List of medical abbreviations

Medical abbreviations are a shorthand way of writing and speaking that is commonly used in the medical field. These abbreviations are used to save time and space in medical documentation and communication. Below is a list of commonly used medical abbreviations.

Common Medical Abbreviations

• ABG - Arterial blood gas
• ACE - Angiotensin-converting enzyme
• ADHD - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• AIDS - Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• ALS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• AMI - Acute myocardial infarction
• BID - Bis in die (twice a day)
• BP - Blood pressure
• BPM - Beats per minute
• CBC - Complete blood count
• COPD - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• CPR - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• CT - Computed tomography
• CVA - Cerebrovascular accident
• DNR - Do not resuscitate
• ECG/EKG - Electrocardiogram
• EEG - Electroencephalogram
• EMG - Electromyography
• ENT - Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
• GI - Gastrointestinal
• HIV - Human immunodeficiency virus
• ICU - Intensive care unit
• IM - Intramuscular
• IV - Intravenous
• MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging
• NPO - Nil per os (nothing by mouth)
• NSAID - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• OB/GYN - Obstetrics and gynaecology
• OTC - Over-the-counter drug
• PFT - Pulmonary function test
• PRN - Pro re nata (as needed)
• PT - Physical therapy
• PTSD - Post-traumatic stress disorder
• RBC - Red blood cell
• Rx - Prescription
• SOB - Shortness of breath
• STAT - Statim (immediately)
• TIA - Transient ischemic attack
• TID - Ter in die (three times a day)
• URI - Upper respiratory infection
• UTI - Urinary tract infection
• WBC - White blood cell

Related Pages

• Medical terminology
• Medical dictionary
• Medical transcription
• Healthcare
• Hospital
• Pharmacology
• Nursing
• Emergency medicine
• Surgery
• Radiology