When describing the condition of a patient or assigning a diagnosis, medical staff may use some of these abbreviations.
ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
AF - acid-fast
AIDS - acquired immune deficiency syndrome
ALS - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)
A&O - alert and oriented
AOB - alcohol on breath
ARDS - adult respiratory distress syndrome
ARF - acute renal failure, acute rheumatic fever
BAD - bipolar affective disorder
BM - bowel movement
BP - blood pressure
CA - cancer
CAB - carotid artery bruit
CABG - coronary artery bypass graft
CAD - coronary artery disease
CBC - complete blood count
CF - cystic fibrosis
C/F - chills, fever
CFT - complement fixation testing
CHD - congenital heart disease
CHF - congestive heart failure
COLD - chronic obstructive lung disease
COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CP - chest pain
CP - cerebral palsy
C/S - cesarean section
CV - cardiovascular
CVA - cerebral vascular accident (stroke)
DTR - deep tendon reflex
DVT - deep venous thrombosis
Dx - diagnosis
EBL - estimated blood loss
EBV - Epstein-Barr virus
EC - eye contact
ECASA - enteric coated acetylsalicylic acid
EGC - early gastric cancer
FAS - fetal alcohol syndrome
FB - foreign body
F/C - fever, chills
FEF - forced expiratory flow
FHR - fetal heart rate
FM - fetal movement
FRC - functional residual capacity
FSE - fetal scalp electrode
FSH - follicle stimulating hormone
FT - full term
FX - fracture
GA - gestational age
GH - growth hormone
GHRH - growth hormone releasing hormone
GI - gastrointestinal
GLT - glucose loading test
GSW - gunshot wound
GTT - glucose tolerance test
GU - genitourinary
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Medical Abbreviations List
Science FictionThe healthcare field is full of technical terminology, including a number of medical abbreviations that are used to complete patient charts, write prescriptions, communicate general needs and bill for services. Being able to access a medical abbrevi...
