liminfoMedical Abbreviation
Free reference guide: Medical Abbreviation
About Medical Abbreviation
The Medical Abbreviations Reference is a searchable database of over 25 essential medical abbreviation categories used daily in clinical practice. It covers prescription abbreviations (Rx, PO, BID, TID, QID, PRN, IV, IM, SC), vital signs (VS, BP, HR, RR, SpO2), drug formulation terms (tab, cap, gtt, supp), and body measurement acronyms (BMI, BSA, BMR) -- all with Latin origins and practical usage examples.
This reference includes detailed laboratory test abbreviations with normal reference ranges: CBC with differential (WBC, RBC, Hb, Hct, PLT, MCV), metabolic panels (BMP, CMP with Na, K, Cl, BUN, Cr, Glucose), liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, albumin), arterial blood gas interpretation (pH, PaCO2, PaO2, HCO3, Base Excess), and urinalysis parameters. Each entry provides the full medical term, normal values, and clinical significance.
Beyond lab values, the reference covers imaging abbreviations (CT, MRI, US, CXR, PET, ECHO, contrast notation C+/C-), clinical documentation structure (CC, HPI, SOAP notes, A/P), diagnosis and history shorthand (Dx, DDx, Hx, Sx, r/o, s/p, c/o), advance directives (DNR, DNI, POLST), resuscitation protocols (CPR, ACLS, BLS, ROSC), severity scoring systems (GCS, APACHE, SOFA, qSOFA), mechanical ventilation settings (MV, PEEP, FiO2, TV), and hospital unit abbreviations (ICU, CCU, MICU, SICU, NICU, ED).
Key Features
- Prescription abbreviations with Latin origins: Rx, PO, BID, TID, QID, PRN, STAT, and all administration routes (IV, IM, SC, IO, IT, INH, SL)
- Vital signs and physical exam terms with normal reference ranges for BP, HR, RR, temperature, SpO2, BMI classifications, and HEENT/ROS documentation
- Complete laboratory abbreviations: CBC differential, BMP/CMP electrolytes, LFT liver enzymes, ABG acid-base analysis, and urinalysis parameters
- Imaging abbreviations including CT, MRI, US, XR, CXR, KUB, PET, ECHO, and contrast enhancement notation (CECT, NECT, gadolinium)
- Clinical documentation shorthand: SOAP note structure, medical record sections (CC, HPI, PMHx, PSHx, Meds, ROS, PE, A/P), and status notations (r/o, s/p, c/o)
- Emergency and critical care terminology: CPR/ACLS/BLS protocols, AED, ROSC, severity scores (GCS, APACHE II, SOFA, NEWS, qSOFA)
- Mechanical ventilation abbreviations: ventilator modes (AC, SIMV, PSV, CPAP), settings (TV, RR, PEEP, FiO2, PIP), and target parameters
- Bilingual Korean-English display with searchable categories and instant keyword filtering across all medical specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What medical abbreviations are included in this reference?
This reference covers over 25 categories across 6 major domains: prescription abbreviations (Rx, PO, BID, PRN, IV/IM/SC, drug formulations), vital signs and physical exam terms (VS, BP, HR, BMI, HEENT, ROS), laboratory tests (CBC, BMP, CMP, LFT, ABG, UA), imaging studies (CT, MRI, US, contrast notation), clinical documentation (SOAP, CC, HPI, Dx, DDx), and emergency/critical care (CPR, ACLS, GCS, ventilator settings).
Does this tool include normal reference ranges for lab values?
Yes. Each laboratory abbreviation includes detailed normal reference ranges. For example, CBC shows WBC 4,500-11,000/uL, Hb 13.5-17.5 g/dL (male), PLT 150,000-400,000/uL. BMP lists Na 136-145, K 3.5-5.0, Glucose fasting 70-100 mg/dL. ABG includes pH 7.35-7.45, PaCO2 35-45 mmHg, and acid-base interpretation guidelines.
How do I interpret the dosing frequency abbreviations?
Dosing frequencies derive from Latin: QD (Quaque Die) means once daily, BID (Bis In Die) twice daily, TID (Ter In Die) three times daily, QID (Quater In Die) four times daily. Q4H/Q6H/Q8H mean every 4/6/8 hours. PRN (Pro Re Nata) means as needed. QHS (Quaque Hora Somni) means at bedtime. The reference notes that QD can be confused with QID, so "daily" is the safer alternative.
What are the common routes of drug administration?
The reference covers all standard routes: PO (oral/per os), IV (intravenous), IM (intramuscular), SC/SQ (subcutaneous), IO (intraosseous), IT (intrathecal), ID (intradermal), INH (inhalation), TOP (topical), SL (sublingual), PR (per rectum), and GT (gastric tube). Each includes the Latin origin and typical clinical scenarios.
How does the GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) scoring work?
GCS evaluates consciousness across three domains: Eye opening (E: 1-4), Verbal response (V: 1-5), and Motor response (M: 1-6). Total score ranges from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (fully alert). A score of 8 or below indicates severe brain injury. The reference also covers related severity scores: APACHE II for ICU mortality prediction, SOFA for organ failure assessment, and qSOFA for sepsis screening.
What is the difference between the BMP and CMP lab panels?
BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel) includes 8 tests: Na, K, Cl, CO2 (bicarbonate), BUN, Creatinine, Glucose, and Calcium. CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) includes everything in BMP plus liver function tests: AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein. CMP is typically ordered when both kidney function and liver function need to be assessed simultaneously.
How do I read contrast-enhanced imaging abbreviations?
C+ indicates a contrast-enhanced study and C- means non-enhanced. CECT is contrast-enhanced CT while NECT is non-enhanced CT. Brain CT C- is preferred for acute hemorrhage evaluation, while Abdomen CT C+ is standard for tumor and infection assessment. The reference notes that eGFR and allergy history must be checked before contrast administration, and MRI uses gadolinium (Gd/GBM) rather than iodinated contrast.
What mechanical ventilation parameters are covered?
The reference covers all key ventilator settings: TV (tidal volume, 6-8 mL/kg IBW), RR (respiratory rate), PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure, 5-20 cmH2O), FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen, 0.21-1.0), and PIP (peak inspiratory pressure). Ventilator modes include AC (assist-control), SIMV (synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation), PSV (pressure support), and CPAP. Target parameters are SpO2 greater than 92% and pH 7.35-7.45.