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Some useful medical abbreviations |
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A |
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UK |
International |
A&E,
Accident and emergency
ABN,
Association
of British Neurologists.
ABB,
acid base balance
AICD, Automated Internal Cardiac Defibrillator
AMPDS, Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System
AMPLE, Allergies,Meds,Previous Hist,Last Meal,Events
ANS, Autonomic Nervous System
AP, Ambulance Paramedic
APAP, Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel
ASA, Ambulance Service Association
ASI, Ambulance Service Institute
ASU, Ambulance Service Union
AT, Ambulance Technician |
A&P, anterior and
posterior.
A&P, auscultation and palpation.
A&P, auscultation and percussion.
A/V, arteriovenous.
AAA, abdominal aortic aneurysm.
ABCDE,
airway,breathing,circ,disability, expose
ABG, arterial blood gases.
ABS, arterial blood pressure.
ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme.
ACh,
acetylcholine.
ACLS, advanced cardiac life support.
AED, automated external defibrillator.
AF, atrial fibrillation.
AF, atrial flutter.
Afib, atrial fibrillation.
AHA,
American
Heart Association.
AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
ALVF, acute left ventricular failure.
AMI, acute myocardial infarction.
ANS, autonomic nervous system.
ANT, anterior.
ARDS, acute/adult respiratory distress syndrome.
ARF, acute renal failure.
ASD, atrial septal defect.
ATLS, advanced trauma life support
ATS,
American
Trauma Society.
A-V, arteriovenous.
AV, artificial ventilation.
AV, assisted ventilation.
AV,
atrioventricular.
aVL, unipolar limb lead on the left arm in ecg
AVF, arteriovenous fistula.
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B |
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UK |
International |
BAEMT
British Assoc of
Emergency Medical Technicians
BMA, British
Medical Association.
BMJ,
British
Medical Journal.
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BAB, Babinski's sign.
BAC, blood alcohol
concentration
BAV, bicuspid aortic valve.
BB, beta blocker.
BBB, bundle branch block.
BD, (Lat: bis die) twice a
day.
BHT, blunt head trauma.
bilat., bilateral.
BLQ, both lower quadrants.
BLS, basic life support.
BLS-D,
basic life support and defibrillation.
BM, blood monitoring.
BO, Bowel Opening
bpm, beats per minute.
BSA, body surface area.
BTLS, basic trauma life
support.
BTx, blood transfusion.
Buc, Bucc, buccal.
BUQ, both upper quadrants.
BVM, bag-valve-mask.
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C |
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UK |
International |
CAO,
Chief Ambulance Officer
CMO,
Chief Medical Officer.
CRC,
Cancer Research Campaign.
CAS,
Cumbria Ambulance Service.
CEN,
Centre for European Normalisation.
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C&C,
cold and clammy.
C/C,
chief complaint.
C02,
carbon dioxide.
CABG,
coronary artery bypass graft.
CAD,
coronary artery disease.
CAD, Computer
Aided Dispatch.
CAPD,
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
CCB,
calcium channel blocker.
CCF,
congestive cardiac failure.
CD,
caudad, caudal.
CH,
chest.
CHD,
coronary heart disease.
CHF,
congestive heart failure.
CHR,
chronic.
CI,
cardiac insufficiency.
CI,
cerebral infarction.
CMP,
cardiomyopathy.
CNS,
central nervous system.
CO,
carbon monoxide.
CO,
cardiac output.
COAD,
chronic obstructive airways disease.
COPD,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
CP,
cerebral palsy.
CP,
chest pain.
CPR,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
CRVF,
congestive right ventricular failure.
CS,
cardiogenic shock.
CSF,
cerebrospinal fluid.
CTA,
clear to auscultation.
CV,
cardiac volume.
CVA,
cerebrovascular accident.
CX,
chest x-ray.
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D
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UK |
International |
DAO,
District/Divisional Ambulance Officer.
DO, District Officer.
Dip IMC,
Diploma in Immediate Care. |
D&V, diarrhoea and
vomiting.
DBP, diastolic blood pressure.
DIL, dilated.
DIST, distal.
DKA, diabetic ketoacidosis.
DM, diabetes mellitus.
DNR, do not resuscitate.
DOB, date of birth.
DP, diastolic pressure.
DT, delirium tremens.
DTR, deep tendon reflex/es.
DU, duodenal ulcer.
DX, discharged.
DX, disease.
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E
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UK |
International |
ERC,
European Resuscitation Council.
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EA, electrical activity.
EAA, effective alveolar air.
EBL, estimated blood loss.
EBM, evidence-based medicine.
ECA, external carotid artery.
ECF, extracellular fluid.
ECG, electrocardiogram.
ECT, electroconvulsive
therapy.
EDV, end diastolic volume.
EEG, electroencephalogram.
ENT, ear, nose and throat.
EF, ectopic focus.
EMS, emergency medical
service.
EMT, emergency medical
technician.
EPF, epiphyseal plate
fracture.
ETT, endotracheal tube.
EUP, eupneic.
EXT, extend; external;
extremity.
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F |
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UK |
International |
FIO,
Forward incident Officer
FRCSI,
Fellow of the Royal College of Suregeons (Ireland)
FRCSE, Fellow of the Royal
College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)
FRCS, Fellow of the
Royal College of Surgeons |
F & E, flexion &
extension.
FAQ , frequently asked
questions.
FB, foreign body.
FBC, full blood count.
FR, fracture.
FTP, Full term pregnancy.
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G
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UK |
International |
GMC,
General Medical Council.
GP, General Practitioner.
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g, gm, gram.
GA, general
anaesthetic/anesthesia.
GCS, Glasgow coma score
gluc, glucose.
GM, grand mal (epilepsy).
GRAV, Grav., gravida, a
pregnant woman.
GTN, Glyciril tri-nitrate.
GU, gastric ulcer.
GU, Genitourinary.
GUM, Genitourinary medicine.
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H |
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UK |
International |
HPC,
Health Professions Council.
HSE, Health & Safety
Executive.
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Hbp, high blood pressure.
HCO3, bicarbonate.
HCT, hematocrit.
HD, hemodialysis.
HDC, high-dose chemotherapy.
HDU, High dependency unit
HF, heart failure.
HIV, human immunodeficiency
virus.
HO, history of.
HO, house officer.
HOCM, hypertrophic obstructive
cardiomyopathy.
HOH, hard of hearing.
HPI, history of present
illness.
HR, heart rate.
HS, heart sounds.
HSV, herpes simplex virus.
HT, hypertension.
HX, History
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I
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UK |
International |
IHCD,
Institute for Health Care & Development.
IO, Incident Officer |
I&E, internal and
external.
I.M., intramuscular.
IBD, inflammatory bowel
disease.
IBS, irritable bowel syndrome.
IC, intracerebral.
ICF, intracellular fluid.
ICP, intracranial pressure.
ICS, intercostal space.
ICU, intensive care unit.
ID, infectious disease.
ID, intradermal.
IDD, insulin dependent
diabetes.
IDDM, insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus, (type I)
IHD, ischemic heart disease.
IHR, intrinsic heart rate.
IM, intramuscular.
INF, infarction.
INJ, injury.
int, internal.
IO, intraosseous.
IPPV, intermittent positive
pressure ventilation.
IR, internal rotation.
IRE, internal rotation in
extension.
IRF, internal rotation in
flexion.
ISH, isolated systolic
hypertension.
ITU, Intensive Therapy Unit.
IU, intrauterine.
IV, intervertebral.
IV, intravascular.
IV, I/V, intravenous.
IVC, inferior vena cava.
IVSD, interventricular septal
defect.
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J
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UK |
International |
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JC, junctional
contraction
JR,
junctional rhythm
JCT, junction.
JT, joint.
JV, jugular vein.
JVP, jugular venous pressure.
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K |
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UK |
International |
KED,
Kendrich Extrication device.
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K, potassium.
KA, ketoacidosis.
kg, kilogram.
KO, keep open.
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L
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UK |
International |
LA,
Leading Ambulanceperson.
LAS, London Ambulance Service.
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LA, left
atrium.
Lac,
laceration.
LAP,
left atrial pressure.
lap.,
laparotomy.
LAT,
lateral
LBBB,
left bundle branch block.
LBO,
large bowel obstruction.
LBP, low
blood pressure.
LCA,
left coronary artery.
LCTA,
lungs clear to auscultation.
LLQ,
lower left quadrant (abdomen).
LOC,
level of consciousness (in GCS).
LPA,
left pulmonary artery.
LRQ,
lower right quadrant. (abdomen).
LS,
lumbosacral.
LUQ,
left upper quadrant (abdomen).
LV, left
ventricle.
LVEDP/V end-diastolic
pressure / volume.
LVF,
left ventricular failure.
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M
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UK |
International |
MDT,
Mobile Data terminal.
MDA,
Medical Devices Agency.
MIO,
Medical Incident Officer.
MMR,
measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.
MRC, Medical
Research Council
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M,
male.
M, metre.
M/H,
medical history.
MAC,
macerated.
MAE,
moves all extremities.
MAOI,
monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
MAP,
mean arterial pressure.
MAS, meconium aspiration
syndrome.
MAST, military antishock
trousers.
mcg, (µg), microgram.
MD, medialis dorsalis.
Meds, medication.
MEL, melanoma.
METH, methamphetamine.
Mg, Magnesium.
mg, milligram
MG, myasthenia gravis. info
MH, medical history.
mHg, millimeter of mercury.
MI, myocardial infarction.
MICU, mobile intensive care
unit.
ML, midline.
ml, millilitre.
mM, millimole.
MRSA, Methicillin resistant
Staphylococcus aureus.
MS, multiple sclerosis.
MSL, midsternal line.
MUA, manipulation under
anaesthesia.
MVR, mitral valve replacement.
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N
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UK |
International |
NHS,
National Health Service.
NHSCR,
National Health Service Central Registry.
NICE, National Institute of Clinical Excellence. |
N&V,
nausea and vomiting.
N, Nitrogen.
N/A, not applicable.
Na, sodium.
NaCl, sodium chloride.
NBS, normal breath sounds.
NFR, not for resuscitation.
NG, N-G, nasogastric.
NGT, nasogastric tube.
NICU, neonatal intensive care
unit.
NIDDM, non insulin-dep.
diabetes mellitus,(type II)
NK, not known.
NMBA, neuromuscular blocking
agent.
NO, nitric oxide.
NOF, neck of femur.
NOK, next of kin.
NP, nurse practitioner.
NPA, Naso-pharengeal Airway.
NPH, no previous history.
NROM, normal range of motion.
NSAID, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs.
NSD, nasal septal deformity.
NSD, normal spontaneous
delivery.
NSR, normal sinus rhythm.
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O
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UK |
International |
OAP,
Old age pensioner
OT, Occupational therapist.
OT, Overtime,
OSH, Occupational Safety &
Health
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O&E,
observation and examination.
O/E, on examination.
O2, oxygen
OB, obstetrics.
OBL, oblique.
OCC, occiput.
OD, overdose.
ONC, oncology.
OP, out patient.
OPA, Oropharengeal Airway
OPD, outpatient department.
OS, Osmosis / osmotic.
oss, osseous.
Oto, otology. (Ear)
oz, ounce.
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P
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UK |
International |
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P&A,
percussion and auscultation
P02, pressure of
oxygen
PAC, premature atrial
contraction.
PALS, paediatric
advanced life support.
PaO2, partial
pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.
PAT, paroxysmal
atrial tachycardia.
PCA, patient
controlled analgesia.
PCO2, partial
pressure of carbon dioxide.
PE, pericardial
effusion.
PE,
pharyngoesophageal.
PE, pleural effusion.
PE, pulmonary
embolus.
PEA, pulseless
electrical activity (cardiac)
PEAP, positive end
airway pressure.
PEARL, pupils equal
and reactive to light.
PEEP, positive
end-expiratory pressure.
PEFR, peak expiratory
flow rate
PH, past history.
PhN, phrenic nerve.
PHN, pulmonary
hypertension.
PHTLS, prehospital
trauma life support.
PJC, premature
junctional contraction.
PID, pelvic
inflammatory disease.
PM, petit mal.
PM, postmortem.
PMH, past medical
history.
PMS, premenstrual
tension syndrome.
PND, paroxysmal
nocturnal dyspnoea.
PO, (per os) orally,
by mouth.
PO2, Partial pressure
of oxygen
poly, prefix for
multiple.
post, posterior.
pp, postpartum.
PPH, post-partum
hemorrhage
PR, pulse rate.
PR, per rectum.
PSVT, paroxysmal
supraventricular tachycardia.
PT, pneumothorax.
PTR, patellar tendon
reflex
PTSD, Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder
PTX, pneumothorax.
PV, per vagina.
PVC, premature
ventricular contraction.
PVST, paroxysmal
supraventricular tachycardia.
PVT, paroxysmal
ventricular tachycardia.
PX, prescription.
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Q
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UK |
International |
QAT,
Qualified Ambulance Technician
QAP, Qualified Ambulance
Paramedic
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q.h., qh,
every hour
QD, every day.
QMI, Q-wave myocardial
infarction.
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R |
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UK |
International |
RCSED,
Royal
College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
RCSENG, Royal
College of Surgeons of England.
RCSI, Royal
College of Surgeons in Ireland.
RTB,
Return to base
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RAP,
right atrial pressure.
RBBB, right bundle branch
block.
RBC, red blood cells/count.
RCA, right coronary artery.
RCM, right costal margin.
RDS, respiratory distress
syndrome.
REM, rapid eye movement.
RLQ, right lower quadrant
(abdomen).
RN, registered nurse.
RR, respiratory rate.
RSCN, Registered Sick
Children’s Nurse.
RSI, rapid sequence
intubation.
RSI, repetitive strain injury
RSR, regular sinus rhythm.
RSV, respiratory syncytial
virus.
RTA, road traffic accident.
RTI, respiratory tract
infection.
RUQ, right upper quadrant
(abdomen).
RVF, right ventricular
failure.
RVH, right ventricular
hypertrophy.
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S
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UK |
International |
SAS,
Scottish Ambulance Service.
SAS, Staffordshire Ambulance
Service.
SAS, Surrey Ambulance Service.
SCBU, Special care baby unit.
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S&S,
signs and symptoms.
S/L, sublingual.
SA, sinoatrial.
SAH, subarachnoid hemorrhage.
SAL, saline.
SC, s.c., subcutaneous.
SCI, spinal cord injury.
SHO, Senior House Officer.
SIDS, Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome
SK, streptokinase.
SL, sublingual.
SMBG, self-monitored blood
glucose
SOB, shortness of breath.
SOP, standard operating
protocol / procedure.
SNS, sympathetic nervous
system.
STD, sexually transmitted
disease.
STI, systolic time intervals.
SV, stroke volume.
SVE, supraventricular
extrasystole.
SVT, supra ventricular
tachycardia
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T
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UK |
International |
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TB,
tuberculosis.
TBSA, total
body surface area.
TCT, thrombin
clotting time.
TIA, transient
ischemic attacks
TMA,
transmetatarsal amputation.
top, topically.
TPR,
temperature, pulse, respirations.
TCA, Time since
collapse.
T-set,
tracheotomy set.
TSS, toxic
shock syndrome.
TT, testicular
torsion.
TT,
thrombolytic therapy.
TT,
transtracheal.
TTB, third
trimester bleeding.
TTI,
transtracheal insufflation. (Cricothyroidotomy)
Tx, Treatment
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U |
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UK |
International |
UKCC,
United Kingdome Central Council (Nurse Registration Body)
UVG, Universal
Vehicle Group.
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U&Es,
urea and electrolytes.
UA, unstable
angina.
UA, upper
airway.
UAO, upper
airway obstruction.
UAP, unstable
angina pectoris.
UC, ulcerative
colitis.
UC,
unconscious.
UD, ulnar
deviation.
UE, upper
extremity.
UHF, ultra high
frequency.
ULQ, upper left
quadrant.
ultra ,
ultrasound.
umb., umbilicus
(navel).
UNK, unknown.
URI, upper
respiratory tract infection.
URQ, upper
right quadrant.
UTI, urinary
tract infection.
UV,
ultraviolet.
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V
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UK |
International |
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VAC,
ventriculoatrial conduction.
Vac, Vacuum.
VBG, venous
blood gas.
VC, vital
capacity.
VD, venereal
disease.
VF, ventricular
fibrillation.
VF, ventricular
flutter.
Vfib,
Ventricular fibrillation.
VHD,
ventricular heart disease.
VPC,
ventricular premature contractions.
VS, vs,
vital signs.
VSD,
ventricular septal defect.
VT, ventricular
tachycardia.
VTE, venous
thromboembolism.
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W
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UK |
International |
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WBC, white
blood cell, white blood cell count.
WPWS,
Wolf-Parkinson White Syndrome.
wt, weight.
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X
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UK |
International |
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X,
multiplied by, times.
XR, x-ray.
XRT,
radiotherapy.
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Y
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UK |
International |
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y/o, years
old.
Yd., yard.
yoa, years of
age.
yr., year.
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Z
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UK |
International |
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Zyg, Zygoma,
Zygomatic |
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