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