leukemia,anterior axillary line
 * ab: antibody
 * AB: abortion
 * ABC: airway, breathing and circulation
 * abd: abdomen
 * ABG: arterial blood gasses
 * ABI: Ankle-Brachial Index
 * ABMT: autologous bone marrow transplantation
 * ABN: abnormal
 * ABP: arterial blood pressure
 * abs: absent
 * abx: antibiotics
 * a.c.: before meals (ante sebum)
 * Ac: acute
 * AC: anterior chamber, air conduction, acromioclavicular
 * acc: accident
 * accom.: accommodation
 * ACE:angiotensin converting enzyme
 * ACEI: angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
 * ACh: acetylcholine
 * acid: phos. acid phosphate
 * ACL: anterior cruciate ligament
 * ACLS:advanced cardiac life support
 * ACTH: adrenocorticotrophic hormone
 * AD: right ear, alzheimer's disease
 * ADA: adenosine deaminase
 * add.: abductor or abduction
 * ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder
 * ADH: antidiruetic hormone
 * ADL: activites of daily living
 * ad lib: as desired
 * adm.: admission
 * ADR: adverse drug reaction
 * AE: above elbow
 * AEA: above elbow amputation
 * AEM: ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring
 * AF: atrial fibrillation, afebrile, amniotic fluid
 * AFB: acid fast bacilli
 * AFO: ankle-foot orthosis
 * AFP: alpha fetoprotein
 * Ag: antigen
 * A/G: albumin globulin ratio (blood)
 * AGA: appropriate gestational age
 * AHF: antihemophilic factor
 * AHG: antiemophilic globulin
 * AHH: aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase
 * AI: aortic insufficiency, artificial insemination
 * AICA: anterior inferior cerebellar artery
 * AICD: automatic implanted cardiac defibrillator
 * AIDS: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
 * AJ: ankle jerk
 * a.k.: above knee
 * aka: alcoholic ketoacidosis, also known as
 * AKA: above knee amputation
 * alb.: albumin
 * alc.: alcohol
 * ALG: antilymphocytic globulin
 * alk.: phos. alkaline phosphate
 * ALL: acute lymphocytic leukemia
 * ALPS: autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
 * ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, advanced life support
 * ALT: alternating with, alanine aminotransferase (formerly SGPT)
 * AMA: against medical advice, anti-mitochondrial antibodies
 * amb.: ambulating, ambulatory
 * AMC: arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
 * AMI: acute myocardial infarction
 * AML: acute myeloid leukemia
 * amnio: amniocentesis
 * amp.: amputation, ampule
 * AMP: adenosine monophosphate
 * AMS: acute mountain sickness, atypical measeles syndrome
 * ANA: antinuclear antibody
 * ANCA:antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
 * anes.: anesthesia
 * ANF: antrial natriuretic factor
 * ann.: fib. annulus fibrosis
 * ANP: antrial natriuretic peptide
 * ANS: autonomic nervous system
 * ant.: anterior
 * ante: before
 * ANUG: acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
 * Anxty: anxiety
 * A/O: alert and oriented
 * AOB: alcohol on breath
 * AODM: adult onset diabetes mellitus
 * AP: ante partum, anteroposterior, alkaline phosphatase
 * A&P: auscultation and percussion
 * A/P: anterior/posterior
 * APC: atrial premature contractions
 * APD: adult polycystic disease
 * aph: aphasia
 * A-P: anteroposterior and lateral
 * AP: resection abdominal perineal resection of the rectum
 * APEDED: autoimmune polyendocrinopathy
 * APS: autoimmunne polyglandular syndrome
 * APSAC: anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activated complex
 * APTT: activated partial thromboplastin time
 * aq.: water
 * AR: aortic regurgitation
 * ARB:angiotension receptor blocker
 * ARC: AIDS related complex
 * ARD: acute respiratory distress
 * ARDS: adult respiratory distress syndrome
 * ARF: acute respiratory failure, acute rheumatic fever
 * Arg: Arginine
 * AROM: artificial rupture of membranes
 * art: arterial
 * ART: antiretroviral therapy
 * AS: left ear,aortic stenosis
 * ASA: acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin
 * A.S.A.: American Society of Anesthesiologists
 * A.S.A.1: normal healthy patient
 * A.S.A.2: patient with mild systemic disease
 * A.S.A.3: patient with severe systemic disease
 * A.S.A.4: patient with incapacitating systemic disease that is constant threat
 * ASAP: as soon as possible
 * ASCVD: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
 * ASCUS: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
 * ASD: atrial septal defect
 * ASGUS: atypical squamous glandular cells of undetermined significance
 * ASHD: arteriosclerotic heart disease
 * ASO: antistreptolysin O antibodies
 * AST: aspartate aminotransferase
 * ASX: asymptomatic
 * ATCC: American type culture collection
 * AT-III: antithrombin III
 * at. Flutter: atrial flutter
 * ATN: acute tubular necrosis
 * ATNR: asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
 * ATP: adenosine triphosphate, anti-tachycardia pacing
 * AU: both ears
 * aud.: auditory
 * Aur.: Fib auricular fibrillation
 * A-V: arteriovenous; atrioventricular
 * AVB: auriculo-ventricular block
 * AVF: arteriovenous fistula
 * AVM: arterovenous malformation
 * AVNRT: av nodal re-entrant tachycardia
 * AVRT: av re-entrant tachycardia
 * AVR: aortic valve replacement
 * A&W: alive and well
 * Ax.: axilla, axillary
 * AXR: abdominal X-ray
 * A.Z.: Ascheim-Zondek test
 * AZT: zidovudine or azidothymidine

B

 * B.: bath
 * BA: barium
 * Bab.: Babinski sign
 * Ba.E: barium enema
 * BAL: bronchoalveolar lavage, British anti-Lewisite
 * BAO: bacille calmette-guerin
 * BAPS: biomechanical ankle platform system
 * Bas.: basal,basilar
 * baso: basophile
 * BBB: bundle branch block
 * BBT: basal body temperature
 * BC: bone conduction
 * BCA: basal cell atypia
 * BCC: Basal cell carcinoma
 * BCD: basal cell dysplasia
 * BCE: basal cell epithelioma
 * BCG: bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine (tuberculosis vaccine)
 * BDC: burn dressing change
 * BE: below elbow, barium enema, base excess
 * BEA: below elbow amputation
 * BFP: biological false positive
 * BIBA: brought in by ambulance
 * Bic.: biceps
 * b.i.d.: twice daily
 * BIH: bilateral inguinal hernia
 * bilat.: Bilateral, bilaterally
 * bili: bilirubin
 * b.i.n.: twice a night
 * BiPAP: bilevel positive airway pressure
 * BiW: twice weekly
 * BJ: biceps reflex
 * bk.: back
 * BK: below knee, bacterium koch
 * BKA: below knee amputation
 * bl: cult blood culture
 * bld.: blood
 * Bl.T: bleeding time
 * BM: black male, bone marrow,bowel movement
 * BMC: bone mass content
 * BMD: bone mass density
 * BMI: body mass index
 * BMR: basal metabolic rate
 * BMS: Bare metal stent/s
 * BMT: bone marrow transplantation
 * BNF: british national formulary
 * BNP: brain or b-type nartiuretic peptide
 * body: wt. body weight
 * BOMA: otitis media, both ears,acute
 * BOOP: bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia
 * BOW: bag of water
 * BP: blood pressure, bipolar disorder
 * BPD: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, borderline personality disorder
 * BPH: benign prostatic hypertrophy;benign prostatic hyperplasia
 * BPM: beats per minute
 * BPV: benign positional vertigo
 * Br.: breech presentation
 * BR: bedrest, bathroom
 * brach.: brachial
 * BrBx.: breast biopsy
 * broncho: bronchoscopy
 * BRP: bathroom privileges
 * BS: blood sugar, bowel sounds
 * B.S.: breath sounds
 * BSA: body surface area
 * BSB: bedside bag
 * BSC: bedside commode
 * BSD: bedside drainage
 * BSE: bovine spingiform encephalopathy, breast self exam
 * BSO: bilateral salpingooophorectomy
 * BSP: bromsulphthalein
 * BST: blood serologic test
 * BT: bleeding time
 * BTL: bilateral tubal ligation
 * BUN: blood urea nitrogen
 * BV: bacterial vaginosis
 * BW: birth weight
 * Bx.: biopsy

C

 * c.: with
 * C: cervical, Caucasian
 * C.: centigrade, Celsius complement
 * CI-XII: 1st to 12th cranial nerve
 * C-1: to C-7 cervical vertebrae
 * C1: complement factor 1
 * Ca: calcium
 * CA: carcinoma, cancer
 * CABG: coronary artery bypass graft
 * CAD: coronary artery disease
 * CAH: congential adrenal hyperplasia
 * CAHD: coronary atherosclerotic heart disease
 * Cal: calorie, calories
 * CAPD: continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
 * Caps: capsules
 * car.: carotid
 * card.: cardiac
 * Card: cardiac catheterization
 * CAT: computerized axial tomography
 * cath: catheterization, catheter
 * CB: Cesarean birth
 * CBC: complete blood count
 * CBCD: complete blood count with differential
 * CBD: common bile duct
 * CBE: complete breast exam
 * CBF: cerebral blood flow
 * CBG: capillary blood gas
 * CBR: complete bed rest
 * cc.: cubic centimeter
 * CC: chief complaint
 * CCF: congestive cardiac failure
 * CCK: cholecystokinin
 * CCU: coronary care unit
 * CD: cardiac disease, contagious disease
 * CDC: centers for disease control
 * CDH: congenital dislocation of hip
 * C. diff: clostridium difficile
 * CEA: carcinoembryonic antigen
 * Cerv.: cervix, cervical
 * CF: cardiac failure, cystic fibrosis
 * CGD: chronic granulomatous disease
 * CHD: congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease
 * Chem.: chemotherapy
 * CHF: congestive heart failure
 * CHO: carbohydrate
 * Chol: cholesterol
 * Chr: chronic
 * C.I: color index
 * CI: cardiac insufficiency, cardiac index, confidence interval
 * CIPD: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
 * CIS: carcinoma in situ
 * CJD: Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease
 * CK: creatinine kinase
 * CK-MB: Creatine kinase-myocardial type
 * Cl: chlorine, chloride
 * Clav.: clavicle
 * cldy: cloudy
 * CLL: chronic lymphocytic leukemia
 * Cl.T: clotting time
 * cm.: centimeter
 * CML: chronic myeloid leukemia
 * CMML: chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
 * CMS: chronic mountain sickness
 * CMT:charcot-marie-tooth disease
 * CMV: cytomegalovirus
 * CN: cranial nerve
 * CNS: central nervous system
 * cnst.: constipation
 * c/o: complains of, complaints
 * CO: cardiac output
 * Co2: carbon dioxide
 * COLD: chronic obstructive lung disease
 * comb.: combine, combination
 * comm.: communicable
 * comp.: compound, compress
 * conc.: concentrated
 * cons.: consultation
 * cont.: contractions, continued
 * COP: cryptogenic organizing pneumonia
 * COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
 * Cor: heart
 * COX: cyclooxygenase
 * CP: cerebral palsy, cerebral-pontine
 * CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure
 * CPC: clinicopathological conference
 * CPD: cephalo-pelvic disproportion
 * CPEO: chronic progressive external opthalmoplegia
 * CPK: creatinine phosphokinase
 * CPPB: continuous positive pressure breathing
 * CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation
 * CPT: chest physical therapy
 * CR: closed reduction
 * cran.: cranial
 * CRD: chronic respiratory disease
 * creat.: creatinine
 * CREST: calcinosis,raynauds phenomenon, esphageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia
 * CRF: chronic renal failure
 * CRI: chronic renal insufficiency
 * CRP: c-reactive protein
 * C/S,: CS Cesarean section
 * C&S: culture and sensitivity
 * CsA: cyclosporin A
 * CSF: cerebrospinal fluid
 * C-spine: cervical spine
 * CT: computed axial tomography
 * CTA: computerized tomographic angiography
 * C-V: cardiovascular
 * CVA: cerebrovascular accident, costovertebral angle
 * CVL: central venous line
 * CVP: central venous pressure
 * CVS: cardiovascular system
 * Cx: cervix, culture
 * c/w: consistent with
 * CxR: chest x-ray
 * Cysto: cystoscopy

D

 * D5: 5% dextrose solution
 * D5W: 5% dextrose solution in water
 * D5RL: 5% dextrose and lactated ringers
 * DAP: distal airway pressure
 * DASH: dietary approches to stop hypertension
 * db.: decibel
 * DBE: deep breathing exercise
 * DBP: diastolic blood pressure
 * d/c: discontinue
 * DC: discharges, discontinue
 * D&C: dilation and curettage
 * DCM: dilated cardiomyopathy
 * DD: discharge diagnosis
 * DDD: daily defined doses
 * DDAVP: desmopression acetate, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopression
 * DDH: developmental dysplasia of the hip
 * D/DW: dextrose, distilled water
 * DDx: differential diagnosis
 * D&E: dilation and evacuation
 * decr.: decreased
 * dehyd.: dehydrated
 * Derm.: Dermatology
 * DES: Diethylstilbestrol
 * DES:Drug eluting stents
 * DHEA-S: dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate
 * DI: diabetes insipidus, diagnostic imaging
 * DIAG.: diagnosis
 * diam.: diameter
 * DIC: disseminated intravascular coagulation, disseminated coagulopathy
 * diff.: differential
 * dil.: dilute
 * dim.: diminished
 * DIP: distal interphalangeal (joint)
 * dis.: disease
 * disch.: discharge
 * disp.: disposition
 * dist.: distilled, distal
 * DIU: death in utero
 * div.: divorced
 * DJD: degenerative joint disease
 * DKA: diabetic ketoacidosis
 * DLE: disseminated lupus erythematosis
 * D/L: DI decilter
 * DM: diabetes mellitus, diastolic murmur
 * DMSA: dimercaptosuccinic acid
 * DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid
 * DNKA: did not keep appointment
 * DNR: do not resuscitate
 * DOA: dead on arrival
 * DOB: date of birth
 * DOE: dyspnea on exertion
 * Dors: dorsal
 * D.P.: dorsal pedia
 * DPT: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine
 * DR: delivery room
 * D&R: dilation and radium implant
 * DRPLA: dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy
 * drsg.: dressing
 * D/S: discharge summary
 * DSM-IV:diagnostic statistic manual IV
 * d/t: due to
 * DTR: deep tendon reflexes
 * DT’s: delirium tremens
 * DU: duodenal ulcer
 * DUB: dysfunctional uterine bleeding
 * DUI: driving under influence
 * DVT: deep vein thrombosis
 * D/W: dextrose in water
 * Dx: diagnosis

E

 * e: without
 * EBL: estimated blood loss
 * EBM: evidence based medicine
 * EBV: Epstein-Barr virus
 * EC: enterically coated
 * ECF: extended care facility, extracellular fluid
 * ECG: electrocardiogram
 * ECHO: enterocytopathogenic human orphan virus
 * E.coli: Escherichia coli
 * ECS: endocervical scrape
 * ECT: electroconvulsive
 * ED: emergency department
 * EDC: estimated date of confinement
 * EDOD: estimated date of delivery
 * EDRF: endothelium-derived relaxing factor
 * EEG: electroencephalogram
 * EENT: eyes, ears, nose, throat
 * EEX: electrodiagnosis
 * EGA: estimated gestational age
 * EGF: epidermal growth factor
 * EGD: esophago- gastroduodenoscopy
 * EKG: electrocardiogram
 * elev.: elevated
 * ELF: elective low forceps
 * ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
 * EmBx: endometrial biopsy
 * EMC: encephalomyocarditis
 * EMG: electromyogram
 * EMS: endometrial scrape, emergency medical service
 * EMSU: early morning specimen of urine
 * En.: enema
 * ENT: ears, nose, throat
 * Eoc.: eosinophiles
 * EOM: extraocular movement
 * Epis.: episiotomy
 * Epis.LML: left mediolateral episiotomy
 * Epis.: Med. medial episiotomy
 * Epis.: RML right mediolateral episiotomy
 * EPS: extrapyramidal side effects
 * ERCP: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
 * ERT: estrogen replacement therapy
 * ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate
 * EST: electroshock therapy
 * ETIOL.: etiology
 * ETOH: ethanol
 * EUA: examine under anesthesia
 * EUS: endoscopic ultrasonography
 * EVAL: evaluation
 * ex.: exercise, example
 * expir: expiration, expiratory
 * Exp.: Lap exploratory laparotomy
 * ext.: extremities, external
 * ext.: gen. external genitalia

F

 * F: finger, female, Fahrenheit
 * FA: fluorescent antibody
 * F.A.: first aid
 * F.B.: foreign body
 * FBC: full blood count
 * FBS: fasting blood sugar
 * FD: fully dilated
 * FDA: Food and Drug Administration
 * FDP: flexor digitorum profundus
 * Fe: def. iron deficiency
 * FEF: forced expiratory flow
 * FEKG: fetal electrocardiogram
 * fem.: femoral
 * fem.: pop. femoral popliteal
 * fet.: fetal
 * FEV: forced expiratory volume
 * f.f.: force fluid
 * FFP: fresh frozen plasma
 * fh: fundal height
 * FH: family history, fetal heart
 * FHR: fetal heart rate
 * FHR-UC: fetal heart rate- uterine contraction
 * FHT: fetal heart tones
 * FGR: fetal growth restriction
 * FiO2: faction of inspired oxygen concentration
 * fl.: fluids
 * flac.: flaccid
 * flex.: flexor, flexion
 * fl.: oz. fluid ounce
 * FM: finger movement
 * FNA: fine needle aspiration
 * FPAL: full term premature abortion living
 * fract.: fractional
 * FRC: functional residual capacity
 * FS: finger stick
 * FSGN: focal segmental glomerulonephritis
 * FSH: follicle stimulating hormone
 * FTA:fluorescent treponemal antibody
 * FT: full term
 * FTD: failure to descend
 * FTND: full term normal delivery
 * FTT: failure to thrive
 * FUB: functional uterine bleeding
 * F/U,F-U,F.U.: follow-up
 * FUO: fever of unknown origin
 * FVC: forced vital capacity
 * FW: fetal weight
 * Fx: fracture
 * fxn: function

G

 * G: gravida
 * G6PD: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
 * G.A.: general anesthesia
 * GB: gallbladder
 * GBM: glomerular basement membranes
 * GBS: gallbladder series
 * G.C.: gonococcus
 * GCA: giant cell arthritis
 * GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale
 * GE: Gastroenterology
 * G/E: gastroenteritis
 * GERD:Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease
 * gen,: genl. general
 * gest.: gestation
 * GFR: glomerular filtration rate
 * GGTP: gammaglutamyl transpeptidase
 * G.H.: growth hormone
 * G.I.: gastrointestinal
 * gluc: glucose
 * gm: gram
 * Gm+: gram positive
 * Gm-: gram negative
 * gm.%: grams per 100 c.c.
 * GMA: grand mal attack
 * GNC: general nursing care
 * GNR: gram-negative rod
 * GnRH: gonadortopin-releasing hormone
 * GP: General Practitioner, general paralysis
 * gr.: grain, grains (dosage)
 * Grav.: pregnancy
 * gt.: drop
 * Gt.tr.: gait training
 * gtts.: drops
 * GSW: gunshot wound
 * GTN: glyceryl trinitrate
 * GTT: glucose tolerance test
 * GU: genitourinary
 * GVH: graft-versus-host
 * G/W: glucose and water
 * GYN: Gynecology

H

 * h: hour
 * 5HIAA: 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
 * βHCG: Beta human chronic gonadotrophin
 * H2O: water
 * H: hydrogen history, hour, hypodermic
 * H/A: headache
 * HAF: hyperalimentation fluid
 * HASCVD: hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease
 * Hb.,Hgb: hemoglobin
 * HB: heart block
 * HBa1c: glycohemoglobin
 * HBP: high blood pressure
 * HC: head circumference
 * H&C: hot and cold
 * HCG: human chorionic gonadotropin
 * HCO3: bicarbonate
 * Hct.: hematocrit
 * HCVD: hypertensive cardiovascular disease
 * h.d.: at bedtime
 * Hd: head, Hodgkin’s disease
 * HDl: high density lipids
 * HEENT: head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
 * hern.: hernia
 * Hem: Hematology
 * Hem: Pro hematology profile
 * Hep.: Lock Heparin lock
 * HGO: hepatic glucose output
 * HH: hard of hearing
 * HIDA(scan): hepatobiliary scan
 * HIE: hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
 * hist.: history, histology
 * HIT: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
 * HIV: human immunodificiency virus
 * HKAFO: hip knee ankle foot orthosis
 * HLA: human leukocyte group A,histocompatibility leukocyte focus
 * HM: hand movement
 * HMD: hyaline membrane disease
 * HMG: human menopausal gonadotropin
 * HNP: herniated nucleus pulposus
 * h/o: history of
 * H.O.: house officer
 * HOB: head of bed
 * HOCM:hypotrophic cardiomyopathy
 * horiz.: horizontal
 * H&P: history and physical
 * hpf: high power field
 * HPI: history of present illness
 * HPL: human placental lactogen
 * HPV: human papilloma virus
 * HR: heart rate
 * H.R.S.T.: heat, reddening, swelling, tenderness
 * HRT: hormone replacement therapy
 * HS: bedtime
 * HSG: hysterosalpingography
 * HSP: henoch-schonlein syndrome
 * H2O2: hydrogen peroxide
 * Ht: height, heart
 * HTLV: human t cell lymphotropic virus
 * HTN:hypertension
 * HUS: hemplytoic uremic syndrome
 * HVD: hypertensive vascular disease
 * Hx: history
 * Hyperal.: hyperalimenation
 * Hz: hertz (cycles/second)
 * HZV: herpes zoster virus

I

 * I: radioactive iodine
 * IA: intra-arterially
 * IABP: intra-aortic balloon pump
 * IBD: inflammatory bowel disease
 * IBS: irritable bowel syndrome
 * i.c.: intracutaneous(ly)
 * ICCU: intensive coronary care unit
 * ICD: implantable cardic defribrillator
 * ICF: intracellular fluid
 * ICP: intracranial pressure
 * ICS: intercostal space
 * ICT: insulin coma therapy
 * ICU: intensive care unit
 * i.d.: during the day
 * ID: intradermal, identification, Infectious Disease
 * I&D: incision and drainage
 * IDDM: insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
 * I/E: inspiratory, expiratory
 * IFG: impared fasting glucose
 * Ig: immunoglobulin
 * IGA: immunoglobulin A
 * IGE: immunoglobulin E
 * IGF-1: insulin growth factor-1
 * IGG: immunoglobulin gamma G(Globulin)
 * IGM: immunoglobulin M
 * IH: infectious hepatitis
 * IHD: ischemic heart disease
 * IJ: intrajugular
 * IM: intramuscular, intramedullary
 * IMCU: intermediate medical care unit
 * imp.: impression
 * IMP: inpatient multidimensional
 * psych: scale
 * IMV: intermittent mandatory ventilation
 * In.: inches
 * Inc.: AB incomplete abortion
 * incr.: increased (ing)
 * Inev.: AB inevitable abortion
 * inf: infusion, inferior
 * INH: isoniazid
 * inj: injured, injection
 * INR: coagulant response time, international normalized ratio
 * inspir: inspiration, inspiratory
 * int.: internal
 * INTHC: intrathecally
 * IO: inferior oblique
 * I&O: intake and output
 * IOP: intraocular pressure
 * IP: intraperitoneal
 * IPJ: interphalangeal joint
 * IPPB: intermittent positive pressure breathing
 * IQ: intelligence quota
 * IRA:Infarct-related artery
 * IRA-ST:Infarct-related artery stent thrombosis
 * IRDS: idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome
 * irreg.: Irregular
 * IS: intercostal space
 * IST: insulin shock therapy
 * ITP: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
 * I,U.,: IU International Unit
 * IUC: intrauterine catheter
 * IUCP: intrauterine contraceptive device
 * IUD: intrauterine device
 * IUFD: intrauterine fetal death
 * IUGR: intrauterine growth retardation
 * IUP: intrauterine pregnancy
 * IUTP: intrauterine term pregnancy
 * IV: intravenous(ly)
 * IVC: inferior vena cava, intravenous cholangiogram
 * IVD: intervertebral disc
 * IVIG: intravenous immunoglobulin
 * IVP: intravenous pyelogram
 * IVPB: intravenous piggy back
 * IVU: intravenous urogram

J

 * J: joint
 * J-P: Jackson Pratt drain
 * JVD: jugular venous distension
 * JRA: juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
 * jt.: joint
 * JVP: jugular venous pulse

K

 * K: potassium, kidney
 * KC1: potassium chloride
 * Kcal.: Kilocalorie, calorie
 * Kg.,kg. : kilogram
 * KJ,: K-J knee jerk
 * KK: knee kick
 * KOH: potassium hydroxide
 * KS 17: keto steroids
 * KUB: kidney, ureter, bladder (x-rays)
 * KVO: keep vein open

L

 * L: left, liver, liter, lower, light, lumbar
 * L2,L3: second, third lumbar vertebrae
 * LA: left antrum
 * lab.: laboratory
 * lac.: laceration
 * lacr.: lacrimal
 * lact.: lactic
 * LAD: left anterior descending coronary artery
 * L&D: labor and delivery
 * LAE: left atrial enlargement
 * lam.: laminectomy
 * lap.: laparotomy
 * lat.: lateral
 * LAVH: laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy
 * lax: laxative
 * lb.: pound
 * LB: large bowel
 * LBBB: left bundle branch block
 * LBP: lower back pain
 * LBW: low birth weight
 * LCA: left coronary artery
 * LCL: lateral collateral ligament
 * LCV: leukocytoclastic vasculitis
 * L.D.: lethal dose
 * LDH: lactic dehydrogenase
 * LDL: low density lipids
 * LE: lupus erythematosus
 * L.E.: lower extremities
 * leuc.: leukocytes
 * LES: lower esophageal sphinchter
 * LF: low forceps, low flap
 * LFA: left frontoanterior
 * LFD: low forceps delivery
 * LFP: left frontoposterior
 * LFT: left frontotransverse, liver function test
 * lg: large, leg
 * LGA: large for gestational age
 * LGV: lymphogranuloma venereum
 * LH: luteinizing hormone, lactate dehydrogenase
 * LHT: left hypertrophia
 * LICS: left intercostal space
 * lig.: ligament
 * LIH: left inguinal hernia
 * liq.: liquid
 * LKS: liver, kidneys, spleen
 * LL: lower lid
 * LLE: left lower extremity
 * LLG: left lateral gaze
 * LLL: left lower lobe
 * LLQ: left lower quadrant
 * LMA: left mentoanterior
 * LMD: family doctor
 * l/min: liter per minute
 * LML: left mediolateral
 * LMP: left mentoposterior, last menstrual period
 * LMT: left mentotransverse
 * L.N.: lymph node
 * LNMP: last normal menstrual period
 * LOA: left occiput anterior
 * L.O.C.: loss of consciousness,
 * level: of consciousness,laxative of choice
 * LOM: left otitis media
 * LOP: left occipital posterior
 * LOS: length of stay
 * LOT: left occiput anterior
 * LP: lumbar puncture, light perception
 * lpf: low power field
 * LPN: licensed practical nurse
 * LR: labor room, lateral rectus, light reflex
 * LRQ: lower right quadrant
 * Ls.: loose
 * L.S.: lumbosacral
 * LSA: lateral sacrum anterior
 * LSB: left sternal border
 * LSCS: lower segment Cesarean section
 * LSD: lysergic acid diethylamide
 * LSK: liver, spleen, kidneys
 * LSO: left salpingo-oophorectomy
 * LSP: left sacrum posterior
 * LST: left sacrum transverse
 * Lt.: left, light
 * LTCS: low transverse Cesarean section
 * LUE: left upper extremity
 * LUL: left upper lobe
 * LUQ: left upper quadrant
 * LV: left ventricle
 * LVEDP: left ventricular end diastolic pressure
 * LVF: left ventricular failure
 * LVH: left ventricular hypertrophy
 * L: & W living and well
 * LWCT: Lee-White Clotting Time, coagulation time
 * Lymphs: lymphocytes
 * lytes: electrolytes

M

 * m.: minim
 * m,M: married, male, mother murmur, meter, mass, molar
 * MA: mental age
 * 'MACE:Major adverse cardiac events
 * macro.: macrocytic, macroscopic
 * MAHA: microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
 * MAO: monoamine oxidase
 * MAP: mean arterial pressure
 * MAT: multifocal atrial tachycardia
 * max.: maximum, maxillary
 * MBC: maximum breathing capacity
 * mcg.: microgram
 * MCH: mean corpuscular hemoglobin
 * MCHC: mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
 * MCL: midclavicular line
 * MCP: metacarpophalangeal joint
 * MCV: mean corpuscular volume
 * MD: muscular dystrophy
 * MDI: metered dose inhaler
 * Mdnt.: midnight
 * MDS: mylodysplastic syndrome
 * ME: middle ear, medical examiner
 * MEC: medical emergency clinic
 * Med.: medicine
 * MEN: multiple endocrine neoplasia
 * MEq./L: milliequivalents per liter
 * Mets.: metastasis
 * mg.: milligram
 * Mg.: magnesium
 * MG: myasthenia gravis
 * mg/dl: milligrams per deciliter
 * mg.%: milligrams per 100 cc
 * m.g.r.: murmurs, gallops, or rubs
 * MGUS: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
 * MH: marital history
 * MI: myocardial infarction, mitral insufficiency
 * micro: microcytic, microscopic
 * MICU: medical intensive care unit
 * min: minute
 * Mitr.I: mitral insufficiency
 * ml.: milliliter
 * MLF: medial longitudinal fasciculus
 * mm: millimeter
 * mm.: muscles
 * MM: mucous membrane
 * MMPI: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
 * Mn.: manganese, midnight
 * mod: moderate
 * MOM: milk of magnesia
 * mono.: monocyte
 * MP: metacarpophalangea, metacarpophalangeal
 * MPA: malpractice attorney
 * MPTP: 1-methyl-4-phenyl--1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
 * MR: medial rectus, mental retardation, mitral regurgitation
 * MRA: magnetic resonance angiogram
 * MRCP: magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
 * MRI: magnetic resonance imaging
 * MRM: modified radical mastectomy
 * MRV: magnetic resonance imaging
 * ms: mitral stenosis
 * Ms: murmurs
 * MS: mitral stenosis, multiple sclerosis, morphine sulfate
 * MSL: midsternal line
 * mss: massage
 * MSU: midstream specimen of urine
 * MT: metacarpophalangeal (joint)
 * MTP: metatarsophalangeal
 * MTX: methotrexate
 * M.T.: muscles and tendons
 * MVA: motor vehicle accident
 * MVP: mitral valve prolapse
 * MVR: mitral valve replacement
 * MW: maximum voluntary ventilation

N

 * n.: nerve
 * N2: nitrogen
 * N2O: nitrous oxide (anesthetic)
 * Na: sodium
 * NaCl: sodium chloride
 * NAD: no apparent distress
 * NASH: nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
 * nb: note well
 * NB: newborn
 * NBM: nothing by mouth
 * NBS: normal bowel sounds, normal breath sounds
 * NBT: nitroblue tetrazolium
 * NCT: nerve conduction test
 * NED: no evidence of disease
 * neg.: negative
 * NER: no evidence of recurrence
 * NERD: no evidence of recurrent disease
 * Neur.: Neurology
 * NG: nasogastric tube
 * NI: no insurance
 * NIC: neonatal intensive care
 * NICU: neonatal intensive care unit
 * NIDDM: noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus
 * NKA: no known allergies
 * nl: total neutral lipids
 * NM: neuromuscular
 * NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance
 * noct.: nocturnal
 * NOS: not otherwise specified
 * NP: neuropsychiatric
 * N.P.: Neuropsychiatry
 * NPH: NPH insulin (Neutral Protamine Zinc), normal pressure hydrocephalus
 * NPN: nonprotein nitrogen
 * NPO: nothing by mouth
 * NPR: normal pressure hydrocephalus
 * Ns.: nerves
 * N.S.: nervous system
 * NSA: no significant abnormality
 * NSAID: nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug
 * NSD: normal spontaneous delivery
 * NSR: normal sinus rhythm
 * NSS: normal saline solution (.09% NaCl)
 * NST: non-stress test
 * NSTEMI: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
 * N&V: nausea and vomiting
 * NS: Neurosurgery
 * NSVD: normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
 * NTG: nitroglycerine
 * NTP: normal temperature and pressure
 * nullip: never gave birth
 * NVD: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
 * N&W: normal and well
 * NWB: non-weight bearing
 * NYD: not yet diagnosed

O

 * o: none, without
 * O: oral
 * O2: oxygen
 * O2: cap. oxygen capacity
 * O2: sat. oxygen saturation
 * OA: osteoarthritis
 * OB,: OBG Obstetrics
 * OB/GYN: Obstetrics and Gynecology
 * Obs: observation
 * OBS: organic brain syndrome
 * OCC.: occipital, occasional
 * OCD: obsessive-conpulsive disorder, osteochrondritis dissecans
 * OCP: oral contraceptive pill
 * OD: right eye
 * O/E: on examination
 * OE: otitis externa
 * OGD: oesophago-gastric-dudenoscopy
 * OH: occupational history
 * 17: OH 17 hydroxy steroid
 * OHD: organic heart disease
 * oint.: ointment
 * O.M.: otitis media
 * OMS: organic mental syndrome
 * OOB: out of bed
 * Op.: operation
 * OPC: outpatient clinic
 * OPD: outpatient department
 * Ophth.: Ophthalmology
 * OR: operating room, open reduction
 * OR-IF: open reduction with internal fixation
 * ORT: operating room technician
 * Ortho.: Orthopaedic Surgery
 * os: opening, mouth, bone
 * OS: left eye
 * OSM: osmolality
 * ot.: ear
 * Oto: Otolaryngology
 * OTC: over-the-counter (pharmaceuticals)
 * O.T.: occupational therapy, old tuberculin
 * OU: both eyes
 * OV: office visit
 * oz.: ounce

P

 * P: after, phosphorus pulse
 * P2: pulmonic second heart sound
 * PA: physician’s assistant, pulmonary artery
 * P-A: posteroanterior
 * p & a: percussion and auscultation
 * PAC: premature atrial, auricular contraction
 * PaCO2: arterial carbon dioxide tension pressure
 * PACU: post anesthesia care unit
 * PAF: paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
 * palp.: palpate, palpated, palpable
 * PAN: Polyarteritis Nodosa
 * PaO2: alveolar oxygen pressure
 * Pap: Papanicolaou test (pap smear)
 * Para: prior births, paraplegic
 * PARU: post anesthesia recovery unit
 * PAS: pulmonary artery systolic pressure, periodic acid schiff
 * PAT: pregnancy at term, paroxysm atrial tachycardia
 * Path.: Pathology
 * PA: view posterioranterior view on x-ray
 * Pb: lead
 * PB: peripheral blood
 * PBI: protein bound iodine
 * p/c.,p.c.: after meals
 * PCL: posterior cruciate ligament
 * PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome
 * PCO2: carbon dioxide concentration
 * PCP: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, primary care physician, phencyclidine
 * PCT: prophyria cutanea tarda
 * PCV: packed cell volume (of blood)
 * PCWP: pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
 * PD: pupillary distance, peritoneal dialysis
 * PDA: patent ductus arteriosus
 * pdr.: powder
 * PDR: Physician’s Desk Reference
 * PDN: private duty nurse
 * PE: physical examination, pulmonary embolism
 * Ped.: Pediatrics
 * PEEP: positive end expiratory pressure
 * PEG: pneumoencephalogram
 * PEN: Penicillin
 * PERRLA: pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation (normal)
 * PES:Paclitaxel eluting stent/s
 * PET: positron emission tomography
 * PF: push fluids
 * PFC: persistent fetal circulation
 * PFT: pulmonary function test
 * pH: hydrogen ion concentration
 * PH: past history
 * pharm: pharmacy
 * PHYS.: physical, physiology
 * PI: present illness, pulmonary insufficiency
 * PICA: posterior inferior coronary artery
 * PICU: pulmonary intensive care unit
 * PID: pelvic inflammatory disease
 * PIP: proximal interphalangeal
 * Pit.: Pitocin
 * PKU: phenylkentonuria
 * Plac.: placenta
 * plts.: platelets
 * PM: petit mal
 * P.M.: afternoon, post-mortem
 * PMH: past medical history
 * PMI: point of maximal impulse
 * PMLE: polymorphous light eruption
 * PMN: polymorphonuclear (leukocytes)
 * PM&R: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
 * PN: poorly nourished, practical nurse
 * P&N: Psychiatry and Neurology
 * PNC: prenatal clinic, premature nodal contraction
 * PND: paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, post nasal drip
 * PNS: peripheral nervous system
 * pneu.: pneumo, pneumonia
 * PNI: peripheral nerve injury
 * PNX: pneumothorax
 * p.o.: by mouth
 * PO2: oxygen pressure (or tension)
 * POC: product of conception
 * p.o.d.: postoperative day
 * polys: polymorphonuclear leukocytes
 * POMR: problem oriented medical record
 * poplit.: popliteal
 * pos.: positive
 * post.: posterior
 * POSTOP.: postoperative
 * Posm: plasma osmolality
 * pot.: or potass. potassium
 * pp: post partum, post prandial
 * PPBS: post prandial blood sugar
 * PPD: purified protein derivative
 * PPF: protein plasma fractional
 * PPH: post partum hemorrhage
 * PPI: proton pump inhibitor
 * ppm: parts per million
 * PPPG: post prandial plasma glucose
 * p.r.: per rectum
 * PR: Proctology, pityriasis rosea
 * PRBC: packed red blood cells
 * PRE: progressive resistive exercise
 * prem: premature
 * pre-op: preoperative
 * prep.: prepare for
 * primip.: first pregnancy
 * PRL: Prolactin
 * PRP: pitriasis rubra pilaris
 * p.r.m.: according to circumstances
 * p.r.n.,: PRN as often as necessary
 * prod.: productive
 * Prog.: prognosis
 * PROM: passive range of motion, premature rupture of membranes
 * pron.: pronator, pronation
 * pros.: prostate, prostatic
 * prosth.: prosthesis
 * prot.: protein, Protestant
 * pro.time: prothrombin time
 * PS: pulmonary stenosis, psychotic, Plastic Surgery
 * PSA: prostate specific antigen
 * PSH: past surgical history
 * psi: pounds per square inch
 * PSMA: progressive spinal muscular atrophy
 * Psych.: Psychiatry
 * pt.,Pt.: patient
 * PT: physical therapy, prothrombin time
 * P.T.: physical therapy, posterior tibial artery pulse
 * PTA: prior to admission, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
 * PTB: patellar tendon bearing
 * PTC: percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
 * PTCA: percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (balloon angioplasty)
 * PTH: parathyroid hormone
 * PTT: partial thromboplastin time
 * PTU: propylthiouracil
 * PU: pregnancy urine
 * PUD: peptic ulcer disease
 * PUPPP: pruritic urticarial papules & plaques of pregnancy
 * PUVA: psoralen with ultraviolet a phototherapy
 * PV: plasma volume, peripheral vascular, per vaginam
 * PVC: premature ventricular contraction
 * PVD: peripheral vascular disease
 * PVR: pulmonary vascular resistance
 * PVRI: pulmonary vascular resistance index
 * PVT: previous trouble
 * PWB%: partial weight bearing with percent
 * Px,: PX physical examination

Q

 * q: every
 * q.d.: every day
 * q.h.: every hour
 * q2H: every two hours
 * q4H: every four hours
 * q.i.d.: four times a day
 * q.i.w.: four times a week
 * q.l.: as much as desired
 * qn, q.n.: every night
 * q.n.s.,QNS: quantity not sufficient
 * q.o.d.: every other day
 * QOL: quality of life
 * q.o.n.: every other night
 * q.p.: as much as you please
 * q.q.,Q.Q.: each, every
 * q.q.h.: every four hours
 * q.s.: quantity, sufficient
 * qt.: quart
 * qts.: drops
 * quad.: quadriplegic
 * quant.: quantitative or quantity
 * q.v.: as much as you wish
 * q.w.: every week

R

 * r.,R: right, rectal, roentgen, x-ray
 * R.: rub, rectal temperature
 * Ra: radium
 * RA: rheumatoid arthritis, right atrium
 * rad.: radial
 * RAI: radioactive iodine
 * RAIU: radioactive iodine uptake
 * r.a.m.: rapid alternating movements
 * R.A.S.: right arm sitting
 * RAST: radioallergen sorbine test
 * RAtx: radiation therapy
 * RBBB: right bundle branch block
 * rbc/RBC: red blood cell, red blood count
 * RCA: right coronary artery
 * RCS: reticulum cell sarcoma
 * RCT: randomized controlled trial
 * RCU: respiratory care unit
 * RD: respiratory distress, reaction to degeneration
 * RDS: respiratory distress syndrome
 * RDW: red cell distribution width
 * RE: reconditioning exercise
 * rect.: rectum, rectal (ly), rectus muscle
 * reg.: regular
 * rehab.: rehabilitation
 * REM: rapid eye movement
 * resp.: respiratory, respirations
 * RF: rheumatic fever, rheumatoid factor
 * RFA: right frontoanterior
 * RFP: right frontoposterior
 * RFT: right frontotransverse
 * Rh,: Rh. rhesus blood factor
 * RH: right hyperphoria
 * RHD: rheumatic heart disease
 * RHF: right heart failure
 * RHT: right hypertrophia
 * RIH: right inguinal hernia
 * RIND: reversible ischemic neurologic deficits
 * RLA: Rancho Los Amigo Scale
 * R to L&A : react to light and accommodation
 * RLE: right lower extremity
 * RLF: retrolental fibroplasia
 * RLL: right lower lobe
 * RLQ: right lower quadrant
 * RLS: restless leg syndrome
 * RMA: right mentoanterior
 * RML: right mediolateral,
 * right: middle lobe
 * RMP: right mentoposterior
 * RMSF: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
 * RMT: right mentotransverse
 * RNA: ribonucleic acid
 * RO,R/O: rule out
 * ROA: right occipital anterior
 * ROM: range of motion, rupture of membranes,right otitis media
 * ROP: right occipital posterior
 * ROS: review of systems
 * ROT: right occipital transverse
 * RP: retrograde pyelogram
 * RPR: rapid plasma reagin
 * RQ: respiratory quotient
 * RR: recovery room
 * RRE, RR&E: round, regular, and equal
 * RSO: right salpingo-oophorectomy
 * RSA: right sacrum anterior
 * RSD: reflex sympathetic dystrophy
 * RSP: right sacrum posterior
 * RSR: regular sinus rhythm
 * RST: right sacrum transverse
 * RSV: respiratory syncytial virus
 * Rt.: right
 * RT: radiation therapy, respiratory therapy
 * RTC: return to clinic
 * RUC: regular uterine contraction
 * RUE: right upper extremity
 * RUL: right upper lobe
 * RUQ: right upper quadrant
 * RV: residual volume, right ventricular
 * RVH: right ventricular hypertrophy
 * Rx: therapy, prescription

S

 * s: without
 * S: sensation, sensitive, serum
 * S1: first heart sound
 * S2: second heart sound
 * S3: third heart sound
 * S4: fourth heart sound
 * Sa.: Saline
 * S&A: sugar and acetone
 * SAH: systemic arterial hypertension, subarachnoid hemmorage
 * SaO2: arterial oxygen saturation
 * SB: stillborn
 * SBE: subacute bacterial endocarditis
 * SBFT: small bowel follow through (x-ray)
 * SBO: small bowel obstruction
 * SBP: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis,systolic blood pressure
 * s.c.: subcutaneous(ly)
 * SC: sickle cell
 * SCA: spinocerebellar ataxia
 * SCC: sickle cell crisis
 * SCD: sudden cardiac death
 * schiz: schizophrenia
 * SCIWORA: spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality
 * SCU: special care unit
 * SDH: subdural hematoma
 * s/e: side effect
 * sec: second
 * sed.: rate erythrocyte sedimentation rate
 * sem.: ves seminal vesicles
 * Sens.: sensory, sensation
 * SES: Sirolimus eluting stent/s
 * sep.: separated
 * Sept.: AB septic abortion
 * Serol.: serology, serological test
 * SGA: small for gestational age
 * s.gl.: without correction (without glasses)
 * SGOT,SGO-T: serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase
 * SH: social history, serum hepatitis
 * SI: sacroiliac joint, stroke index
 * SIADH: syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone Secretion
 * sib.: sibling
 * SICU: surgical intensive care unit
 * SIDS: sudden infant death syndrome
 * SJS: stevens johnson syndrome
 * skel.: skeletal
 * Sl.: slightly
 * SL: under the tongue
 * SLE: systemic lupus erythematosus
 * SLR: straight leg raising
 * sm: small
 * SMA-14: routine admission chemistry
 * SNS: sympathetic nervous system
 * SO: superior oblique
 * SO4: sulfate
 * S.O.A.P.: subjective, objective assessment plan
 * SOB: shortness of breath
 * sod.: sodium
 * Sol.: solution
 * sono.: sonogram
 * S.O.S.: repeat once if urgent
 * sp.: spine, spinal
 * S/P: status post (previous condition)
 * sp.cd.: spinal cord
 * spec.: specimen
 * SPEP: serum protein electrophoresis
 * sp.fl.: spinal fluid
 * spg.: sponge
 * sp.gr: specific gravity
 * sp&H: speech and hearing
 * spin.: spine, spinal
 * spont.: spontaneous
 * SQ: subcutaneous
 * SR: system review, superior rectus muscle,sedimentation rate, stimulus response
 * SROM: spontaneous rupture of membranes
 * S/S: signs and symptoms
 * SS: social service
 * SSE: soap suds enema
 * SSRI: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
 * SSS: sick sinus syndrome
 * st: stage (of disease)
 * st.: stomach
 * ST: Stent thrombosis
 * Staph,: Staph. staphylococcus
 * stat.,STAT: immediately
 * STD: sexually transmitted disease
 * STEMI:ST - segment elevation myocardial infarction
 * stom,st.: stomach
 * strep.: streptococcus
 * S.T.S.: serological test for syphilis
 * subcut.: subcutaneous
 * subling.: sublingual
 * sulf.: sulfate
 * sup.: superior
 * supin.: supination
 * supp: suppository
 * surg.: surgery, surgical
 * SVC: superior vena cava
 * SVD: spontaneous vaginaldelivery
 * SVR: systemic vascular resistance
 * SVT: supra ventricular tachycardia
 * SWD: short wave diathermy
 * Sx: symptoms
 * sys.: system
 * syst.: systolic

T

 * T3: triodothyronine
 * T4: total serum thyroxine
 * TA: tendon Achilles, temporal artery
 * T&A: tonsils and adenoids, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
 * T&C: type and crossmatch
 * tab.: tablet
 * TAB: therapeutic abortion
 * TAH: total abdominal hysterectomy
 * TAO: thyroid-associated orbitopathy
 * T.A.T.: tetanus antitoxin
 * TB: tuberculosis
 * TBI: total body irradiation
 * TBLC: term birth living child
 * tbsp.: tablespoon
 * TCA: tricyclic antidepressants
 * TCDB: turn, cough, deep breathe
 * TEE: transesophageal echocardiography
 * temp: temperature
 * TEN: toxic epidermal necrolysis
 * TENS: transient electric nerve stimulation
 * TESD: total end systolic diameter
 * T.F.: tuning fork
 * T of F: tetralogy of Fallot
 * TFT: thyroid function test
 * TGA: transposition great vessels
 * THERAP.: therapy,therapeutic
 * thor.: thorax, thoracic
 * THR: total hip replacement
 * TI: tricuspid insufficiency
 * TIA: transient ischemic shock, transient ischemic attack
 * TIBC: total iron binding capacity
 * t.i.d.: three times a day
 * TIP: terminal interphalangeal (joint)
 * TIPS: transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
 * TIUP: term intrauterine pregnancy
 * t.i.w.: three times per week
 * TJ: triceps reflex
 * TKR: total knee replacement
 * TLC: tender loving care, total lung capacity
 * TLR:Target lesion revascularization
 * T.M.: tympanum membrani (ear drum)
 * TMP/SMX: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
 * TMJ: temporomandibular joint dysfunction
 * TNF: tumor necrosis factor
 * TNI: total nodal irradiation
 * TNM: tumor, nodes, and metastases
 * TO: telephone order
 * TOA: tubo-ovarian abscess
 * to: AA to affected areas
 * T,OD: tension, right eye
 * TORCH: (titer) toxoplamosis others (hepatitis, beta strep, flu, mumps, etc.) rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV),herpes virus II
 * TP: term pregnancy
 * TPA: thrombo proteolytic activity
 * TPN: total parenteral nutrition
 * TPR: temperature, pulse, respiration
 * tr: trace
 * trach: tracheostomy
 * TS: tricuspid stenosis
 * TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone
 * tsp.: teaspoon
 * TSS: toxic shock syndrome
 * T,T.: temperature, thoracic
 * TT: thormbin time
 * TTKG: transtubular potassium gradient (in k)
 * TTI: total thromboplastin index
 * TTP: thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura
 * T-Tube: cholangiogram
 * TUR: transurethral resection
 * TURB: transurethral resection of the bladder
 * TURP: transurethral resection of the prostate
 * TV: tidal volume
 * TVH: total vaginal hysterectomy
 * TVR: tricuspid valve replacement
 * TVR:Target vessel revasculrization
 * Tx: treatment, traction

U

 * U.: unit
 * U&Es: urea and electrolytes
 * U/A: urinalysis
 * UC: uterine contractions, ulcerative colitis
 * UCD: usual childhood diseases
 * UCG: urinary chorionic gonadotropin
 * UCHD: usual childhood diseases
 * UG: upward gaze
 * UGI: upper gastrointestinal series (x-rays),
 * UOP: urine output
 * Uosm: urine osmolality
 * UPEP: urine protein electrophoresis
 * upper: gastrointestinal tract
 * UL: upper lid
 * uln: ulnar
 * ULQ: upper left quadrant
 * ung.: ointment
 * unilat.: unilateral
 * u/o: under observation for, urine output
 * Ur.: urine
 * URD: upper respiratory disease
 * URI: upper respiratory infection
 * Urol.: Urology
 * URQ: upper right quadrant
 * u/s,: US ultrasound
 * USI: urinary stress incontinence
 * USN: ultrasonic nebulizer
 * USP.: United States Pharmacy
 * USPHA: United States Public Health Administration
 * ut.: uterus, uterine
 * UTI: urinary tract infection
 * UVA: ultraviolet A
 * UVB: ultraviolet B
 * UVL: ultraviolet light

V

 * V: vein
 * VA: visual acuity
 * vag: vagina, vaginal
 * VC,: (vit.cap) vital capacity
 * VCS: vasoconstrictor substance
 * VCUG: voiding cystourethrogram
 * Vd: void
 * VD: venereal disease
 * VDRL: blood test for syphilis
 * vent.: ventilator
 * VEP: visual evoked potential
 * vert.: vertical
 * VF: visual fields, ventricular fibrillation
 * Vfib: ventricular fibrillation
 * VG: vein graft
 * VHD: valvular heart disease
 * VI: volume index
 * V.I.: vaginal irrigation
 * Via: by way of
 * VIP: vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
 * VIPS: voluntary interruption of pregnancy and sterilization service
 * vit.: vitamin
 * VLDL: very low density lipoproteins
 * VM: vestibular membrane
 * VMA: vanillylmandelic acid
 * VN: visiting nurse
 * VO: verbal order
 * VOD: vision right eye
 * vol: volume
 * VOS: vision left eye
 * VP: venous pressure
 * VPC: ventricular premature contraction
 * V/Q: ventilation and quantitative scan, ventilation/perfusion ratio
 * VS,V.S.: vital signs
 * VSA: vital signs absent
 * VSD: ventricular septal defect
 * VSS: vital signs stable
 * VT,V Tach : ventricular tachycardia
 * V & T: volume and tension (pulse)
 * VTX: vertex
 * Vx.: vertex presentation
 * VZV: varicella-zoster virus

W

 * W: widowed, white
 * W/A: while awake
 * Wass.: Wasserman
 * WB: whole blood
 * wbc,: WBC white blood cells, white blood count
 * W/C,: wh.ch. wheelchair
 * WBT: weight bearing to tolerance
 * WDWN: well developed, well nourished
 * WE: wide excision
 * WF: white female
 * WHR: waist-to-hip ratio
 * wk: week
 * WM: white male
 * w/n: within
 * WN: well nourished
 * WNL: within normal limits
 * WP: whirlpool
 * WPW: wolff-parkinson-white syndrome
 * wt.: weight
 * w/u: workup

X

 * x: times
 * X: exophoria distance
 * XRT: radiotherapy
 * XT: exotrophia distance

Y

 * y.o.: years old
 * yrs.: years

=References= Attributions to Wikipedia and its contributors
 * 1) isbn=140510368X Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:x-xii
 * 2) isbn=0443100616 Lim, Eric, Raftery, Andrew T. Differential Diagnosis, 2nd Edition. London, England: Elsevier Publishing, 2005:vii-ix