Medical Acronyms & Abbreviations

A accommodation; adenine; adenosine; alanine; alveolar gas (as a

subscript); ampere; anode; anterior
A. L. annum (year)
A absorbance; activity; admittance; area; mass number
AI first auditory area
AII second auditory area
A2 aortic second sound
Å angstrom
a accommodation; arterial blood (as subscript); atto-
a. L. annum (year); L. aqua (water); L. arteria (artery)
a acceleration; activity; specific absorptivity
ā L. ante (before)
α alpha chain of hemoglobin; Bunsen coefficient; heavy chain of IgA
AA achievement age; Alcoholics Anonymous; amino acid
aa. L. arteriae (arteries)
AAV adeno-associated virus
AB L. Artium Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Arts)
Ab antibody
ABC argon beam coagulator; aspiration biopsy cytology
ABCD Adriamycin (doxorubicin), bleomycin, CCNU (lomustine), and
dacarbazine
ABE acute bacterial endocarditis
ABG arterial blood gases
ABI ankle-brachial index
ABMT autologous bone marrow transplantation
ABP arterial blood pressure
abs. feb. L. absente febre (while fever is absent)
abst abstract
abstr abstract
ABVD Adriamycin (doxorubicin), bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine
AC acromioclavicular; air conduction; alternating current; axiocervical
AC Adriamycin (doxorubicin) and cyclophosphamide
Ac actinium
a.c. L. ante cibum (before meals)
ACAT acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase
Acc accommodation
ACD acid citrate dextrose
ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACG angiocardiography; apexcardiogram
AcG accelerator globulin
ACh acetylcholine
AchE acetylcholinesterase
ACP acid phosphatase
ACPS acrocephalopolysyndactyly
ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone
AD alcohol dehydrogenase; L. auris dextra (right ear)
ADA adenosine deaminase
ADCC antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
add. L. adde (add); L. addetur (let there be added)
ADH alcohol dehydrogenase; antidiuretic hormone
Adhib. L. adhibendus (to be administered)
ADL activities of daily living
ad lib. L. ad libitum (at pleasure)
admov. L. admove (add); L. admoveatur (let there be added)
AdoCbl adenosylcobalamin
ADP adenosine diphosphate
ADPKD autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Ad pond. om. L. ad pondus omnium (to the weight of the whole)
adst. feb. L. adstante febre (while fever is present)
Adv. L. adversum (against)
Ad 2 vic. L. ad duas vices (at two times, for two doses)
A-E, AE above-elbow
Aeg. L. aeger, aegra (the patient)
AEP auditory evoked potential
aet. L. aetas (age)
AF atrial fibrillation
AFib atrial fibrillation
AFl atrial flutter
AFO ankle-foot orthosis
AFP alpha fetoprotein
AFX atypical fibroxanthoma
AG atrial gallop
Ag antigen; silver (L. argentum)
AGEPC acetyl glyceryl ether phosphoryl choline
aggred. feb. L. aggrediente febre (while the fever is coming on)
Agit. vas. L. agitato vase (the vial being shaken)
AGT antiglobulin test
AGV aniline gentian violet
ah hyperopic astigmatism
AHF antihemophilic factor
AHG antihemophilic globulin (factor VIII)
AHP Assistant House Physician
AHS Assistant House Surgeon
AI anaphylatoxin inactivator; aortic incompetence; aortic insufficiency;
apical impulse; artificial insemination
AICC anti-inhibitor coagulant complex
AICD activation-induced cell death; automatic implantable cardioverter-
defibrillator
AID artificial insemination by donor
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
AIH artificial insemination by husband
AIHA autoimmune hemolytic anemia
AILD angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia
AIP acute intermittent porphyria
A-K, AK above-knee
Al aluminum
ALA aminolevulinic acid
Ala alanine
ALARA as low as reasonably achievable (exposure dose of radiation)
ALAS 5-aminolevulinate synthase
ALAT alanine aminotransferase
ALG antilymphocyte globulin
ALL acute lymphoblastic leukemia
ALP alkaline phosphatase
ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; antilymphocyte serum
ALT alanine transaminase
Alt. dieb. L. alternis diebus (every other day)
Alt. hor. L. alternis horis (every other hour)
AM L. Artium Magister (Master of Arts)
Am americium
am ametropia; meter angle; myopic astigmatism
Amh mixed astigmatism with myopia predominating over hyperopia
AMI acute myocardial infarction
AML acute myelogenous leukemia
AMP adenosine monophosphate
3′,5′-AMP cyclic AMP; cyclic adenosine monophosphate
amp ampere
ams. amount of a substance
amu atomic mass unit
An anodal; anode
ANA antinuclear antibodies
anat. anatomical; anatomy
ANCA antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (or antibody)
ANCOVA analysis of covariance
ANF antinuclear factor
ANNA-1 type 1 antineuronal antibody
ANNA-2 type 2 antineuronal antibody
ANOVA analysis of variance
ANP atrial natriuretic peptide
ANS anterior nasal spine; autonomic nervous system
ant. anterior
ANTU alphanaphthyl thiourea
ANUG acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
AO opening of the atrioventricular valves
AP action potential; angina pectoris; anterior pituitary; anteroposterior;
arterial pressure
APB atrial premature beat
APC atrial premature complex; activated protein C
APCA anti-Purkinje cell antibody
APCC anti-inhibitor coagulant complex
APD atrial premature depolarization; pamidronate
(aminohydroxypropylidene diphosphonate)
APTT, aPTT activated partial thromboplastin time
APUD amine precursor uptake (and) decarboxylation
AQ achievement quotient
Aq. L. aqua (water)
Aq. dest. L. aqua destillata (distilled water)
Aq. pur. L. aqua pura (pure water)
Aq. tep. L. aqua tepida (tepid water)
AR alarm reaction; aortic regurgitation; artificial respiration
Ar argon
ara-A adenine arabinoside
ara-C arabinosylcytosine
ARC AIDS-related complex; anomalous retinal correspondence
ARD acute respiratory disease (of any undefined form); acute respiratory
distress
ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome; adult respiratory distress
syndrome
ARF acute renal failure
Arg arginine
AROA autosomal recessive ocular albinism
ARPKD autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
ART Accredited Record Technician; assisted reproductive technology;
automated reagin test
AS aortic stenosis; arteriosclerosis; L. auris sinistra (left ear)
As arsenic; astigmatism
ASA acetylsalicylic acid; argininosuccinic acid; antisperm antibody
5-ASA 5-aminosalicylic acid
ASAT aspartate aminotransferase
ASCVD arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease
ASF aniline, formaldehyde, and sulfur
ASH asymmetrical septal hypertrophy
ASHD arteriosclerotic heart disease
ASI Addiction Severity Index
ASL antistreptolysin
Asn asparagine
ASO arteriosclerosis obliterans
Asp aspartic acid
ASS anterior superior spine (of ilium)
AST aspartate transaminase
Ast. astigmatism
Asth. asthenopia
AT atrial tachycardia
At astatine
ATA alimentary toxic aleukia
ATCC American Type Culture Collection
ATG antithymocyte globulin
ATL adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
atm atmosphere
ATN tyrosinase-negative (ty-neg) oculocutaneous albinism
at no atomic number
ATP adenosine triphosphate
ATPase adenosinetriphosphatase
ATS antitetanic serum
at vol atomic volume
at wt atomic weight
AU L. aures unitas (both ears together); L. auris uterque (each ear)
Au Australia antigen; gold (L. aurum)
AUC area under the curve
AUL acute undifferentiated leukemia
AV, A-V atrioventricular; arteriovenous
av avoirdupois
AVN atrioventricular node
AVP arginine vasopressin
AVRT atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia
awu atomic weight unit
ax. axis
Az azote
AZQ diaziquone
AZT zidovudine
B bel; boron
B magnetic flux density
b barn; base (nucleic acids); born
β beta chain of hemoglobin
BA Bachelor of Arts
Ba barium
BACOP bleomycin, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), cyclophosphamide, Oncovin
(vincristine), and prednisone
Bact. Bacterium
BAEP brain stem auditory evoked potential
BAL British antilewisite
BAN British Approved Name
BATO boronic acid adduct of technetium oxime
BBB blood-brain barrier; bundle branch block
BBBB bilateral bundle branch block
BBT basal body temperature
BC bone conduction
BCAA branched-chain amino acids
B-CAVe bleomycin, CCNU (lomustine), Adriamycin (doxorubicin), and
vinblastine
BCDF B cell differentiation factors
BCF basophil chemotactic factor
BCG bacille Calmette-Guérin; bicolor guaiac test; ballistocardiogram
BCGF B cell growth factors
BCNU carmustine
b.d. L. bis die (twice a day)
BDA British Dental Association
BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery
BDSc Bachelor of Dental Science
B-E, BE below-elbow
Be beryllium
BeV, Bev billion electron volts
BF blastogenic factor
BFP biologic false-positive
BFU-E burst-forming unit-erythroid
BHA butylated hydroxyanisole
BHC benzene hexachloride
BHT butylated hydroxytoluene
Bi bismuth
Bib. L. bibe (drink)
b.i.d. L. bis in die (twice a day)
B-K, BK below-knee
Bk berkelium
BKV BK virus
BMI body mass index
BMR basal metabolic rate
BMS Bachelor of Medical Science
BMT behavioral marital therapy; bone marrow transplantation
BNA Basle Nomina Anatomica
BNP brain natriuretic peptide
Bol. L. bolus (pill)
BOOP bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia
BP blood pressure; British Pharmacopoeia
bp base pair; boiling point
B Ph British Pharmacopoeia
BPI bactericidal permeability increasing protein
BPIG bacterial polysaccharide immune globulin
BPRS Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
Bq becquerel
Br bromine
BrIDA mebrofenin
BRM biologic response modifier
BS Bachelor of Surgery; Bachelor of Science; blood sugar; breath sounds
BSA body surface area
BSF B lymphocyte stimulatory factor
BSS Bernard-Soulier syndrome
BTU British thermal unit
BUDR 5-bromodeoxyuridine
Bull. L. bulliat (let it boil)
BUN blood urea nitrogen
But. L. butyrum (butter)
BVAD biventricular assist device
C canine (tooth); carbon; cathode; Celsius (scale); cervical vertebrae
(C1–C7); clonus; closure; color sense; complement (C1–C9);
compliance (subscripts denote the structure, e.g., CL lung compliance);
contraction; coulomb; cylinder; cylindrical lens; cytidine; cytosine;
large calorie
C capacitance; clearance (subscripts denote the substance, e.g., CI, or CIn
inulin clearance); heat capacity
°C degree Celsius
c centi-; small colorie
c. L. cibus (food); L. cum (with)
c molar concentration; specific heat capacity; velocity of light in a
vacuum
v L. cum (with)
2
χ chi-square
CA cardiac arrest; chronological age; cold agglutinin; coronary artery;
croup-associated (virus)
CA 125 cancer antigen 125
Ca calcium
ca L. circa (about)
CABG coronary artery bypass graft
CAD coronary artery disease
CAH congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Cal large calorie (kilocalorie)
cal calorie
Calef. L. calefac (make warm); L. calefactus (warmed)
CALLA common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen
CAM cell adhesion molecules; complementary and alternative medicine
cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate
Cap. L. capiat (let him take)
CAPD continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Capsul. L. capsula (capsule)
CASA computer-aided (or assisted) semen analysis; computer-aided (or
assisted) sperm analysis
CAT computerized axial tomography
Cath. L. catharticus (cathartic)
CAVB complete atrioventricular block
CB L. Chirurgiae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Surgery)
cbc complete blood count
CBF cerebral blood flow
CBG corticosteroid-binding globulin
Cbl cobalamin
CC chief complaint
cc cubic centimetre
CCA congenital contractural arachnodactyly
CCAT conglutinating complement absorption test
CCF crystal-induced chemotactic factor
CCK cholecystokinin
CCNU lomustine
CCP complement control protein
CCPD continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis
CCU coronary care unit; critical care unit
CD cadaveric donor; cluster designation; conjugata diagonalis; curative
dose
CD50 median curative dose
Cd cadmium; caudal; coccygeal
cd candela
2-CdA cladribine
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC/AIDS the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention for the diagnosis of AIDS
CDDP cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum)
cdf cumulative distribution function
CDH congenital dislocation of the hip
cDNA complementary DNA; copy DNA
CDP cytidine diphosphate
Ce cerium
CEA carcinoembryonic antigen
Cel Celsius
CEM contagious equine metritis
CEP congenital erythropoietic porphyria
CES cranial electrical stimulation
ces central excitatory state
CESD cholesteryl ester storage disease
CF carbolfuchsin; cardiac failure; Christmas factor; citrovorum factor
Cf californium
CFC chlorofluorocarbon
cff critical fusion frequency
CFT complement fixation test
CFU colony-forming unit
CFU-C colony-forming unit-culture
CFU-E colony-forming unit-erythroid
CFU-GM colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage
CFU-S colony-forming unit-spleen
CGD chronic granulomatous disease
cGMP cyclic guanosine monophosphate
CGS, cgs centimeter-gram-second system
cGy centigray
CH crown-heel (length of fetus)
CH50, CH50 CH50 assay; CH50 unit
Chart. L. charta (paper)
ChB L. Chirurgiae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Surgery)
CHD congenital heart disease; coronary heart disease
ChD L. Chirurgiae Doctor (Doctor of Surgery)
ChE cholinesterase
CHF congestive heart failure
CHL crown-heel length (of fetus)
ChM L. Chirurgiae Magister (Master of Surgery)
CHO Chinese hamster ovary (cell)
CHOP cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin (doxorubicin), Oncovin
(vincristine), and prednisone
CHOP-BLEO cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin (doxorubicin), Oncovin
(vincristine), prednisone, and bleomycin
CHS cholinesterase
CI cardiac index; Colour Index
Ci curie
cib. L. cibus (food)
CIE counterimmunoelectrophoresis
CIH Certificate in Industrial Health
Ci-hr curie-hour
CIN cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
C1 INH C1 inhibitor
CK creatine kinase
Cl chlorine
CLIP corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide
CM L. Chirurgiae Magister (Master of Surgery)
Cm curium
cM centimorgan
cm centimeter
cm2 square centimeter
3
cm cubic centimeter
CMA Certified Medical Assistant
CMAP compound muscle action potential
CMD cerebromacular degeneration
CMF cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil
CMHC community mental health center
cm H2O centimeter(s) of water
CMI cell-mediated immunity
CML cell-mediated lympholysis
c mm cubic millimeter
C-MOPP cyclophosphamide, Oncovin (vincristine), procarbazine, and
prednisone
CMP cytidine monophosphate
c.m.s. L. cras mane sumendus (to be taken tomorrow morning)
CMT California mastitis test; Certified Medical Transcriptionist
CMV cytomegalovirus
CN chloroacetophenone
c.n. L. cras nocte (tomorrow night)
CN-Cbl cyanocobalamin
C3 NeF C3 nephritic factor
CNM Certified Nurse-Midwife
CNS central nervous system
c.n.s. L. cras nocte sumendus (to be taken tomorrow night)
CNV contingent negative variation
CO cardiac output
Co cobalt; coccygeal (in vertebral formulas)
CoA coenzyme A
CoA-SH coenzyme A
COBS cesarean-obtained barrier-sustained
COC calcifying odontogenic cyst
cochl. L. cochleare (a spoonful)
cochl. amp L. cochleare amplum (a heaping spoonful)
cochl. mag. L. cochleare magnum (a tablespoonful)
cochl. med. L. cochleare medium (a dessertspoonful)
cochl. parv. L. cochleare parvum (a teaspoonful)
Coct. L. coctio (boiling)
Col. L. cola (strain)
Colat. L. colatus (strained)
COLD chronic obstructive lung disease
Colet. L. coletur (let it be strained)
Collut. L. collutorium (mouth wash)
Collyr. L. collyrium (an eye wash)
Color. L. coloretur (let it be colored)
Comp. L. compositus (compound)
ConA concanavalin A
Concis. L. concisus (cut)
Cons. L. conserva (keep)
Cont. L. contusus (bruised)
Contin. L. continuetur (let it be continued)
Cont. rem. L. continuetur remedium (let the medicine be continued)
COP cyclophosphamide, Oncovin (vincristine), and prednisone
COP-BLAM cyclophosphamide, Oncovin (vincristine), prednisone, bleomycin,
Adriamycin (doxorubicin), and Matulane (procarbazine)
COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPP cyclophosphamide, Oncovin (vincristine), procarbazine, and
prednisone
Coq. L. coque (boil)
Coq. in s. a. L. coque in sufficiente aqua (boil in sufficient water)
Coq. s. a. L. coque secundum artem (boil properly)
Cort. L. cortex (bark)
CP candle power; chemically pure
cp centipoise
C3PA C3 proactivator (former name for factor B)
CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
CPC clinicopathological conference
CPD citrate phosphate dextrose
CPDA-1 citrate phosphate dextrose adenine
CPDD calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
C Ped Certified Pedorthist
CPH Certificate in Public Health
CPI California Personality Inventory; congenital palatopharyngeal
incompetence
CPK creatine phosphokinase
cpm counts per minute
CPP cerebral perfusion pressure
CPPD calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate
CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPS carbamoyl phosphate synthetase
CPSI carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I
CPSII carbamoyl phosphate synthetase II
cps cycles per second
CR complement receptor; conditioned response; crown-rump (length of
 fetus); dibenz(b,f)-1,4-oxazepine, a common tear gas
CR3 complement receptor type 3
Cr chromium
Crast. L. crastinus (for tomorrow)
CREG cross-reactive group (of HLA antigens)
CRF chronic renal failure
CRH corticotropin-releasing hormone
CRL crown-rump length (of fetus)
CRM cross-reacting material
CRNA Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
cRNA complementary RNA
CRP C-reactive protein
CRRT continuous renal replacement therapy
Crys. crystal
CS cesarean section; conditioned stimulus; coronary sinus; o-
chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile
Cs cesium
CSC coup sur coup
CSF cerebrospinal fluid; colony-stimulating factor
CSF-1 macrophage colony-stimulating factor
CSII continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
CSM cerebrospinal meningitis
C-spine cervical spine
CST contraction stress test
CT computed tomography
CTBA cetrimonium bromide
CTL cytotoxic T lymphocytes
CTP cytidine triphosphate
Cu copper (L. cuprum)
Cuj. L. cujus (of which)
CV cardiovascular; closing volume; coefficient of variation
C.V. L. cras vespere (tomorrow evening); L. conjugata vera (true conjugate
diameter of the pelvic inlet)
CVA cerebrovascular accident; costovertebral angle
CVID common variable immunodeficiency
CVP central venous pressure; cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and
prednisone
CVS cardiovascular system; chorionic villus sampling
CX circumflex artery
Cx cervix; convex
Cy cyanogen
Cyath. L. cyathus (a glassful)
CYC cyclophosphamide
cyclic AMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate
cyclic GMP cyclic guanosine monophosphate
cyl cylinder; cylindrical lens
Cys cysteine
Cys-Cys cystine
D dalton; deciduous (teeth); decimal reduction time; density; deuterium;
died; diffusing capacity; diopter; distal; dorsal vertebrae (D1-D12);
dose; duration; dwarf (colony)
D. L. da (give); L. detur (let it be given); L. dexter (right); L. dosis
(dose)
D37 the dose necessary to reduce the surviving fraction, as of cells, to e-1 or
0.37, where the biological activity declines exponentially as a function
of dose
DL diffusing capacity of the lung
d day; deci-; deoxyribose
d. L. da (give); L. detur (let it be given); L. dexter (right); L. dosis
(dose)
d density; diameter
∆ change (as in temperature); increment
δ delta chain of hemoglobin; heavy chain of IgD
DA developmental age; diphenylchlorarsine
Da dalton
DAC decitabine
DACT dactinomycin
DAD delayed afterdepolarization
dADP deoxyadenosine diphosphate
DAEC diffusely adherent Escherichia coli
DAF decay accelerating factor
dAMP deoxyadenosine monophosphate
D and C dilation and curettage
dATP deoxyadenosine triphosphate
DAy Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine
dB, db decibel
DBA dibenzanthracene
DBS deep brain stimulation
DC direct current; Doctor of Chiropractic
D&C dilation and curettage
dC deoxycytidine
DCA desoxycorticosterone acetate
DCc double concave
dCDP deoxycytidine diphosphate
DCF direct centrifugal flotation
DCH Diploma in Child Health
DCIS ductal carcinoma in situ
dCMP deoxycytidine monophosphate
DCOG Diploma of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (British)
dCTP deoxycytidine triphosphate
DCx double convex
d.d. L. detur ad (let it be given to)
ddC dideoxycytidine
o,p-DDD mitotane
DDH developmental dysplasia of the hip
ddI dideoxyinosine
DDP, cis-DDP cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum)
DDS diaminodiphenylsulfone (dapsone); Doctor of Dental Surgery
DDSc Doctor of Dental Science
Deb. spis. L. debita spissitudine (of the proper consistency)
Dec. L. decanta (pour off)
Decoct. L. decoctum (a decoction)
Decub. L. decubitus (lying down)
de d. in d. L. de die in diem (from day to day)
DEF decayed, extracted, filled
Deg degeneration; degree
Deglut. L. deglutiatur (let it be swallowed)
Dep. L. depuratus (purified)
DES diethylstilbestrol
dest. L. destilla (distill); L. destillatus (distilled)
destil. L. destilla (distill)
DET diethyltryptamine
Det. L. detur (let it be given)
Det. in 2 plo, Det. in L. detur in duplo (let twice as much be given)
dup.
D. et s. L. detur et signetur (let it be given and labeled)
DF-2 Capnocytophaga canimorsus
DFP diisopropyl fluorophosphate
dG deoxyguanosine
dGDP deoxyguanosine diphosphate
dGMP deoxyguanosine monophosphate
dGTP deoxyguanosine triphosphate
DH delayed hypersensitivity
DHA 2,8-dihydroxyadenine; docosahexaenoic acid
DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone
DHF dihydrofolate; dihydrofolic acid
DHFR dihydrofolate reductase
DHg Doctor of Hygiene
DHom Doctor of Homeopathic Medicine
DHPG 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol; ganciclovir (9-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-
propoxy)methyl] guanine)
DHT dihydrotestosterone
DHy Doctor of Hygiene
DIC diffuse intravascular coagulation; disseminated intravascular
coagulation
Dieb. alt. L. diebus alternis (on alternate days)
Dieb. tert. L. diebus tertiis (every third day)
Dig. L. digeratur (let it be digested)
dil. L. dilue (dilute, dissolve)
Diluc. L. diluculo (at daybreak)
dilut. L. dilutus (diluted)
dim. L. dimidius (one half)
D. in p. aeq. L. divide in partes aequales (divide into equal parts)
Dir. prop. L. directione propria (with proper direction)
DIS Diagnostic Interview Schedule
DISIDA disofenin (diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid)
Dist. L. distilla (distill)
Div. L. divide (divide)
dk deca-
dL deciliter
DLE discoid lupus erythematosus
DM diabetes mellitus; diphenylamine chlorarsine
DMAPN dimethylaminopropionitrile
DMARD disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
DMBA 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene
DMD Doctor of Dental Medicine
DMF decayed, missing, filled; dimethylformamide
DMFO eflornithine
DMPE 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine
DMRD Diploma in Medical Radio-Diagnosis (British)
DMRT Diploma in Medical Radio-Therapy (British)
DMSA succimer
DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide
DMT dimethyltryptamine
DN dibucaine number
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
Dnase deoxyribonuclease
DNB dinitrobenzene; Diplomate of the National Board (of Medical
Examiners)
DNCB dinitrochlorobenzene
DNFB dinitrofluorobenzene
DNOC dinitro-o-cresol
DNR do not resuscitate
DO Doctor of Osteopathy
DOA dead on arrival
DOC 11-deoxycorticosterone
DOM 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine
Donec alv. sol. L. donec alvus soluta fuerit (until the bowels are opened, i.e., until a
Fuerit bowel movement occurs)
DP L. directione propria (with proper direction)
DP Doctor of Pharmacy; Doctor of Podiatry
DPH Diploma in Public Health
DPM Diploma in Psychological Medicine; Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
DPT diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine
DR reaction of degeneration
dr dram
DRG Diagnosis-Related Groups
DrPH Doctor of Public Health
DSC Doctor of Surgical Chiropody
dsDNA double-stranded DNA
dsRNA double-stranded RNA
DT diphtheria and tetanus toxoids
Dt duration tetany
dT deoxythymidine
DTaP diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine
D.T.D. L. datur talis dosis (give of such a dose)
dTDP deoxythymidine diphosphate
DTH delayed-type hypersensitivity
DTIC, Dtic dacarbazine
dTMP deoxythymidine monophosphate
DTP diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine
DTPA diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid
dTTP deoxythymidine triphosphate
dU deoxyuridine
dUMP deoxyuridine monophosphate
Dur. dolor. L. durante dolore (while the pain lasts)
dUTP deoxyuridine triphosphate
DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
DVT deep venous thrombosis
Dy dysprosium
dyn dyne
E emmetropia; enzyme; exa-
E elastance; energy; expectancy; electromotive force; illumination;
electric intensity; redox potential
E1 estrone
E2 estradiol
E3 estriol
E4 estetrol
Eh redox potential
E° standard reduction potential
e electron
e elementary unit of electric charge; the base of natural logarithms
+
e positron
e- electron
ε epsilon chain of hemoglobin; heavy chain of IgE; molar absorptivity
η absolute viscosity
EAC erythrocyte, antibody, and complement
EACA epsion-aminocaproic acid
EAD early afterdepolarization
ead. L. eadem (the same)
EAE experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
EAEC enteroadherent Escherichia coli
EAggEC enteroaggregative Escherichia coli
EAHF eczema, asthma, hay fever
EAP epiallopregnanolone
Ea. R. Entartungs-Reaktion (reaction of degeneration)
EAV electroacupuncture after Voll
EB elementary body
EBCT electron beam computed tomography
EBL enzootic bovine leukosis
EBV Epstein-Barr virus
EC Enzyme Commission
ECD ethyl cysteinate dimer
ECF extracellular fluid; eosinophil chemotactic factor; extended care
facility
ECF-A eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis
ECG electrocardiogram
ECI electrocerebral inactivity
ECM extracellular matrix
ECMO extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
ECS electrocerebral silence
ECT electroconvulsive therapy
ED effective dose; erythema dose
ED50 median effective dose
EDR effective direct radiation; electrodermal response
EDRF endothelium-derived relaxing factor
EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
EDV end-diastolic volume
EEE eastern equine encephalomyelitis
EEG electroencephalogram
EEJ electroejaculation
EENT eyes, ears, nose, and throat
EERP extended endocardial resection procedure
EFA essential fatty acids
EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EGF epidermal growth factor
EGTA egtazic acid
EHBF estimated hepatic blood flow
EHDP etidronate (ethane-l-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate)
EHEC enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
EI erythema infectiosum
EIA enzyme immunoassay
EIEC enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
EIT erythrocyte iron turnover
Ejusd. L. ejusdem (of the same)
EKG electrocardiogram
EKY electrokymogram
ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Em emmetropia
EMC encephalomyocarditis (virus)
EMF electromotive force
EMG electromyogram
Emp. L. emplastrum (a plaster)
EMS Emergency Medical Service
emul. L. emulsum (emulsion)
ENA extractable nuclear antigens
ENG electronystagmography
ENT ears, nose, and throat
EOG electro-olfactogram
EP evoked potential
EPA eicosapentaenoic acid
EPEC enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
EPP erythropoietic protoporphyria
EPR electron paramagnetic resonance; electrophrenic respiration
EPSP excitatory postsynaptic potential
ER emergency room; endoplasmic reticulum; estrogen receptor
Er erbium
ERBF effective renal blood flow
ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ERG electroretinogram
ERP endocardial resection procedure
ERPF effective renal plasma flow
ERV expiratory reserve volume
Es einsteinium
ESE elektrostatische Einheit (electrostatic unit)
ESF erythropoietic stimulating factor
ESP extrasensory perception
ESR electron spin resonance; erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD end-stage renal disease
EST electric shock therapy; electroshock therapy
esu electrostatic unit
ESV end-systolic volume
Et ethyl
ETEC enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
ETF electron transfer flavoprotein
ET-NANB enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis
Eu europium
eV electron volt
Exhib. L. exhibeatur (let it be given)
ext. extract
F Fahrenheit (scale); farad; fertility (plasmid); fluorine; formula; French
(scale); phenylalanine; visual field
F. L. fiat (let there be made)
F faraday; force
F1 first filial generation
F2 second filial generation
°F degree Fahrenheit
f femto-; focal length
f frequency
FA fatty acid; fluorescent antibody
FAB French-American-British
FACD Fellow of the American College of Dentists
FACOG Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
FACP Fellow of the American College of Physicians
FACR Fellow of the American College of Radiology
FACS Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; fluorescence-activated
cell sorter
FACSM Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine
FAD flavin adenine dinucleotide
FADH2 the reduced form of flavin adenine dinucleotide
F and R force and rhythm (of pulse)
FAPHA Fellow of the American Public Health Association
fasc. L. fasciculus (bundle)
5-FC flucytosine
fCi femtocurie
FDA Food and Drug Administration; L. fronto-dextra anterior (right
frontoanterior)
FDC fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide
FDP L. fronto-dextra posterior (right frontoposterior)
FDP fibrin degradation products; fibrinogen degradation products
FDT L. fronto-dextra transversa (right frontotransverse)
F-dUMP 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate
FENA fractional excretion of sodium
FENa excreted fraction of filtered sodium
Fe iron (L. ferrum)
Feb. dur. L. febre durante (while the fever lasts)
FEF forced expiratory flow
Fem. intern. L. femoribus internus (at the inner side of the thighs)
FEP free erythrocyte protoporphyrin
Ferv. L. fervens (boiling)
FES functional electrical stimulation; functional endoscopic sinus surgery
FEV forced expiratory volume
FFA free fatty acids
FFT flicker fusion threshold
F.h. L. flat haustus (let a draught be made)
FIA fluorescence immunoassay; fluorescent immunoassay;
fluoroimmunoassay
FIAC Fellow of the International Academy of Cytology
FICD Fellow of the International College of Dentists
FICS Fellow of the International College of Surgeons
FIGLU formiminoglutamic acid
FIGO Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique
(International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics)
(classification)
FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate
Fl. fluid
FLA L. fronto-laeva anterior (left frontoanterior)
F.l.a. L. fiat lege artis (let it be done according to rule)
fld fluid
fl dr fluid dram
Flor. L. flores (flowers)
fl oz fluid ounce
FLP L. fronto-laeva posterior (left frontoposterior)
FLT L. fronto-laeva transversa (left frontotransverse)
F.M. L. fiat mistura (make a mixture)
Fm fermium
FMN flavin mononucleotide
FMNH2 the reduced form of flavin mononucleotide
FNH focal nodular hyperplasia
FNTC fine needle transhepatic cholangiography
F.p. L. fiat potio (let a potion be made)
fp freezing point
FPG fasting plasma glucose
F.pil. L. fiant pilulae (let pills be made)
Fr francium
Fract. dos. L. fracta dosi (in divided doses)
FRC functional residual capacity
FRCP Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
FRCP(C) Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada
FRCPE Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
FRCP(Glasg) Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
qua Physician
FRCPI Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland
FRCS Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
FRCS(C) Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada
FRCSEd Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
FRCS(Glasg) Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
.qua Surgeon

FRCSI Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

FRCVS Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
FRFPSG Fellow of the Royal Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
FRS Fellow of the Royal Society
Frust. L. frustillatim (in small pieces)
F.s.a. L. fiat secundum artem (let it be made skillfully)
FSF fibrin-stabilizing factor
FSG focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
FSGS focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
FSH follicle-stimulating hormone
FSH/LH-RH follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone–releasing
hormone
FSH-RH follicle-stimulating hormone–releasing hormone
Ft. L. fiat, fiant (let there be made)
ft foot
Ft. mas. div. in pil. L. fiat massa dividenda in pilulae (let a mass be made and divided into
pills)
Ft. pulv. L. fiat pulvis (let a powder be made)
5-FU 5-fluorouracil
FUDR, FUdR floxuridine (5-fluorouracil deoxyribonucleoside)
FUO fever of unknown origin
FUS feline urological syndrome
FVC forced vital capacity
G gauss; giga-; glycine; gravida; guanine; guanosine
G conductance; G force; Gibbs free energy; gravitational constant
g gram
g standard gravity
γ gamma chain of fetal hemoglobin; heavy chain of IGg
Ga gallium
GABA γ-aminobutyric acid
GAD generalized anxiety disorder
GAG glycosaminoglycan
GaINAc N-acetylgalactosamine
GALT gut-associated lymphoid tissue
Galv. galvanic
GAPD glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
Garg. L. gargarisma (gargle)
GBG glycine-rich b glycoprotein (former name for factor B)
GBM glomerular basement membrane
GC gas chromatography
g-cal. gram calorie
G-CSF granulocyte colony–stimulating factor
Gd gadolinium
GDP guanosine diphosphate
Ge germanium
Gel. quav. L. gelatina quavis (in any kind of jelly)
GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease
GeV gigaelectron volt (one billion electron volts)
GFAP glial fibrillary acidic protein
GFR glomerular filtration rate
GGT γ-glutamyltransferase
GH growth hormone
GHA glucoheptonate (gluceptate)
GH-RH growth hormone–releasing hormone
GI gastrointestinal
GIFT gamete intrafallopian transfer
GIP gastric inhibitory polypeptide
GL greatest length
gl. L. glandula (gland)
GLC gas-liquid chromatography
GlcNAc N-acetylglucosamine
GLI glucagon-like immunoreactivity
Gln glutamine
Glu glutamic acid
Gly glycine
gm gram
GMC General Medical Council (British)
GM-CSF granulocyte-macrophage colony–stimulating factor
GMP guanosine monophosphate
3′,5′-GMP, cyclic cyclic guanosine monophosphate
GMP
Gn-RH gonadotropin-releasing hormone
GOT glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase
GP general paresis; general practitioner
G6PD glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
GPT glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
gr grain
Grad. L. gradatim (by degrees)
GRH growth hormone–releasing hormone
GSC gas-solid chromatography
GSH reduced glutathione
GSSG oxidized glutathione
gt. L. gutta (drop)
GTH gonadotropic hormone
GTN gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
GTP guanosine triphosphate
GTT glucose tolerance test
gtt. L. guttae (drops)
GU genitourinary
Guttat. L. guttatim (drop by drop)
Gutt. quibusd. L. guttis quibusdam (with a few drops)
GVH graft-versus-host (disease)
GXT graded exercise test
Gy gray
H Ger. Hauch (breath, used to describe bacterial colonies); henry;
histidine; Hounsfield unit; hydrogen; hyperopia
H enthalpy
H0 null hypothesis
H1 alternative hypothesis
Ha alternative hypothesis
h hecto-; hour
h. L. hora (hour)
h Planck's constant; height
HA hemadsorbent
HAA hepatitis-associated antigen
HAART highly active antiretroviral therapy
HAI hemagglutination inhibition (test)
H and E hematoxylin-eosin (stain)
HANE hereditary angioneurotic edema
HAT hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine (medium)
Haust. L. haustus (a draft)
HAV hepatitis A virus
HB hepatitis B
Hb hemoglobin
HBc hepatitis B core (antigen)
HBcAg hepatitis B core antigen
HbCV Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine
HBE His bundle electrogram
HBe hepatitis B e (antigen)
HBeAg hepatitis B e antigen
HbO2 oxyhemoglobin
HbPV Haemophilus b polysaccharide vaccine
HBs hepatitis B surface (antigen)
HBsAg hepatitis B surface antigen
HBV hepatitis B virus
HC Hospital Corps
HCG, hCG human chorionic gonadotropin
HCM hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
HCP hereditary coproporphyria
Hct hematocrit
HCV hepatitis C virus
HD hemodialysis
H.d. L. hora decubitus (at bedtime)
HDCV human diploid cell (rabies) vaccine
HDL high-density lipoprotein
HDL-C high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol
HDN hemolytic disease of the newborn
HDP oxidronate (hydroxymethylene diphosphonate)
HDV hepatitis D virus
H&E hematoxylin-eosin (stain)
He helium
Hebdom. L. hebdomada (a week)
HED Haut-Einheits-Dosis (unit skin dose)
HeGF human epidermal growth factor
HEK human embryo kidney (cell culture)
HEL human embryo lung (cell culture)
HEMPAS hereditary erythroblastic multinuclearity with positive acidified
serum
HEP hepatoerythropoietic porphyria
Herb. recent. L. herbarium recentium (of fresh herbs)
HERV human endogenous retroviruses
HETE hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
HF Hageman factor; high frequency
Hf hafnium
Hfr high frequency of recombination
Hg mercury (L. hydrargyrum)
Hgb hemoglobin
HGBV hepatitis GB virus
HGE human granulocytic ehrlichiosis
HGF hepatocyte growth factor; hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor
(glucagon)
HGG human gamma globulin
HGH, hGH human growth hormone
hGHr human growth hormone recombinant
HGPRT hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase
HGV hepatitis G virus
HHT hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid
HI hemagglutination inhibition (test)
5-HIAA 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
HIDA hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid
HIDS hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome
His histidine
HIV human immunodeficiency virus
HKAFO hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis
Hl latent hyperopia
HLA human leukocyte antigens
HLHS hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Hm manifest hyperopia
HMDP oxidronate (hydroxymethylene diphosphonate)
HMG 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl
hMG human menopausal gonadotropin
HMM hexamethylmelamine
HMO health maintenance organization
HMPA hexamethylphosphoramide
HMPAO hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime
HMSN hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy
HMWK high-molecular-weight kininogen
HMW-NCF high-molecular-weight neutrophil chemotactic factor
hnRNA heterogeneous nuclear RNA
Ho holmium
HOCM hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
HOP hydroxydaunomycin (doxorubicin), Oncovin (vincristine), and
prednisone
Hor. decub. L. hora decubitus (at bedtime)
Hor. interm. L. horis intermediis (at the intermediate hours)
Hor. un. spatio L. horae unius spatio (at the end of one hour)
HP house physician
Hp haptoglobin
HPETE hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid
HPF high-power field
HPL, hPL human placental lactogen
HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography
HPRT hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase
HPTA hepatopoietin A
HPV human papillomavirus
HRA high right atrial (electrogram)
HRCT high-resolution computed tomography
HRF histamine-releasing factor; homologous restriction factor
HRP horseradish peroxidase
HRT hormone replacement therapy
HS house surgeon
h.s. L. hora somni (at bedtime)
HSA human serum albumin
HSAN hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy
HSAN-I hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (type I)
HSAN-II hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (type II)
HSAN-III hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (type III)
HSF hydrazine-sensitive factor (former name for alternative pathway
complement factor C3)
HSR homogeneously staining regions
HSV herpes simplex virus
5-HT 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)
Ht total hyperopia
HTACS human thyroid adenylate cyclase stimulators
HTC homozygous typing cells
3
H-TdR tritium-labeled thymidine
HTLV-1 human T-lymphotropic virus 1
HTLV-2 human T-lymphotropic virus 2
HTLV-III human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III
HuIFN human interferon
HVA homovanillic acid
HVL half-value layer
Hz hertz
I incisor; inosine; iodine; isoleucine
I electric current; intensity (of radiant energy); ionic strength
IAB infra-aortic balloon
IABP infra-aortic balloon pump
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
IAHA immune adherence hemagglutination assay
IAP inhibitor of apoptosis protein
IAPP islet amyloid polypeptide
IB inclusion body
IBC iron-binding capacity
IBF immunoglobulin-binding factor
IBS irritable bowel syndrome
IC inspiratory capacity; irritable colon
ICAM-1 intercellular adhesion molecule 1
ICAM-2 intercellular adhesion molecule 2
ICD implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; International Classification of
Diseases (of the World Health Organization); intrauterine
contraceptive device
ICP intracranial pressure
ICSH interstitial cell–stimulating hormone (luteinizing hormone)
ICSI intracytoplasmic sperm injection
ICT insulin coma therapy
ICU intensive care unit
ID intradermal; inside diameter; infective dose
ID50 median infective dose
Id. L. idem (the same)
IDA iminodiacetic acid
IDD, IDDM insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes mellitus)
IDL intermediate-density lipoprotein
IDU idoxuridine
IEP immunoelectrophoresis
IF intrinsic factor
IFA immunofluorescence assay
IFN interferon
Ig immunoglobulin
IGF insulin-like growth factor
IGIV immune globulin intravenous (human)
IGT impaired glucose tolerance
IH infectious hepatitis
IHD ischemic heart disease
IHSS idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
IL interleukin
Ile isoleucine
ILT infectious laryngotracheitis
IM intramuscular
ImD50 median immunizing dose
IMPA incisal mandibular plane angle
IMV intermittent mandatory ventilation
IMViC, imvic indole, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, and citrate
In indium
in inch
in d. L. in dies (daily)
Inf. L. infunde (pour in)
INN International Nonproprietary Name
InsP3 inositol 1,4, 5-triphosphate
IOP intraocular pressure
IORT intraoperative radiotherapy
IP intraperitoneal; isoelectric point
IP3 inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate
IPD intermittent peritoneal dialysis
IPPB intermittent positive pressure breathing
IPSP inhibitory postsynaptic potential
IPV poliovirus vaccine inactivated
IQ intelligence quotient
Ir iridium
IRMA immunoradiometric assay
IRV inspiratory reserve volume
IS intercostal space
ISA intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
ISO International Standards Organization
ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; inosine triphosphate
IU International unit
IUD intrauterine device
IUGR intrauterine growth restriction
IUI intrauterine insemination
IV intravenous
IVC inferior vena cava
IVF in vitro fertilization
IVP intravenous pyelogram; intravenous pyelography
IVRT isovolumic relaxation time
IVS interventricular septum (of heart)
J joule
JCV JC virus
juscul. L. jusculum (soup or broth)
K kelvin; lysine; potassium (L. kalium)
K equilibrium constant
Ka acid dissociation constant
Kb base dissociation constant
Kd dissociation constant
Keq equilibrium constant
KM, Km Michaelis constant
Ksp solubility product constant
KW ion product of water
k kilo-
k Boltzmann's constant; rate constant
κ dielectric constant, one of the two types of immunoglobulin light
chains
KAFO knee-ankle-foot orthosis
kat katal
kb kilobase
kbp kilobase pairs (1000 base pairs)
kcal kilocalorie
kCi kilocurie
kD, kDa kilodalton
keV kiloelectron volt (1000 electron volts)
kg kilogram
kg-cal large calorie
kHz kilohertz
kj knee jerk
km kilometer
KP keratic precipitates
Kr krypton
17-KS 17-ketosteroid
KUB kidney, ureter, and bladder
Kv kilovolt
kVp kilovolts peak
L lambert; left; leucine; light chain; liter; lung; lumbar vertebra (L1–
L5)
L. L. libra (pound)
L luminance; self-inductance
L0 limes nul (dose)
L+, L+ limes tod (dose)
l former symbol for liter
l. ligamentum (ligament)
l length
λ decay constant; one of the two types of immunoglobulin light chains;
wavelength
L0 limes nul (dose)
L&A light and accommodation (reaction of pupils)
La lanthanum
LAC laparoscopic-assisted colectomy
LAD left anterior descending (coronary artery); left axis deviation
LAE left atrial enlargement
Lag. L. lagena (flask)
LAH left anterior hemiblock
LAM lymphangiomyomatosis
LAO left anterior oblique
LAP leukocyte adhesion protein; leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
LASIK laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis
Lat. dol. L. lateri dolenti (to the painful side)
LATS long-acting thyroid stimulator
LATS-p long-acting thyroid stimulator protector
LAV lymphadenopathy-associated virus
lb pound (L. libra)
LBBB left bundle branch block
LBP low back pain
LBW low birth weight (infant)
LCA left coronary artery; leukocyte common antigens
LCAT lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase
LCIS lobular carcinoma in situ
LD lethal dose; light difference
LD50 median lethal dose
LDA left displacement of the abomasum; left dorsoanterior (position of the
fetus)
LDH L-lactate dehydrogenase
LDL low-density lipoprotein
LE left eye; lupus erythematosus
LEMS Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
les local excitatory state
LET linear energy transfer
Leu leucine
Lf limes flocculating (dose)
LFA left frontoanterior (position of the fetus)
LFA-1 leukocyte function–associated antigen 1
LFA-2 leukocyte function–associated antigen 2
LFA-3 leukocyte function–associated antigen 3
LFP left frontoposterior (position of the fetus)
LFT left frontotransverse (position of the fetus)
LGB laparoscopic gastric banding
LH luteinizing hormone
LH-RH luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone
Li lithium
LIA leukemia-associated inhibitory activity
LIF left iliac fossa; leukocyte inhibitory factor
lig. ligament; ligamentum
ligg. ligamenta (ligaments)
LLL left lower lobe (of lung)
LM light minimum; linguomesial
lm lumen
LMA left mentoanterior (position of the fetus)
LMF lymphocyte mitogenic factor
LMP left mentoposterior (position of the fetus); last menstrual period; latent
membrane protein
LMT left mentotransverse (position of the fetus)
LMWK low-molecular-weight kininogen
ln natural logarithm
LNPF lymph node permeability factor
LOA left occipitoanterior
LOAEL lowest observed adverse effect level
Loc. dol. L. loco dolenti (to the painful spot)
LOEL lowest observed effect level
LOP left occipitoposterior (position of the fetus)
LOT left occipitotransverse (position of the fetus)
Lot. L. lotio (lotion)
LPF low-power field
LPH left posterior hemiblock; lipotropic hormone
LPN licensed practical nurse
LPS lipopolysaccharide
LPV lymphotropic papovavirus
Lr limes reacting (dose)
LRD living related donor
LSA left sacroanterior (position of the fetus)
LScA left scapuloanterior (position of the fetus)
LScP left scapuloposterior (position of the fetus)
LSD lysergic acid diethylamide
LSO lumbosacral orthosis
LSP left sacroposterior (position of the fetus)
L-spine lumbar spine
LST left sacrotransverse (position of the fetus)
LT lymphotoxin
LTF lymphocyte-transforming factor
LTR long terminal repeats
Lu lutetium
LUL left upper lobe (of lung)
LVAD left ventricular assist device
LVEDP left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
LVEDV left ventricular end-diastolic volume
LVET left ventricular ejection time
LVH left ventricular hypertrophy
LVN licensed vocational nurse
Lw lawrencium
lx lux
Lys lysine
M low frequency component of the first heart sound; mega-; methionine;
molar; morgan; mucoid (colony); myopia
M. L. misce (mix); L. mistura (a mixture)
M mutual inductance; molar mass; molar
M1 mitral valve closure
Mr relative molecular mass
m median; meter; milli-
m. L. musculus (muscle); minim
m mass; molal
m- meta-
µ electrophoretic mobility; heavy chain of IgM; linear attenuation
coefficient; micro-; micron; population mean
MA Master of Arts; mental age; meter angle
mA milliampere
µA microampere
MAA macroaggregated albumin
MAC membrane attack complex; minimal alveolar concentration;
Mycobacterium arium complex
Mac. L. macerare (macerate)
MADD multiple acyl CoA dehydrogenation deficiency
MAF macrophage-activating factor
MAG3 mertiatide
Mag. L. magnus (large)
MALT mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
Man. L. manipulus (a handful)
Manip. L. manipulus (a handful)
Man. pr. L. mane primo (early in the morning)
MAO monoamine oxidase
MAOI monoamine oxidase inhibitor
MAP mean arterial pressure
masc mass concentration
Mas. pil. L. massa pilularum (pill mass)
MAST military or medical anti-shock trousers
MAT multifocal atrial tachycardia
Matut. L. matutinus (in the morning)
MB Medicinae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Medicine)
Mb megabase
m.b. L. misce bene (mix well)
MBP major basic protein; myelin basic protein
MBq megabecquerel
MC Magister Chirurgiae (Master of Surgery)
MC Medical Corps
mC millicoulomb
µC microcoulomb
MCA 3-methylcholanthrene
MCD mean of consecutive differences
MCE myocardial contrast echocardiography
MCF macrophage chemotactic factor
mcg microgram
MCH mean corpuscular hemoglobin
MCHC mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
MCi megacurie
mCi millicurie
µCi microcurie
MCI/MI methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone
MCMI Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory
MCP membrane cofactor protein
Mcps megacycles per second (million cycles per second)
M-CSF macrophage colony–stimulating factor
MCT mean circulation time
MCV mean corpuscular volume
MD L. Medicinae Doctor (Doctor of Medicine)
Md mendelevium
MDA L. mento-dextra anterior (right mentoanterior)
MDA methylenedioxyamphetamine
MDF myocardial depressant factor
MDMA 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
MDP L. mento-dextra posterior (right mentoposterior)
MDP methylene diphosphonate
MDS myelodysplasia
MDT L. mento-dextra transversa (right mentotransverse)
2-ME 2-mercaptoethanol
Me methyl
McCbl methylcobalamin
McCCNU semustine
MED minimal effective dose, minimal erythema dose
MEDLARS Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System
MEDLINE MEDLARS on line
MEG magnetoencephalograph
MEGX monoethylglycinexylidide
MEN multiple endocrine neoplasia
MEP maximum expiratory pressure
mEq, meq milliequivalent
MESA microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration
MeSH Medical Subject Headings
Met methionine
M. et sig. L. misce et signa (mix and write a label)
MeV megaelectron volt, one million electron volts
µF microfarad
M. flac. L. membrana flaccida (pars flaccida membranae tympanicae)
M. ft. L. mistura fiat (let a mixture be made)
Mg magnesium
mg milligram
µg microgram
mgm former symbol for milligram
3MH 3-methylhistidine
MHA-TP microhemagglutination assay—Treponema pallidum
MHC major histocompatibility complex
MHz megahertz
MI myocardial infarction
MIBG, mIBG iobenguane (m-iodobenzylguanidine)
MIBI sestamibi
MID minimum infective dose
MIF migration inhibition factor; migration inhibitory factor
min. L. minimum (a minim)
MIO minimal identifiable odor
MIP maximum inspiratory pressure
MIRL membrane inhibitor of reactive lysis
mist. L. mistura (a mixture)
MIT monoiodotyrosine
Mit. L. mitte (send)
MK monkey lung (cell culture)
MKS meter-kilogram-second system
mL milliliter
µL microliter
MLA L. mento-laeva anterior (left mentoanterior)
MLBW moderately low birth weight (infant)
MLC mixed lymphocyte culture
MLD median lethal dose; minimum lethal dose
MLNS mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome
MLP L. mento-laeva posterior (left mentoposterior)
MLR mixed lymphocyte reaction
MLT L. mento-laeva transversa (left mentotransverse)
MM mucous membranes
mM millimolar
mm millimeter
µM micromolar
µm micrometer
mm Hg millimeter of mercury
MMIHS megacystis-microcolon–intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome
mmol millimole
MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
MMR measles-mumps-rubella (vaccine)
Mn manganese
MO Medical Officer
Mo molybdenum
Mod. praesc. L. modo praescripto (in the way directed)
MODY maturity-onset diabetes of youth
Mol wt, mol wt molecular weight
MOPP mechlorethamine, Oncovin (vincristine), procarbazine, and
prednisone
MORC Medical Officers Reserve Corps
Mor. dict. L. more dicto (in the manner directed)
Mor. sol. L. more solito (in the usual way)
mOsm milliosmole
MOTT mycobacteria other than tubercle bacilli
6-MP 6-mercaptopurine
mp melting point
MPD maximum permissible dose
MPH Master of Public Health
MPO myeloperoxidase
MPS mononuclear phagocyte system; mucopolysaccharidosis
MR mitral regurgitation
mR milliroentgen
µR microroentgen
MRA Medical Record Administrator; magnetic resonance angiography
MRACP Member of Royal Australasian College of Physicians
mrad millirad
MRCP Member of the Royal College of Physicians
MRCPE Member of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
MRCP(Glasg) Member of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow qua
Physician
MRCPI Member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
MRCS Member of the Royal College of Surgeons
MRCSEd Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MRCSI Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland
MRCVS Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
MRD minimum reacting dose
MRDM malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus
mrem millirem
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
mRNA messenger RNA
MRSA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MS Master of Science; Master of Surgery; mitral stenosis; multiple
sclerosis
ms millisecond
µs microsecond
MSE Mental Status Examination
msec millisecond
MSG monosodium glutamate
MSH melanocyte-stimulating hormone
MSL midsternal line
MSLT multiple sleep latency test
MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry
MSUD maple syrup urine disease
MT Medical Technologist; L. membrana tympanica (tympanic
membrane)
MTD maximum tolerated dose
mtDNA mitochondrial DNA
MTX methotrexate
mU milliunit
m.u. mouse unit
µu microunit
MUAP motor unit action potential
Muc. L. mucilago (mucilage)
MUGA multiple gated acquisition (scanning)
MUP motor unit potential
MV L. Medicus Veterinarius (veterinary physician)
MV megavolt (million electron volts); minute volume
mV millivolt
µV microvolt
M-VAC methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin
MVP mitral valve prolapse
MVV maximal or maximum voluntary ventilation
MW molecular weight
µW microwatt
Mx Medex
My myopia
N newton; nitrogen; normal (solution)
N Avogadro's number; neutron number; normal (solution); number;
population size
NA Avogadro's number
n nano-; neutron; refractive index
n. L. nervus (nerve)
n (haploid) chromosome number; refractive index; sample size
n- normal
nD refractive index
ν degrees of freedom; frequency; kinematic viscosity; neutrino
NA Nomina Anatomica; numerical aperture
Na sodium (L. natrium)
NAD nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; no appreciable disease
+
NAD the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
NADH the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
NADP nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
+
NADP the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
NADPH the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
NAMI National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NAN N-acetylneuraminic acid
NANBH non-A, non-B hepatitis
NAP nasion; point A; pogonion
NASH nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Nb niobium
NBS National Bureau of Standards
NBT nitroblue tetrazolium
NBTE nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis
NCF neutrophil chemotactic factor
NCHS National Center for Health Statistics
NCI National Cancer Institute
nCi nanocurie
NCV nerve conduction velocity
ND Doctor of Naturopathy
Nd neodymium
nDNA nuclear DNA
NDV Newcastle disease virus
Nd:YAG neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (laser)
Ne neon
NED no evidence of disease
NEFA nonesterified fatty acids
NF National Formulary
ng nanogram
NGF nerve growth factor
Ni nickel
NIDD, NIDDM non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes mellitus)
nL nanoliter
nm nanometer
NMDA N-methyl-D-aspartate
NMN nicotinamide mononucleotide
NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
NMS neuroleptic malignant syndrome
nn. L. nervi (nerves)
No nobelium
No. L. numero (to the number of)
NOAEL no observed adverse effect level
Noct. L. nocte (at night)
Noct. maneq. L. nocte maneque (at night and in the morning)
NOEL no observed effect level
non repetat. L. non repetatur (do not repeat)
Np neptunium
NPN nonprotein nitrogen
NPO L. nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NRC normal retinal correspondence
NREM non-rapid eye movement
ns nanosecond
NSAIA nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesic (or agent)
NSAID nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug
NSCLC non-small cell lung carcinoma (or cancer)
nsec nanosecond
NSILA nonsuppressible insulin-like activity
NSR normal sinus rhythm
NST nonstress test
NTP normal temperature and pressure; National Toxicology Program
nU nanounit
NUG necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
nvCJD new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
NYD not yet diagnosed
O Ger. ohne Hauch (without breath, used to describe bacterial colonies);
oxygen
O. L. oculus (eye)
o- ortho-
Ω ohm
OA ocular albinism
OAI ocular albinism, type 1
OA2 ocular albinism, type 2
OAE otoacoustic emissions
OAF osteoclast activating factor
OAP Oncovin (vincristine), ara-C (cytarabine), and prednisone
OAT ornithine aminotransferase
OB obstetrics
OCA oculocutaneous albinism
OCD obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCT ornithine carbamoyltransferase; oxytocin challenge test
OD L. oculus dexter (right eye); Doctor of Optometry; optical density;
outside diameter; overdose
ODA L. occipito-dextra anterior (right occipitoanterior)
ODC orotidine 5-phosphate decarboxylase
ODP L. occipito-dextra posterior (right occipitoposterior)
ODT L. occipito-dextra transversa (right occipitotransverse)
OFD oral-facial-digital (syndrome)
OGTT oral glucose tolerance test
OH-Cbl hydroxocobalamin
17-OHCS 17-hydroxycorticosteroid
OI osteogenesis imperfecta
OIC osteogenesis imperfecta congenita
OIH orthoiodohippurate
OIT osteogenesis imperfecta tarda
OL L. oculus laevus (left eye)
Ol. L. oleum (oil)
OLA L. occipito-laeva anterior (left occipitoanterior)
OLP L. occipito-laeva posterior (left occipitoposterior)
OLT L. occipito-laeva transversa (left occipitotransverse)
o.m. L. omni mane (every morning)
OMD Doctor of Oriental Medicine
Omn. bih. L. omni bihora (every two hours)
Omn. hor. L. omni hora (every hour)
Omn. noct. L. omni nocte (every night)
OMPA octamethyl pyrophosphoramide
Om. quar. hor. L. omni quadrante hora (every quarter of an hour)
o.n. L. omni nocte (every night)
OPRT orotate phosphoribosyltransferase
OPV poliovirus vaccine live oral
OR operating room
Orn ornithine
ORS oral rehydration salts
ORT oral rehydration therapy
OS L. oculus sinister (left eye)
Os osmium
OSAS obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OT old term (anatomy); Old tuberculin
OTC over the counter; ornithine transcarbamoylase
OTD organ tolerance dose
OU L. oculus uterque (each eye)
OVD occlusal vertical dimension
oz ounce
P para; peta-; phosphate group; phosphorus; poise; posterior; premolar;
proline; pupil
P power; pressure; probability
P1 parental generation
P2 pulmonic second sound
PCO2 <note: should carbon dioxide partial pressure (carbon dioxide tension)
be subsubscript if
possible>
Pi orthophosphate
PO2 <note: should oxygen partial pressure (oxygen tension)
be subsubscript if
possible>
p pico-; proton; short arm of a chromosome
p150,95 glycoprotein p150,95
p momentum; (in statistics) the probability that a specific event will
occur. Cf. q
p- para-
Π product (in mathematics)
π the ratio of the diameter and circumference of a circle, approximately
3.1415926536; osmotic pressure
Φ magnetic flux
ψ pseudouridine
PA physician assistant; posteroanterior; pulmonary artery
Pa pascal; protactinium
PAB, PABA p-aminobenzoic acid
PAC premature atrial complex
PAF platelet activating factor
PAGE polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
PAH, PAHA p-aminohippuric acid
PAI plasminogen activator inhibitor
PALS periarterial lymphoid sheath
l-PAM l-phenylalanine mustard
PAN polyarteritis nodosa
PAP peroxidase-antiperoxidase (technique); placental alkaline phosphatase
Par. aff. L. pars affecta (the part affected)
Part. aeq. L. partes aequales (equal parts)
Part. vic. L. partitis vicibus (in divided doses)
PAS p-aminosalicylic acid; periodic acid-Schiff (reaction)
PASA p-aminosalicylic acid
PASG pneumatic antishock garment
Past. Pasteurella
PAT paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
PAWP pulmonary artery wedge pressure
PB Pharmacopoeia Britannica
Pb lead (L. plumbum)
PBG porphobilinogen
PBI protein-bound iodine
PBPC peripheral blood progenitor cells
PC phosphocreatine
P.C. L. pondus civile (avoirdupois weight)
p.c. L. post cibum (after meals)
PCA passive cutaneous anaphylaxis
PCB polychlorinated biphenyl
PcB near point of convergence
PCC prothrombin complex concentrate
PCE pseudocholinesterase
PCEC purified chick embryo cell vaccine
PCG phonocardiogram
PCI percutaneous coronary intervention
pCi picocurie
Pco2 carbon dioxide partial pressure (carbon dioxide tension)
PCOS polycystic ovary syndrome
PCP phencyclidine hydrochloride; Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
PCR polymerase chain reaction; protein catabolic rate
PCT porphyria cutanea tarda
PCV packed-cell volume
PCWP pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PD prism diopter; interpupillary distance; peritoneal dialysis
Pd palladium
PDA patent ductus arteriosus; posterior descending (coronary) artery
PE phosphatidylethanolamine
PEA pulseless electrical activity
PEARS porcine epidemic abortion and respiratory syndrome
PEEP positive end-expiratory pressure
PEF peak expiratory flow
PEFR peak expiratory flow rate
PEG pneumoencephalography; polyethylene glycol
PEG-ADA PEG-adenosine deaminase
PEM protein-energy malnutrition
PEN pharmacy equivalent name
PEP phosphoenolpyruvate; preejection period
Per. op. emet. L. peracta operatione emetici (when the action of the emetic is over)
PET positron emission tomography
PG prostaglandin; Pharmacopoeia Germanica
pg picogram
PGD preimplantation genetic diagnosis
PGD2, PGE2, symbols for various prostaglandins
PGF2α, PGI2
Ph Pharmacopeia; phenyl
PHA phytohemagglutinin
phar pharmacy; pharmaceutical; pharmacopeia
Phar B L. Pharmaciae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
Phar C Pharmaceutical Chemist
Phar D L. Pharmaciae Doctor (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Phar G Graduate in Pharmacy
Phar M L. Pharmaciae Magister (Master of Pharmacy)
pharm pharmaceutical; pharmacopeia; pharmacy
Pharm D L. Pharmaciae Doctor (Doctor of Pharmacy)
PhB British Pharmacopoeia
PhD L. Philosophiae Doctor (Doctor of Philosophy)
Phe phenylalanine
PhG Graduate in Pharmacy; Pharmacopoeia Germanica
PHPPA p-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid
PI phosphatidylinositol
PID pelvic inflammatory disease
PIE pulmonary interstitial emphysema
PIF prolactin-inhibiting factor
Pil. L. pilula (pill), L. pilulae (pills)
PIP phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate
PIP2 phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate
PIT plasma iron turnover
PJRT permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia
PJT paroxysmal junctional tachycardia
PK pyruvate kinase
PKU, PKU1 phenylketonuria
PLED periodic lateralized epileptiform discharge
PLP proteolipid protein
PLT primed lymphocyte typing; psittacosis–lymphogranuloma venereum–
trachoma (group of organisms)
Pm promethium
PMI point of maximal impulse
PMMA polymethyl methacrylate
PMN polymorphonuclear; polymorphonuclear neutrophil
PMR proportionate mortality ratio
PNET peripheral neuroectodermal tumor; primitive neuroectodermal tumor
PNH paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
PO L. per os (by mouth, orally)
PO2, PO2 <note: oxygen partial pressure (oxygen tension)
should be
subsubscript if
possible>
Po polonium
pO2, pO2 oxygen partial pressure (oxygen tension)
POA pancreatic oncofetal antigen
Pocill. L. pocillum (a small cup)
Pocul. L. poculum (cup)
poly A polyadenylate; polyadenylic acid
POMC pro-opiomelanocortin
POMP prednisone, Oncovin (vincristine), methotrexate, and Purinethol (6-
mercaptopurine)
Pond. L. pondere (by weight)
POR problem-oriented record
Post sing. sed. liq. L. post singulas sedes liquidas (after every loose stool)
pot AGT potential abnormality of glucose tolerance
PP L. punctum proximum (near point of accommodation)
PPi pyrophosphate
PPD purified protein derivative (tuberculin)
PPLO pleuropneumonia-like organisms
ppm parts per million
PPR peste des petits ruminants
Ppt precipitate; prepared
PR prosthion; pulmonic regurgitation
PR L. punctum remotum (far point of accommodation)
Pr praseodymium; presbyopia; prism
PRA panel-reactive antibody
P. rat. aetat. L. pro ratione aetatis (in proportion to age)
prev AGT previous abnormality of glucose tolerance
PRF prolactin-releasing factor
PRK photorefractive keratectomy
PRL, Prl prolactin
p.r.n. L. pro re nata (according to circumstances)
Pro proline
pro-UK prourokinase
PrP prion protein
PRPP phosphoribosylpyrophosphate
PRU peripheral resistance unit
PS phosphatidylserine; pulmonary stenosis
ps per second
PSA prostate-specific antigen
P450SCC cholesterol monooxygenase (side-chain-cleaving)
psi pounds per square inch
PSM presystolic murmur
PSMA prostate-specific membrane antigen
PSP phenolsulfonphthalein
PSVT paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
PT prothrombin time
Pt platinum
pt pint
PTA plasma thromboplastin antecedent (blood coagulation factor XI)
PTC phenylthiocarbamide; plasma thromboplastin component (blood
coagulation factor IX)
PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PteGlu pteroylglutamate; pteroylglutamic acid
PTEN pentaerythritol tetranitrate
PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene (polytef)
PTH parathyroid hormone
PTRA percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty
PTSD posttraumatic stress disorder
PTT activated partial thromboplastin time; partial thromboplastin time
Pu plutonium
PUBS percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
PUFA polyunsaturated fatty acid
pulv. L. pulvis (powder)
PUO pyrexia of unknown origin
PUVA psoralen plus ultraviolet A (therapy)
PVC polyvinyl chloride
PVL periventricular leukomalacia
PVP polyvinylpyrrolidone
PVP-I povidone-iodine
PVS persistent vegetative state
PWA person with AIDS
PWM pokeweed mitogen
PZD partial zona dissection
PZI protamine zinc insulin
Q ubiquinone
Q electric charge; heat; reaction quotient
Q10 temperature coefficient; ubiquinone
# rate of blood flow
q the long arm of a chromosome
q. L. quaque (each, every)
q electric charge, ubiquinone; (in statistics) the probability of an
alternative event occurring
q.d. L. quaque die (every day)
q.h. L. quaque hora (every hour)
q.i.d. L. quater in die (four times a day)
q.1. L. quantum libet (as much as desired)
QNS Queen's Nursing Sister (of Queen's Institute of District Nursing)
qns quantity not sufficient
q.p. L. quantum placeat (as much as desired)
q.q.h. L. quaque quarta hora (every four hours)
Qq.hor. L. quaque hora (every hour)
QS2 electromechanical systole
q.s. L. quantam satis (sufficient quantity)
q.suff. L. quantum sufficit (as much as suffices)
qt quart
quadrupl. L. quadruplicato (four times as much)
Quat., quat. L. quattuor (four)
Quinq. L. quinque (five)
Quint. L. quintus (fifth)
Quotid. L. quotidie (daily)
q.v. L. quantum vis (as much as you please); L. quod vide (which see)
R arginine; organic radical; Rankine (see under scale; rate; expiratory
exchange ratio; Rēaumur scale; resistance; respiration; rhythm; right;
roentgen; rough (colony)
R. L. remotum (far)
R resistance; gas constant
Rx L. recipe (take)
RA, RAW airway resistance
Re Reynolds' number
r drug resistance; ring chromosome
r correlation coefficient; distance; radius; drug resistance
rs Spearman's rank correlation coefficient
ρ correlation coefficient
Ra radium
RAD right axis deviation
rad radian; radiation absorbed dose
rad. L. radix (root)
RAE right atrial enlargement
RAIU radioactive iodine uptake
RAMC Royal Army Medical Corps
RAO right anterior oblique
RAS renal artery stenosis; renin-angiotensin system
RAST radioallergosorbent test
RAV Rous-associated virus
Rb rubidium
RBBB right bundle branch block
RBC red blood cell; red blood (cell) count
RBC IT red blood cell iron turnover
RBD REM sleep behavior disorder
RBE relative biological effectiveness
RBP retinol binding protein
RCA regulator of complement activation; right coronary artery
rCBF regional cerebral blood flow
rcp reciprocal translocation
RCU red cell utilization
RD reaction of degeneration
rd rutherford
RDA recommended dietary allowance; right displacement of the
abomasum
RDE receptor-destroying enzyme
RE radium emanation; right eye; retinol equivalent
Re rhenium
Rect. L. rectificatus (rectified)
Redig. in pulv. L. redigatur in pulverem (let it be reduced to powder)
Red. in pulv. L. reductus in pulverem (reduced to powder)
REG radioencephalography
REM rapid eye movements
Rep. L. repetatur (let it be repeated)
RES reticuloendothelial system
RF rheumatoid factor
RFA right frontoanterior (position of the fetus)
RfD reference dose
RFI renal failure index
RFLP restriction fragment length polymorphism
RFP right frontoposterior (position of the fetus)
RFT right frontotransverse (position of the fetus)
RGN Registered General Nurse (Scotland)
Rh rhodium
r-HuEPO recombinant human erythropoietin
RIA radioimmunoassay
RID radial immunodiffusion
RIF right iliac fossa
RIND reversible ischemic neurologic deficit
RIPA radioimmunoprecipitation assay
RIST radioimmunosorbent test
RLF retrolental fibroplasias
RLL right lower lobe
RMA right mentoanterior (position of the fetus)
RML right middle lobe
RMP right mentoposterior (position of the fetus)
RMT right mentotransverse (position of the fetus)
RN registered nurse
Rn radon
RNA ribonucleic acid
RNase ribonuclease
RNase I pancreatic ribonuclease
RNase A pancreatic ribonuclease
RNP ribonucleoprotein
ROA right occipitoanterior (position of the fetus)
ROP right occipitoposterior (position of the fetus)
ROT right occipitotransverse (position of the fetus)
RPF renal plasma flow
R Ph Registered Pharmacist
RPLND retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
rpm revolutions per minute
RQ respiratory quotient
RRA Registered Record Administrator
rRNA ribosomal RNA
RSA right sacroanterior (position of the fetus)
RScA right scapuloanterior (position of the fetus)
RSCN Registered Sick Children's Nurse
RScP right scapuloposterior (position of the fetus)
RSP right sacroposterior (position of the fetus)
RST right sacrotransverse (position of the fetus)
RTA renal tubular acidosis
RTF resistance transfer factor
Ru ruthenium
RUL right upper lobe
RV residual volume
RVA rabies vaccine adsorbed
RVAD right ventricular assist device
RVH right ventricular hypertrophy
S sacral vertebrae (S1–S5); serine; siemens; smooth (colony); spherical
lens; substrate; sulfur; Svedberg unit
s. signa (mark)
S entropy
S1 first heart sound
S2 second heart sound
S3 third heart sound
S4 fourth heart sound
Sf Svedberg flotation unit
s second
s. L. semis (half); L. sinister (left)
$ L. sine (without)
s sample standard deviation
-1
s reciprocal second
Σ summation
σ standard deviation
σ2 variance
SA sinoatrial
S.A. L. secundum artem (according to art)
SACH solid ankle cushion heel
SAD seasonal affective disorder
SADS Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia
S.A.L. secundum artis leges (according to the rules of art)
SAP sphingolipid activator protein
SB sinus bradycardia
Sb antimony (L. stibium)
SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis
SC closure of semilunar valves; secretory component; subcutaneous
Sc scandium
SCAT sheep cell agglutination test
ScD Scientiae Doctor (Doctor of Science)
ScDA L. scapulo-dextra anterior (right scapuloanterior)
ScDP L. scapulo-dextra posterior (right scapuloposterior)
SChE serum cholinesterase
SCI spinal cord injury
SCID severe combined immunodeficiency
ScLA L. scapulo-laeva anterior (left scapuloanterior)
SCLC small cell lung carcinoma
ScLP L. scapulo-laeva posterior (left scapuloposterior)
SCM State Certified Midwife
scr scruple
scu-PA single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator
SD skin dose; standard deviation
SDA L. sacro-dextra anterior (right sacroanterior)
SDE specific dynamic effect
SDP L. sacro-dextra posterior (right sacroposterior)
SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate
SDS-PAGE SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
SDT L. sacro-dextra transversa (right sacrotransverse)
SE standard error; sphenoethmoidal suture
Se selenium
SED skin erythema dose
semel in d. L. semel in die (once a day)
Semih. L. semihora (half an hour)
SEP somatosensory evoked potential
Sept. L. septem (seven)
seq. luce L. sequenti luce (the following day)
Ser serine
SERM selective estrogen receptor modulator
Serv. L. serva (keep; preserve)
sesquih. L. sesquihora (an hour and a half)
SFEMG single fiber electromyography
SGOT serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase
SGPT serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
SH serum hepatitis
SHML sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman
disease)
SI stimulation index; Système International d'Unités (International
System of Units)
Si silicon
SIADH syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
s.i.d. L. semel in die (once a day)
SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
Sig. n. pro. L. signa nomine proprio (label with the proper name)
SIMV synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation
sing. L. singulorum (of each)
Si non val. L. si non valeat (if it is not enough)
Si op. sit L. si opus sit (if it is necessary)
SISI short increment sensitivity index
SIV simian immunodeficiency virus
Si vir. perm. L. si virus permittant (if the strength will permit)
SKSD streptokinase-streptodornase
sl slyke
SLA L. sacro-laeva anterior (left sacroanterior)
SLAC scapholunate advanced collapse
SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
SLO scanning laser ophthalmoscope
SLP L. sacro-laeva posterior (left sacroposterior)
SLT L. sacro-laeva transversa (left sacrotransverse)
Sm samarium
Sm 153-EDTMP samarium Sm 153 lexidronam
SMC selenomethylnorcholesterol
SMON subacute myelo-opticoneuropathy
SMR standardized morbidity ratio; standardized mortality ratio
S.N. L. secundum naturam (according to nature)
Sn tin (L. stannum)
SNAP sensory nerve action potential
SNP single nucleotide polymorphism
snRNA small nuclear RNA
snRNP small nuclear ribonucleoprotein
SNS sympathetic nervous system
SO spheno-occipital synchondrosis
SOB shortness of breath
SOFAS Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale
Sol. L. solutio (solution)
solv. L. solve (dissolve)
SOMI stemal-occipital-mandibular immobilizer
S. op. s. L. si opus sit (if it is necessary)
S.O.S. L. si opus sit (if it is necessary)
sp. L. spiritus (spirit)
SPA sperm penetration assay
SPCA serum prothrombin conversion accelerator (blood coagulation factor
VII)
SPECT single-photon emission computed tomography
SPF specific-pathogen free
sp gr specific gravity
sph spherical; spherical lens
spir. L. spiritus (spirit)
Spt. L. spiritus (spirit)
SQ subcutaneous
SR stimulation ratio
Sr strontium
sr steradian
SRBC sheep red blood cell
SRF skin reactive factor
SRH somatotropin-releasing hormone
SRIF somatotropin release–inhibiting factor
SRN State Registered Nurse (England and Wales)
SRS-A slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis
SRT speech reception threshold; speech recognition threshold
SS somatostatin
ss. L. semis (half)
SSD source-skin distance
ssDNA single-stranded DNA
SSPE subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
ssRNA single-stranded RNA
SSS sick sinus syndrome; specific soluble substance
s.s.s. L. stratum super stratum (layer upon layer)
S.S.V. L. sub signo veneni (under a poison label)
ST sinus tachycardia
St stroke
St. L. stet (let it stand); L. stent (let them stand)
stat. L. statim (at once, immediately)
STD sexually transmitted disease
STE subperiosteal tissue expander
STI systolic time intervals
STP standard temperature and pressure (0°C and 760 mm Hg)
STS serologic test for syphilis
su. L. sumat (let him take)
Sub fin. coct. L. sub finem coctionis (toward the end of boiling)
SUDS sudden unexplained death syndrome
sum. L. sumat (let him take); L. sumendum (to be taken)
SUZI subzonal insemination
SV sinus venosus; simian virus; stroke volume
SV40 simian virus 40
Sv sievert
SVC superior vena cava
SVT supraventricular tachycardia
Syr. L. syrupus (syrup)
T intraocular tension; tera-; tesla; threonine; thymine; thymidine; tetanus
toxoid; thoracic vertebrae (T1 to T12); triangulation number
T absolute temperature; transmittance
T1/2 half-life; half-time
T1 tricuspid valve closure
T3 triiodothyronine
T4 thyroxine
Tm melting temperature; transport maximum; tubular maximum
t translocation
t1/2 half-life; half-time
θ angle
τ mean life; torque
TA Terminologia Anatomica; toxin-antitoxin
Ta tantalum
TAC tetracaine, epinephrine, and cocaine
TAD 6-thioguanine, ara-C (cytarabine), and daunomycin
TAT Thematic Apperception Test; toxin-antitoxin
TB tuberculosis
Tb terbium
TBG thyroxine-binding globulin
TBI traumatic brain injury; total body irradiation
TBII TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulins
TBW total body water
TC transcobalamin
Tc technetium
TCD50 median tissue culture dose
TCDD 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo p-dioxin
TCID50 median tissue culture infective dose
TCM traditional Chinese medicine
TCMI T cell-mediated immunity
TCR T cell antigen receptor
TCV total cell volume
Td tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
TD50 median toxic dose
TDA TSH-displacing antibody
TDI toluene diisocyanate
t.d.s. L. ter die sumendum (to be taken three times a day)
TdT terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
Te tellurium
TeBG testosterone-estradiol–binding globulin
TED threshold erythema dose
TEE transesophageal echocardiography
TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TEOAE transient evoked otoacoustic emissions
TEPP tetraethyl pyrophosphate
TESE testicular sperm extraction
TET treadmill exercise test; tubal embryo transfer
TF transfer factor
6-TG 6-thioguanine
TGE transmissible gastroenteritis
TGF transforming growth factor
TGT thromboplastin generation test
Th thorium
THAM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane
THC tetrahydrocannabinol
THF tetrahydrofolate; tetrahydrofolic acid
Thr threonine
Ti titanium
TIA transient ischemic attack
TIBC total iron-binding capacity
t.i.d. L. ter in die (three times a day)
tinet. L. tinctura (tincture)
TIPS transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
TK thymidine kinase
TKD tokodynamometer
TKG tokodynagraph
TI thallium
TLC total lung capacity; thin-layer chromatography
TLI total lymphoid irradiation
TLSO thoracolumbosacral orthosis
TLV threshold limit value
Tm thulium
TMA trimellitic anhydride
TMI transmandibular implant
TMST treadmill stress test
Tn normal intraocular tension
TND transmissible neurodegenerative disease
TNF tumor necrosis factor
TNM tumor-nodes-metastasis
TNS transcutaneous nerve stimulation
TNT trinitrotoluene
TORCH toxoplasmosis, other agents, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes
simplex
TPA, t-PA tissue plasminogen activator
TPHA Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay
TPN total parenteral nutrition; triphosphopyridine nucleotide
TPP thiamine pyrophosphate
TR tricuspid regurgitation
TRALI transfusion-related acute lung injury
TRAPS TNF-receptor–associated periodic syndrome
TRH thyrotropin-releasing hormone
Trid. L. triduum (three days)
Trit. L. tritura (triturate)
tRNA transfer RNA
troch. L. trochiscus (troche)
Trp tryptophan
TRU turbidity reducing unit
TS test solution; tricuspid stenosis
TSA tumor-specific antigen
TSD Tay-Sachs disease
TSE transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
TSF triceps skinfold
TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone
T-spine thoracic spine
TSTA tumor-specific transplantation antigen
TT therapeutic touch; thrombin time
TTV thrombotic threshold velocity
TU tuberculin unit
TURBT transurethral resection of bladder tumor
TURP transurethral resection of the prostate
tus. L. tussis (a cough)
TWZ triangular working zone
TXA2, TXB2 thromboxanes A2 and B2
Tyr tyrosine
U international unit of enzyme activity; unit; uracil; uranium; uridine
u atomic mass unit
UDP uridine diphosphate
UK urokinase
ult. praes. L. ultimum praescriptus (last prescribed)
UMP uridine monophosphate
ung. L. unguentum (ointment)
UPP urethral pressure profile
UPPP uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
URR urea reduction ratio
US ultrasound
USAN United States Adopted Names
USP United States Pharmacopeia
USRDS United States Renal Data System
Ut dict. L. ut dictum (as directed)
Utend. L. utendus (to be used)
UTI urinary tract infection
UTP uridine triphosphate
UV ultraviolet
UVA ultraviolet A
UVB ultraviolet B
UVC ultraviolet C
V valine; vanadium; vision; volt; volume
V voltage; volume
Vmax the maximum velocity of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction
VT tidal volume (in pulmonary ventilation)
v. L. vena (vein)
v velocity; voltage
VA visual acuity
VAC vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide
VACTERL vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheal, esophageal, renal, and limb
VAD ventricular assist device
Val valine
VAMP vincristine, methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, and prednisone
var. variety
VATER vertebral defects, imperforate anus, tracheoesophageal fistula, radial
and renal dysplasia
VATS video-assisted thoracic (or thorascopic) surgery
VC vital capacity
VCG vectorcardiogram
VCU voiding cystourethrography
VCUG voiding cystourethrogram; voiding cystourethrography
VD venereal disease
VDEL Venereal Disease Experimental Laboratory
VDH valvular disease of the heart
VDRL Venereal Disease Research Laboratories
VEE Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis
VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor
VEP visual evoked potential
Vesic. L. vesicula, vesicatorium (a blister)
VF vocal fremitus
vf visual field
VFib ventricular fibrillation
VFI ventricular flutter
VHDL very-high-density lipoprotein
VIG vaccinia immune globulin
VIP vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
vit. ov. sol. L. vitello ovi solutus (dissolved in yolk of egg)
VLA very late activation (antigen)
VLBW very low birth weight (infant)
VLCD very low calorie diet
VLDL very-low-density lipoprotein
VM-26 teniposide
VMA vanillylmandelic acid
VMD Veterinariae Medicinae Doctor (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
v.o.s. L. vitello ovi solutus (dissolved in yolk of egg)
VP variegate porphyria
VP-16 etoposide
VPB ventricular premature beat
VPC ventricular premature complex
VPD ventricular premature depolarization
VPF vascular permeability factor
VPRC volume of packed red cells
VR vocal resonance
VRE vancomycin-resistant enterococci
VS volumetric solution
VSG variable surface glycoprotein
VT ventricular tachycardia
vv. L. venae (veins)
v/v volume (of solute) per volume (of solvent)
VW vessel wall
vWF von Willebrand's factor
VZIG varicella-zoster immune globulin
W tryptophan; tungsten (Ger. Wolfram); watt
W work
WAIS Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
Wb weber
WBC white blood cell; white blood cell count
WEE western equine encephalomyelitis
WHHL Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic
WHO World Health Organization
WISC Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
wt weight
w/v weight (of solute) per volume (of solvent)
X Kienböck unit; xanthine; xanthosine
X reactance
. sample mean
x abscissa
Xe xenon
XMP xanthosine monophosphate
XOAN X-linked (Nettleship) ocular albinism
XU excretory urography
Y tyrosine; yttrium
y ordinate
Yb ytterbium
Z atomic number; impedance
ZIFT zygote intrafallopian transfer
Zn zinc
Zr zirconium
ZSR zeta sedimentation ratio
Zz. L. zingiber (ginger)