Medical abbreviations

1/7 - One day - A period of twenty-four hours.

1/52 - One week - A period of seven days.

1/12 - One month - A period of about four weeks or thirty days.

# - Fracture - A break or crack in a bone.

? - Suspected - A condition that is believed to be present or likely.

ADR - Adverse drug reaction - Negative or harmful effects caused by taking a medication.

AF - Atrial fibrillation - Irregular and fast heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart.

ANP - Advanced nurse practitioner - Highly skilled nurse with advanced training and greater responsibilities.

APBM - Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring - Device worn to measure blood pressure outside of healthcare setting

AXR - Abdominal x-ray - A type of medical imaging to examine the abdomen.  

B.D - Twice daily - A prescription shorthand for "take twice a day."

BCC - Basal cell carcinoma - A type of skin cancer that starts in the basal cells.

BMD - Bone mineral density - The strength and density of your bones.

BMI - Body mass index - A measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

BNO - Bowels not opened - When you are unable to poop or have a bowel movement.

BO - Bowels open - When you are able to poop or have a bowel movement.

BOR - Bowels open regularly - When you have regular and frequent bowel movements.

BP - Blood pressure - The force of blood against the walls of your arteries.

Ca - Cancer - Cancer is a disease where cells grow uncontrollably and harmfully.

CABG - Coronary artery bypass graft - Heart surgery to reroute blood around blocked heart arteries.

CAD - Coronary artery disease - Heart illness caused by blocked or narrow blood vessels.

CCF - Congestive cardiac failure - Heart condition where the heart doesn't pump blood properly.

C/C - Chief complaint - Main reason for seeking medical help or doctor's visit.

CD - Controlled drug - Medication with strict regulations due to potential misuse or abuse.

CH - Community hospital - A local hospital that provides basic medical services in the community.

CKD - Chronic kidney disease - A condition where kidneys don't work well for a long time.

CMHN - Community mental health nurse - A nurse who helps people with mental health issues in the community.

CNS - Central nervous system - The body's control centre, responsible for sending messages all over the body to make muscles move and help you feel things. It's made up of the brain and the spinal cord, which carries messages between the brain and body.

C/O - Complains of - Patient states they are feeling unwell or experiencing pain or discomfort in something.

COC - Combined oral contraceptive - Birth control pill that contains two hormones to prevent pregnancy.

CPN - Community psychiatric nurse - A nurse who helps people with mental health issues in the community.

CRP - C-reactive protein - A measure of inflammation in the body. It helps doctors check for infections or diseases like arthritis and heart problems by looking at blood tests.

CSF - Cerebrospinal fluid - The fluid that protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.

CSU - Catheter specimen of urine - Urine sample collected with a small tube inserted into the bladder.

CT scan - Computerised tomography - Detailed body scan using specialised X-ray technology and computer processing.

CVA - Cerebrovascular accident - Sudden damage to the brain caused by a blood vessel problem.

CVS - Cardiovascular system - The network of the heart and blood vessels in the body.

CVP - Central venous pressure - Pressure in the large veins that carry blood to the heart.

CXR - Chest x-ray - An image of the chest using x-rays to check for abnormalities. 

D-Dimer - A fibrin break down product - A blood test to check for blood clotting problems by measuring D-dimer, which is a protein produced when the body breaks down a blood clot.

D+F - Diet and fluid - Food and drinks consumed for nourishment and hydration.

DC - Discharge - Leaving the hospital after medical treatment is complete.

DDx - Differential diagnosis - Determining the different possible causes of a medical condition.

DEXA - Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry - A scan that measures bone density to detect osteoporosis.

DIP - Distal Interphalangeal (joint) - Joint at the end of your finger or toe.

DM - Diabetes Mellitus - A condition where blood sugar levels are high.

DN - District Nurse - A nurse who works in a specific area or community.

DNA - Did Not Attend - A missed scheduled appointment.

DNACPR - Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation - Don't try to bring someone back to life.

DNAR - Do not attempt resuscitation - Don't try to bring someone back to life.

DoA - Dead on Arrival - The person is already deceased upon arrival.

DU - Duodenal Ulcer - A sore in the first part of the small intestine.

D&V - Diarrhoea & Vomiting - Diarrhoea: frequent, watery poop. Vomiting: forcefully throwing up stomach contents.

DVT - Deep vein thrombosis - Blood clot in a vein, usually in the leg.

Dx - Diagnosis - Identifying a person's illness or medical condition.

E/C - Enteric Coated - A protective covering for medicine that dissolves in the intestine.

ECG - Electrocardiogram - A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

ED - Emergency department - A hospital area for immediate medical assistance in urgent situations.

EEG - Electroencephalogram - A test that records brain activity to diagnose neurological conditions.

EMU - Early morning urine sample - A urine sample collected in the morning shortly after waking up.

ENT - Ear, Nose & Throat - Conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat.

EOL - End of life - The final stage of a person's existence.

ESR - Erythrocyte sedimentation rate - A test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle.

EUA - Examination under anaesthetic - A medical test conducted while being numbed or asleep.

FBC - Full blood count - A test that measures different components of your blood. 

FH - Family History - Information about your ancestors and their health conditions. 

FU - Follow up - Checking or monitoring progress after a previous appointment or treatment.

FSH - Follicle Stimulating Hormone - Hormone that helps eggs grow in the ovaries. 

Fx - Fracture - A break or crack in a bone.

GI - Gastrointestinal - The system in our body that digests food and absorbs nutrients.

GORD - Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease - A condition where stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, causing discomfort.

gtt - Drops - Abbreviation from latin "guttae" meaning 'drops' used in medical prescriptions.

GUM - Genito-Urinary Medicine - The medical field dedicated to diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems.

Hb - Haemoglobin - A Protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells.

HbA1C - Glycosylated Haemoglobin - A measure of average blood sugar levels over a few months.

HCA - Health Care Assistant - A person who helps with basic patient care in healthcare.

HCG - Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin - A hormone produced during pregnancy detected in pregnancy tests.

HDL - High Density Lipoprotein - The "good cholesterol" that helps protect your heart.

HF - Heart failure - When the heart can't pump blood properly.

HH - Hiatus Hernia - When part of the stomach pushes up through the opening in the diaphragm muscle.

h/o - History of - Used in medical or personal records to note patient has a history of something.

HR - Heart rate - Number of times the heart beats per minute.

HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy - A treatment using hormones to help with menopause.

HTN - Hypertension - High blood pressure.

Hx - History of - Used in medical or personal records to note patient has a history of something.

IM - Intramuscular - Injecting medicine into a muscle for medical treatment.

INR - International normalised ratio - A blood test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot.

IV - Intravenous - Injecting medication or fluid directly into a vein for treatment.

IVABX - Intravenous antibiotics - Medicine given directly into the veins to treat bacterial infections.

IVI - Intravenous infusion - Delivering fluids and medications directly into a vein using a tube.

IOP - Intraocular Pressure - The pressure inside the eyeball.

IX - Investigations - Tests and examinations to diagnose and monitor health conditions.

IBS - Irritable bowel syndrome - A digestive disorder causing stomach pain, cramps, and changes in bowel habits.

JVP - Jugular Venous Pressure - The pressure in the neck veins used to check blood flow. It's used to see if the heart is working properly or if someone has heart problems.

LDL - Low-density lipoprotein - "Bad cholesterol" that can clog arteries and cause heart disease.

LFT - Liver function test - A blood test that measures how well the liver works.

LTOT - Long term oxygen therapy - Continuous use of oxygen to treat chronic breathing problems.

LVF - Left ventricular failure - When the left side of the heart can't pump blood well.  

mane - In the morning - A prescription shorthand for "take in the morning."

m.d - As directed - A prescription shorthand for "as directed".

MDI - Metered dose inhaler - Inhaler that delivers measured amount of medication when used.

MDT - Multi-disciplinary Team - A team with people from different fields working together.

MFFD - Medically fit for discharge - Ready to leave the hospital after being medically cleared.

MI - Myocardial Infarction - When the heart muscle doesn't get enough blood.

mitte - Send - A prescription shorthand for "send" or "dispense".

M/R - Modified release - Changing how a medicine is slowly released into the body.

MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging - A machine that takes detailed pictures of your body using magnets.

MSU - Mid-stream urine sample - A urine sample collected after the flow has started.

MOFD - Medically optimised for discharge - Ready to leave the hospital after improving medical condition.

NAD - No abnormality detected - No issues found during examination or testing.

NBM - Nil by mouth - Do not eat or drink anything.

NG - Nasogastric - Tube from nose to stomach for feeding or drainage.

nocte - At night - A prescription shorthand for "take at night".

NoF - Neck of femur - The upper part of the leg bone near the hip.

o.d, OD - Once a day - A prescription shorthand for "take once each day".

o.m - Every morning - A prescription shorthand for "take every morning".

o.n - Every night - A prescription shorthand for "take every night".

OT - Occupational therapist - A professional who helps people regain skills for daily life.

PO - Orally/ By mouth - Taken by mouth, medication or treatment through the digestive system.

POC - Package of care - A collection of services provided to meet someone's healthcare needs.

PR - Per rectum - Through the rectum; an examination or treatment using the anus.

p.r.n, PRN - When required - A prescription shorthand for "take when required".

q.d.s, QDS - Four times a day - A prescription shorthand for "take four times a day".

RR - Respiratory rate - Number of breaths taken per minute.

R/V - Review - A thorough evaluation of someone's health or treatment.

SALT - Speech and Language Therapy - Professionals helping with speaking and communication difficulties through therapy.

SC - Subcutaneous (injection/infusion) - Give medicine just under the skin.

SL - Sublingual - Give medicine under the tongue.

SNT - Soft not tender - An area without pain or discomfort.

SOB - Shortness of Breath - Difficulty breathing.

stat - Immediately - A prescription shorthand for "take immediately".

t.d.s, TDS - Three times a day - A prescription shorthand for "take three times a day".

TFT - Thyroid function test - Blood tests to see how your thyroid gland is working.

TWOC - Trial without catheter - Test if you can pee without a tube in your bladder.

U&E - Urea and electrolytes - Tests to check kidney function and electrolyte levels in the body.

UTI - Urinary tract infection - A bacterial infection in the urinary system causing discomfort and pain.

VTE - Venous thromboembolism - A blood clot that forms in a vein and can move to other parts of the body.

WSP - White soft paraffin - A white and smooth substance used for protecting the skin.

YSP - Yellow soft paraffin - A yellow and smooth substance used for protecting the skin.