Medical abbreviations are widely used in healthcare to simplify communication and documentation. If you’re learning English for medical purposes—whether as a student, professional, or patient—it’s essential to understand these abbreviations to read prescriptions, medical reports, and hospital documents correctly. This guide will help you learn common medical abbreviations and their meanings.
What Are Medical Abbreviations?
Medical abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases used in healthcare. They appear in medical records, prescriptions, reports, and conversations between doctors and nurses.
For example:
- BP = Blood Pressure
- Rx = Prescription
- ICU = Intensive Care Unit
Some abbreviations come from Latin (e.g., “PRN” from pro re nata, meaning “as needed”). Others are just shortened versions of English words (e.g., “Lab” for “Laboratory”).
Why Are Medical Abbreviations Important?
Understanding medical abbreviations is useful for:
✔ Reading prescriptions (so you know how to take medicine correctly)
✔ Understanding medical documents (to follow test results and diagnoses)
✔ Communicating in a medical setting (for students, nurses, or caregivers)
However, some abbreviations look similar but have different meanings, so it’s important to learn them correctly to avoid confusion.
List of Medical Abbreviations with Their Meanings
Here are some important medical abbreviations with their meanings.
General Medical Abbreviations
BP – Blood Pressure
HR – Heart Rate
RR – Respiratory Rate
BMI – Body Mass Index
T – Temperature
SpO2 – Oxygen Saturation
Dx – Diagnosis
Tx – Treatment
WNL – Within Normal Limits
Hx – History
Pt – Patient
s/p – Status Post
c/o – Complains Of
ROS – Review of Systems
VS – Vital Signs
Abbreviations in Prescriptions
Rx – Prescription
OTC – Over-the-Counter
PRN – As Needed
BID – Twice a Day
TID – Three Times a Day
QID – Four Times a Day
PO – By Mouth
AC – Before Meals
PC – After Meals
HS – At Bedtime
QH – Every Hour
Q2H – Every 2 Hours
Q4H – Every 4 Hours
QD – Once Daily
QOD – Every Other Day
Diagnostic and Laboratory Abbreviations
CBC – Complete Blood Count
CMP – Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
ECG/EKG – Electrocardiogram
MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
CT – Computed Tomography
HbA1c – Hemoglobin A1c
UA – Urinalysis
LFT – Liver Function Test
PT/INR – Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio
CRP – C-Reactive Protein
ESR – Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
TSH – Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
BUN – Blood Urea Nitrogen
GFR – Glomerular Filtration Rate
ABG – Arterial Blood Gas
Hospital and Emergency Room Abbreviations
ICU – Intensive Care Unit
ER/ED – Emergency Room / Emergency Department
CCU – Coronary Care Unit
DNR – Do Not Resuscitate
NPO – Nothing by Mouth
STAT – Immediately
SOB – Shortness of Breath
LOC – Loss of Consciousness
DOA – Dead on Arrival
BLS – Basic Life Support
ALS – Advanced Life Support
EMS – Emergency Medical Services
CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
F/U – Follow-Up
C/C – Chief Complaint
Surgical and Procedural Abbreviations
OR – Operating Room
PACU – Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Bx – Biopsy
CXR – Chest X-ray
EUA – Examination Under Anesthesia
I&D – Incision and Drainage
CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
LP – Lumbar Puncture
TURP – Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
D&C – Dilation and Curettage
ETT – Endotracheal Tube
PEG – Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
TPN – Total Parenteral Nutrition
ACL – Anterior Cruciate Ligament
TKA – Total Knee Arthroplasty
Conclusion
Medical abbreviations are essential for clear and efficient healthcare communication. Learning them not only helps in understanding medical documents but also improves your medical vocabulary. Whether you are a student, nurse, or patient, knowing these abbreviations will make it easier to understand medical information and communicate effectively in healthcare settings.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is intended to help learners understand common medical abbreviations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any medical concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
