COMMON MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS

• *Rx*= Prescription
• *Hx* = History
• *Dx* = Diagnosis
• *q* = Every
• *qd* = Every day
• *qod* = Every other day
• *qh* = Every Hour
• *S* = without
• *SS* = One & half
• *C* = With
• *SOS* = If needed
• *AC* = Before Meals
• *PC* = After meals
• *BID* = Twice a Day
• *TID* = Thrice a Day
• *QID* = Four times a day
• *OD* = Once a Day
• *BT* = Bed Time
• *hs* = Bed Time
• *BBF* = Before Breakfast
• *BD* = Before Dinner
• *Tw* = Twice a week
• *SQ* = sub cutaneous
• *IM* = Intramuscular
• *ID* = Intradermal
• *IV* = Intravenous
• *Q4H* = (every 4 hours)
• *QOD* = (every other day)
• *HS* = (at bedtime)
• *PRN* = (as needed)
• *PO or "per os"* (by mouth)
• *Mg* = (milligrams)
• *Mcg/ug* = (micrograms)
• *G or Gm* = (grams)
• *1TSF* (Teaspoon) = 5 ml
• *1 Tablespoonful* = 15ml
• *DDx* =differential Diagnosis
• *Tx* = Treatment
• *RTx* = Radiotherapy
• *CTx* = Chemotherapy
• *R/O* = rule out
• *s.p* = status post
• *PMH(x)* = post medical history
• *Px* = Prognosis
• *Ix* = Indication
• *CIx* = contraindication
• *Bx* = biopsy
• *Cx* = complication...
● KNOWLEDGE ABOUT BLOOD ●
1. Which is known as ‘River of Life’?
ー Answer: Blood
2. Blood circulation was discovered by?
ー Answer: William Harvey
3. The total blood volume in an adult?
ー Answer: 5-6 Litres
4. The pH value of Human blood?
ー Answer: 7.35-7.45
5. The normal blood cholesterol level?
ー Answer: 150-250 mg/100 ml
6. The fluid part of blood?
ー Answer: Plasma
7. Plasma protein fibrinogen has an active role in?
ー Answer: Clotting of blood
8. Plasma protein globulins functions as?
ー Answer: Antibodies
9. Plasma proteins maintain the blood pH?
ー Answer: Albumins
10. Biconcave discs shaped blood cell?
ー Answer: RBC (Erythrocytes)
11. Non nucleated blood cell?*
ー Answer: RBC (Erythrocytes)
12. Respiratory pigments present in RBC?
ー Answer: Haemoglobin
13. Red pigment present in RBC?
ー Answer: Haemoglobin
14. RBC produced in the?
ー Answer: Bone marrow
15. Iron containing pigment of Haemoglobin?
ー Answer: Haem
16. Protein containing pigment of Haemoglobin?
ー Answer: Globin
17. Graveyard of RBC?
ー Answer: Spleen
18. Blood bank in the body?
ー Answer: Spleen
19. Life span of RBC?
ー Answer: 120 Days
20. Total count is measured by an instrument known as?
ー Answer: Haemocytometer
21. A decrease in RBC count is known as?
ー Answer: Anemia
22. An increase in RBC count is known as?
ー Answer: Polycythemia
23. A high concentration of bilirubin in the blood causes?
ー Answer: Jaundice
24. The disease resistant blood cell?
ー Answer: WBC (leucocytes)
25. Which WBC is known as soldiers of the body?
ー Answer: Neutrophils
26. Largest WBC?
ー Answer: Monocyes
27. Smallest WBC?
ー Answer: Lymphocytes
28. Antibodies producing WBC?
ー Answer: Lymphocytes
29. Life span of WBC?
ー Answer: 10-15 days
30. Blood cell performs an important role in blood clotting?
ー Answer: Thrombocytes (Platelets)
31. Vessels is called?
ー Answer: Thrombus
32. Anticoagulant present in Blood?
ー Answer: Heparin
33. A hereditary bleeding disease?
ー Answer: Haemophilia
34. Bleeder’s disease?
ー Answer: Haemophilia
35. Christmas disease?
ー Answer: Haemophilia
36. A type of Anemia with sickle shaped RBC?
ー Answer: Sickle cell anemia
37. Viscosity of Blood?
ー Answer: 4.5 to 5.5
38. Instrument used to measure haemoglobin?
ー Answer: Haemoglobinometer
39. Who demonstrated blood groups?
ー Answer: Karl Landsteiner
40. Who demonstrated Rh factor?
ー Answer: Karl Landsteiner
41. Blood group which is called Universal donor?
ー Answer: O
42. Blood group which is called Universal recipient?
ー Answer: AB
43. Blood group is most common among the Asians?
ー Answer: B
● MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ●
ー Everybody should know the basic functioning of Human
Body and its main parts in order to express and explain their
ailment to the Doctor and at the same time one should be
able to understand the diagnosis expressed by the Doctor in
the medical terminology. For easy recognition of the
Compounded Words used in the Medical Terminology for
naming the disease, Suffixes are added to Prefixes. For this
hereunder giving you a few such prefixes for your ready
reference and understanding.
PREFIX - MEANINGS
1. Adeno - Glandular
2. An - Not
3. Anti - Against
4. Aorto - Aorta
5. Artho - joint
6. Bleph - Eyelid
7. Broncho - Bronchi
8. Cardio - Heart
9. Cephal - Head
10. Cerebro - Brain
11. Cervico - Cervix
12. Cholecysto - Gall Bladder
13. Coli - Bowel
14. Colpo - Vagina
15. Entero - Intestine
16. Gastro - Stomach
17. Glosso - Tongue
18. Haema - Blood
19. Hepa - Liver
20. Hystero - Uterus
21. Laryngo - Larynx
22. Leuco - White
23. Metro - Uterus
24. Myelo - Spinal cord
25. Myo - Muscle
26. Nephro - Kidney
27. Neuro - Nerve
28. Odonto - Tooth
29. Orchido - Testis
30. Osteo - Bone
31. Oto - Ear
32. Pharyngo - Pharynx
33. Pio - Pus
34. Pneumo - Lung
35. Ren - Kidney
36. Rhin - Nose
37. Spleno - Spleen
38. Thyro - Thyroid Gland
39. Urethro - Urethra
40. Vesico – Bladder
ー Here are the suffixes used in Medical terminology. Check
out!
SUFFIX - MEANINGS
1. -aemia : Blood
2. -algia : Pain
3. -derm : skin
4. -dynia : pain
5. -ectomy : removal
6. -Itis : inflammation
7. -lithiasis : Presence of Stone
8. -malacia : softening
9. -oma : tumour
10. -opia : eye
11. -osis : Condition,excess
12. -otomy : incision of
13. -phobia : fear
14. -plasty : surgery
15. -plegia : peralysis
16. -ptosis : falling
17. -rhoea : excessive discharge
18. -rhage : to burst forth
19. -rhythmia : rhythm.
20. -stasis : stoppage of movement
21. -sthenia : weakness
22. -stomy : outlet
23. -tomy : removal
24. -trophy : nourishment
25. -uria : urine
● COMFOUNDED WORDS - MEANINGS ●
1. Anaemia - Deficiency of haemoglobin in the blood
2. Analgesic - Medicine which alleviates pain
3. Arthralgia - Pain in a joint
4. Cephalalgia - Headache
5. Nephralgia - Pain in the kidney
6. Neuralgia - Nerve pain
7. Myalgia - Muscle pain
8. Otalgia - Ear ache
9. Gastralgia - Pain in the stomach
10. Pyoderma - Skin infection with pus formation
11. Leucoderma - Defective skin pigmentaion
12. Hysterodynia - Pain in the uterus
13. Hysterectomy - Excision of the uterus
14. Nephrectomy - Excision of a kidney
15. Adenectomy - Excision of a gland
16. Cholecystectomy - Excision of gall bladder
17. Thyroidectomy - Excision of thyroid gland
18. Arthritis - Inflammation of a joint
19. Bronchitis - Inflammation of the bronchi
20. Carditis - Inflammation of the heart
21. Cervicitis - Inflammation of the cervix
22. Colitis - Inflammation of the colon
23. Colpitis - Inflammation of the vagina
24. Cystitis - Inflammation of the urinary bladder
25. Enteritis - Inflammation of the intestines
26. Gastritis - Inflammation of the stomach
27. Glossitis - Inflammation of the tongue
28. Hepatitis - Inflammation of the liver
29. Laryngitis - Inflammation of the larynx
30. Metritis - Inflammation of the uterus
31. Myelitis - Inflammation of the spinal cord
32. Nephritis - Inflammation of the kidney
33. Pharyngitis - Inflammation of the pharynx
34. Blepharitis - Inflammation of the eyelids
35. Cholelithiasis - Stone in the gall bladder
36. Nephrolithiasis - Stone in the kidney
37. Osteomalacia - Softening of bones through deficiency of
calcium or D vitamin
38. Adenoma -Benign tumour of glandular tissue
39. Myoma - Tumour of muscle
40. Diplopia - Double vision
41. Thrombosis - Formation of a blood clot
42. Pyloromyotomy - Incision of pyloric sphincter muscle
43. Hedrophobia - Fear of water (Rabies in humans)
44. Neuroplasty - Surgical repair of nerves
45. Pyloraplasty - Incision of plastic pylorus to widen
passage
46. Hemiplegia - Paralysis of one side of the body
47. Nephroptosis - Downward displacement of the kidney
48. Amenorrhoea - Absence of menstrual discharge
49. Dysmenorrhoea - Painful menstruation
50. Leucorrhoea - Whitish vaginal discharge
51. Menorrhoea - Menstrual bleeding
52. Haemorrhage - Escape of blood from a vessel
53. Arrhythmia - Any deviation of normal rhythm of heart
54. Cholestasis - Diminution in the flow of bile
55. Haemostatis - Arrest of bleeding
56. Neurasthenia - Nervous debility
57. Cystostomy - Surgical opening made into the bladder
58. Cystotomy - Incision into the urinary bladder
59. Hypertrophy - Increase in the size of tissues
60. Haematuria - Blood in the urine
61. Glycosuria - Presence of sugar in the urine
62. Albuminuria - Presence of albumin in the urine

MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS (A-Z)

LETTER A
• a.c.: Before meals. As in taking a medicine before meals.
• a/g ratio: Albumin to globulin ratio.
• ACL: Anterior cruciate ligament. ACL injuries are one of
the most common ligament injuries to the knee. The ACL
can be sprained or completely torn from trauma and or
degeneration.
• Ad lib: At liberty. For example, a patient may be permitted
to move out of bed freely and orders would, therefore, be for
activities to be ad lib.
• AFR: Acute renal failure
• ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• ADR: Adverse drug reaction. If a patient is taking a
prescription drug to treat high blood pressure disease
• AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• AKA: Above the knee amputation.
• Anuric: Not producing urine. A person who is anuric is
often critical and may require dialysis .
• ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in
the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
• ADH: Antidiuretic hormone
• ARDS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome .
• ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
• ASCVD: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease . A form
of heart disease .
LETTER B
• b.i.d.: Twice daily. As in taking a medicine twice daily.
• bld: Blood. Blood was visible on the patient’s scalp .
• Bandemia: Slang for elevated level of band forms of white
blood cells.
• Bibasilar: At the bases of both lungs. For example,
someone with a pneumonia in both lungs might have
abnormal bibasilar breath sounds.
• BKA: Below the knee amputation.
• BMP: Basic metabolic panel. Electrolytes (potassium,
sodium, carbon dioxide, and chloride) and creatinine and
glucose.
• BP: Blood pressure . Blood pressure is recorded as part of
the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
• BPD: Borderline personality disorder . A personality
disorder.
• BSO: Bilateral salpingo- oophorectomy . A BSO is the
removal of both of the ovaries and adjacent Fallopian tubes
and often is performed as part of a total abdominal
hysterectomy .
LETTER C
• C&S: Culture and sensitivity, performed to detect
infection.
• C/O: Complaint of. The patient's expressed concern.
cap: Capsule.
• Ca: Cancer ; carcinoma . For example, a patient who
undergoing treatment for cancer should assure that they are
eating and drinking enough fluids daily, both during and
after treatment.
• CABG. Coronary artery bypass graft . A surgery involving
the heart.
• CBC: Complete blood count.
• CC: Chief complaint. The patient's main concern.
• CDE: Complete dental (oral) evaluation.
• cc: Cubic centimeters. For example, the amount of fluid
removed from the body is recorded in ccs.
• Chem panel: Chemistry panel. A comprehensive screening
blood test that indicates the status of the liver, kidneys, and
electrolytes.
• CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment
for sleep apnea.
• COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• CT: Chemotherapy . A type of treatment therapy for
cancer.
• CVA: Cerebrovascular accident (Stroke).
LETTER D
• D/C or DC: Discontinue or discharge. For example, a
doctor will D/C a drug.
ー Alternatively, the doctor might DC a patient from the
hospital.
• DCIS: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.
ー A type of breast cancer. The patient is receiving treatment
for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.
• DDX: Differential diagnosis.
ー A vari diagnostic possibilities are being considered to
diagnose the type of cancer present in the patient.
• DJD: Degenerative joint disease.
ー Another term for osteoarthritis .
• DM: Diabetes mellitus.
• DNC, D&C, or D and C: Dilation and curettage.
ー Widening the cervix and scrapping with a curette for the
purpose of removing tissue lining the inner surface of the
womb (uterus).
• DNR: Do not resuscitate.
ー This is a specific order not to revive a patient artificially
if they succumb to illness. If a patient is given a DNR order,
they are not resuscitated if they are near death and no code
blue is called.
• DOE: Dyspnea on exertion.
ー Shortness of breath with activity.
• DTR: Deep tendon reflexes.
ー These are reflexes that the doctor tests by banging on the
tendons with a rubber hammer.
• DVT: Deep venous thrombosis (blood clot in large vein).
LETTER E
• ETOH: Alcohol. ETOH intake history is often recorded as
part of a patient history.
• ECT: Electroconclusive therapy.
ー A procedure used to control seizures (convulsions).
LETTER F
• FX: Fracture.
LETTER G
• g: gram, a unit of weight.
ー The cream is available in both 30 and 60 gram tubes.
• GOMER: Slang for "Get Out of My Emergency Room."
• GvHD: Graft vs. host disease.
ー It is complicated by the syndromes of acute and chronic
graft-vs-host disease (GVHD).
• gtt: Drops.
LETTER H
• H&H: Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
ー When the H & H is low, anemia is present. The H&H can
be elevated in persons who have lung disease from long term
smoking or from disease,
such as polycythemia rubra vera .
• H&P: History and physical examination.
• h.s.: At bedtime.
ー As in taking a medicine at bedtime.
• H/O or h/o: History of.
ー A past event that occurred.
• HA: Headache.
• HRT: Hormone replacement or hormone replacement
therapy.
• HTN: Hypertension.
LETTER I
• I&D: Incision and drainage.
• IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease .
ー A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI)
tract, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• ICD: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
• ICU: Intensive care unit.
ー The patient was moved to the intensive care unit.
• IM: Intramuscular.
ー This is a typical notation when noting or ordering an
injection (shot) given into muscle, such as with B12 for
pernicious anemia.
• IMP: Impression.
ー This is the summary conclusion of the patient's condition
by the healthcare professional at that particular date and
time.
• ITU: Intensive therapy unit
• in vitro: In the laboratory
• in vivo: In the body
• IPF: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
ー A type of lung disease.
• IU: International units.
● LETTER J
• JT: Joint.
● LETTER K
• K: Potassium.
ー An essential electrolyte frequently monitored regularly in
intensive care.
• KCL: Potassium chloride .
● LETTER L
• LCIS: Lobular Carcinoma In Situ.
ー A type of cancer of the breast. The patient is receiving
treatment for Lobular
Carcinoma In Situ.
• LBP: Low back pain.
ー LBP is one of most common medical complaints.
• LLQ: Left lower quadrant.
ー Diverticulitis pain is often in the LLQ of the abdomen.
• LUQ: Left upper quadrant.
ー The spleen is located in the LUQ
of the abdomen.
• Lytes: Electrolytes (potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide,
and chloride).
● LETTER M
• MCL: Medial collateral ligament.
• mg: Milligrams.
• M/H: Medical history
• ml: Milliliters.
• MVP: Mitral valve prolapse .
● LETTER N
• N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
• Na: Sodium.
ー An essential electrolyte frequently monitored regularly in
intensive care.
• NCP: Nursing care plan.
• npo: Nothing by mouth.
ー For example, if a patient was about to undergo a surgical
operation requiring general anesthesia, they may be required
to avoid food or beverage prior to the procedure.
• NSR: Normal sinus rhythm of the heart
● LETTER O
• O&P: Ova and parasites.
ー Stool O & P is tested in the laboratory to detect parasitic
infection in persons with chronic diarrhea .
• O.D.: Right eye.
• O.S.: Left eye.
• O.U.: Both eyes.
• ORIF: Open reduction and internal fixation, such as with
the orthopedic repair of a hip fracture .
● LETTER P
• P: Pulse. Pulse is recorded as part of the physical
examination.
ー It is one of the "vital signs."
• p¯: After meals. As in take two tablets after meals.
• p.o. : By mouth.
ー From the Latin terminology per os.
• p.r.n. : As needed.
ー So that it is not always done, but done only when the
situation calls for it (or example, taking a pain medication
only when having pain and not without pain).
• PCL: Posterior cruciate ligament.
• PD: Progressive disease.
ー Patients at risk of developing progressive disease of the
kidneys include those with proteinuria or hematuria .
• PERRLA: Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and
accommodation.
• PFT: Pulmonary function test. A test to evaluate the how
well the lungs are functioning.
• PERRLA: Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and
accommodation.
Plt: Platelets, one of the blood forming elements along with
the white and red blood cells.
• PMI: Point of maximum impulse of the heart when felt
during examination, as in beats against the chest.
• PMS: Premenstrual syndrome
• PT: Physical therapy
• PTH: Parathyroid hormone
• PTSD: Post-traumatic stress syndrome
• PUD: Peptic ulcer disease. A type of ulcer of the stomach.
● LETTER Q
• q.d.: Each day.
ー As in taking a medicine daily.
• q.i.d.: Four times daily.
ー As in taking a medicine four times daily.
• q2h: Every 2 hours.
ー As in taking a medicine every 2 hours.
• q3h: Every 3 hours.
ー As in taking a medicine every 3 hours.
• qAM: Each morning.
ー As in taking a medicine each morning.
• qhs: At each bedtime.
ー As in taking a medicine each bedtime.
• qod: Every other day.
ー As in taking a medicine every other
day.
• qPM: Each evening.
ー As in taking a medicine each evening.
● LETTER R
• RA: Rheumatoid arthritis.
ー A type of joint disease.
• RDS: Respiratory distress syndrome.
• R/O: Rule out.
ー Doctors frequently will rule out various possible
diagnoses when figuring out the correct diagnosis.
• REB: Rebound, as in rebound tenderness of the abdomen
when pushed in and then released.
• RLQ: Right lower quadrant.
ー The appendix is located in the
• RLQ of the abdomen.
• ROS: Review of systems.
ー An overall review concerns relating to the organ systems,
such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurologic
systems.
• RUQ: Right upper quadrant.
ー The liver is located in the RUQ of the abdomen.
● LETTER S
• s/p: Status post. For example, a person who had a knee
operation would be s/p a knee operation.
• SAD: Season affective disorder.
ー A type of depression that occurs during the winter months
when there is little light.
• SOB: Shortness of breath.
• SQ: Subcutaneous.
ー This is a typical notation when noting or ordering an
injection (shot) given into the fatty tissue under the skin,
such as with insulin for diabetesmellitus.
● LETTER T
• T: Temperature.
ー Temperature is recorded as part of the physical
examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
• T&A: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
• t.i.d. : Three times daily.
ー As in taking a medicine three times daily.
• tab: Tablet.
• TAH: Total abdominal hysterectomy.
• TAH: Total abdominal hysterectomy.
ー A type of surgery to remove a woman’s uterus, Fallopian
tubes, and ovaries.
• THR: Total hip replacement.
• TKR: Total knee replacement.
• TMJ : Tempomandibular joint.
● LETTER U
• UA or u/a: Urinalysis.
ー A UA is a typical part of a comprehensive physical
examination.
• U or u**: Unit. Mistaken as the number 0 or 4, causing a
10- fold overdose or greater (for example, 4U seen as "40" or
4useen as "44"); mistaken as "cc" so the dose is given in
volume instead of units (for example, 4u seen as 4cc).
• ULN: Upper limits of normal.
• URI: Upper respiratory infection, such as sinusitis or the
common cold.
• ut dict: As directed.
ー As in taking a medicine according to the instructions that
the health care professional gave in the office or in the past
• UTI: Urinary tract infection.
● LETTER V
• VSS: Vital signs are stable.
ー This notation means that from the standpoint of the
temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, the patient is doing
well.
● LETTER W
• Wt: Weight.
ー Body weight is often recorded as part of the physical
examination.
● LETTER X
• XRT: Radiotherapy (external).
ー A type of treatment that uses radiation.

1. Number of Bones - 206

2. Number of Muscles - 639
3. Number of Kidneys - 2
4. Number of Milk Teeth - 20
5. Number of Ribs - 24 (12 pair)
6. Number of Heart Chamber - 4
7. Largest artery - Aorta
8. Normal blood pressure - 120/80mmHg
9. Ph of Blood - 7.4
10. Number of vertebrae in the Spine - 33
11. Number of vertebrae in the Neck - 7
12. Number of Bones in Middle Ear - 6
13. Number of Bones in Face - 24
14. Number of Bones in Skull - 22
15. Number of Bones in Chest - 25
16. Number of Bones in Arms - 6
17. Number of Muscles in Human Arm - 72
18. Number of Pumps in Heart - 2
19. Largest Organ - Skin
20. Largest gland - Liver
21. Biggest cell - Female Ovum
22. Smallest cell - Male Sperm
23. Smallest Bone - Stapes
24. First transplanted Organ - Heart
25. Average length of Small Intestine - 7m
26. Average length of Large Intestine - 1.5m
27. Average weight of new Born baby - 2.6kg
28. Pulse rate in One Minute - 72 times
29. Normal body temperature - 37 C° (98.4 F°)
30. Average Blood Volume - 4 to 5 liters
31. Life Span of RBC - 120 days
32. Life Span of WBC - 10 to 15 days
33. Pregnancy Period - 280 days (40 week)
34. Number of Bones in Human Foot - 33
35. Number of Bones in Each wrist - 8
36. Number of Bones in Hand - 27
37. Largest Endocrine gland - Thyroid
38. Largest Lymphatic Organ - Spleen
39. Largest part of Brain - Cerebrum
40. Largest & Strongest Bone - Femur
41. Smallest Muscle - Stapedius (Middle Ear)
41. Number of Chromosome - 46 (23 pair)
42. Number of Bones in new Born baby - 306
43. Viscosity of Blood - 4.5 to 5.5
44. Universal Donor Blood Group - O
45. Universal Recipient Blood Group - AB
46. Largest WBC - Monocyte
47. Smallest WBC - Lymphocyte
48. Increase RBC count called - Polycethemia
49. Blood Bank in the Body is - Spleen
50. Non Nucleated Blood cell is - RBC
51. RBC produced in the - Bone Marrow
52. River of Life is Called - Blood
53. Normal Blood Cholesterol level - 250mg/dl
54. Fluid part of Blood is - Plasma