Abbreviations, acronyms, and alphabet soup: a glossary for the laboratory.Here are commonly used laboratory abbreviations and acronyms in a list completely revised and updated from the one published by MLO in June 1981. If there's one thing health care professionals love, it's a handy abbreviation. Literally hundreds of combinations of initials crop up in day-to-day labspeak. Some acronyms are so convenient to use that they have become part of the American or even worldwide vernacular. Sadly, AIDS is probably the most outstanding example of this phenomenon in recent years. And it has made an earlier one, AID, harder to use clearly.Many an abbreviation seems to be merely a jumble of letters created by health care workerstoo hurried to write out the entire phrase. Or perhaps they simply enjoy the camaraderie of communicating in their own special code. This arcane language bears its share of confusion. One laboratorian's immunonuorescent assay is another's indirect fluorescent antibody. Some acronyms come and go, passing in and out of favor with the never-ending parade of medical advancements, clinical twists and turns, and research dead ends. The mini-dictionary that follows lists laboratory acronyms and abbreviations to help you wade through the alphabet soup. Goodness knows, we couldn't include them all. But with the able assistance (AA) of our Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) and other assorted experts and advisers (OAEA), we've done our bestand in a few years we'll probably do it all again! Glossary of laboratory abbreviations and acronyms A AAT a sub l-antitrypsin a sub 1-AT a sub 1-antitrypsin Ab antibody ABG arterial blood gas arterial blood gas Critical care Analysis of arterial blood for O2, CO2, bicarbonate content, and pH, which reflects the functional effectiveness of lung function and to monitor respiratory therapy Ref range pO2 ABH antigens in ABO blood group system ABO A, B, 0 (a major blood group system) ABS antibody screen ACD acid citrate dextrose acid citrate dextrose see acd. (an anticoagulant) ACh acetylcholine AChE acetylcholinesterase ACHR acetylcholine receptor antibody acetylcholine receptor antibody AChR antibodies, motor end plate antibody Clinical immunology A group of antibodies that are reactive with epitopes other than the binding site for acetylcholine or α-bungarotoxin; AChR-binding antibodies wax and wane as a ACIF anticomplement immunofluorescence assay ACT activated clotting time activated coagulation time ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone ACU acute care unit ADH antidiuretic hormone ADP adenosine diphosphate ADT admission, discharge, and transfer AFB acid-fast bacillus AFP alpha-fetoprotein Ag antigen AG anion gap A/G albumin/globulin (ratio) AGN acute glomerulonephritis AHF antihemophilic factor AHG antihemophilic globulin antihuman globulin AID acute infectious disease artificial insemination by donor autoimmune deficiency autoimmune disease AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIHA autoimmune hemolytic anemia autoimmune hemolytic anemia n. Either of two forms of hemolytic anemia involving autoantibodies against red cell antigens; a cold-antibody type, caused by hemagglutinating cold antibody; and a warm-antibody type, due to serum autoantibodies that react A-line arterial line ALA aminolevulinic acid ALD aldolase aldolase /al·do·lase/ (al´do-las) 1. aldehyde-lyase. 2. an enzyme that acts as a catalyst in the production of dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde phosphate from fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. ALL acute lymphoblastic leukemia acute lymphoblastic leukemia n. Abbr. ALL Lymphoblastic leukemia occurring mainly in older adults, characterized by rapid onset and progression of symptoms. Also called acute lymphocytic leukemia. acute lymphocytic leukemia acute lymphocytic leukemia n. See acute lymphoblastic leukemia. acute lymphocytic leukemia Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL A malignant lymphoproliferative process that commonly affects children and young adults ALP alkaline phosphatase ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (ā'mīətrōf`ik, sklĭrō`sĭs) or motor neuron disease, antilymphocytic serum ALT alanine aminotransferase (formerly SGPT) AMI acute myocardial infarction acute myocardial infarction (  ·kyōōtˑ mī·ō·karˑ·dē·
AML acute myeloblastic leukemia acute myelocytic leukemia acute myelocytic leukemia Acute myelocytic (myelogenous, myeloid, nonlymphocytic) leukemia Oncology A rapidly progressing form of leukemia which is characterized by the proliferation of immature WBCs–blasts in peripheral circulation Epidemiology Primarily in acute myelogenous leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia n. Abbr. AML Myelogenous leukemia characterized by rapid abnormal increase in the number of myeloblasts and progression of symptoms. AMML acute myelomonocytic leukemia AMOL acute monocytic leukemia AMP adenosine monophosphate ANA antinuclear antibody ANLL acute nonlymphocytic leukemia ANS aged normal serum autonomic nervous system autonomic nervous system: see nervous system. autonomic nervous system Part of the nervous system that is not under conscious control and that regulates the internal organs. It includes the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems. AODM adult-onset diabetes mellitus adult-onset diabetes mellitus n. Abbr. AODM Non-insulin-dependent diabetes. adult-onset diabetes mellitus Type 2 diabetes mellitus, see there AOM acute otitis media Acute otitis media Inflammation of the middle ear with signs of infection lasting less than three months. Mentioned in: Myringotomy and Ear Tubes acute otitis media AP anteroposterior anterior pituitary APL acute promyelocytic leukemia acute pro·my·e·lo·cyt·ic leukemia n. A severe bleeding disorder that is a form of leukemia and is characterized by low concentrations of plasma fibrigen, defective coagulation, and infiltration of the bone marrow with abnormal promyelocytes and APT alum-precipitated toxoid APTT activated partial thromboplastin thromboplastin: see blood clotting. time ARC AI DS-related complex ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome adult respiratory distress syndrome Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome Definition Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also called acute respiratory distress syndrome, is a type of lung (pulmonary) failure that may result from any disease that causes large amounts of fluid to ARF acute renal failure acute renal failure Acute kidney failure Nephrology An abrupt decline in renal function, triggered by various processes–eg, sepsis, shock, trauma, kidney stones, drug toxicity-aspirin, lithium, substances of abuse, toxins, iodinated radiocontrast. ART automated reagin reagin /re·a·gin/ (re´ah-jin) the antibody that mediates immediate hypersensitivity reactions; in humans, IgE.reagin´ic re·a·gin n. 1. test (for syphilis) ASA acetylsalicylic acid aspirin ASAP as soon as possible ASCVD arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease ASO antistreptolysin-0 AST aspartate aminotransferase (formerly SGOT) ASU ambulatory surgery unit ATCC American Type Culture Collection ATLS acute tumor lysis syndrome tumor lysis syndrome n. A syndrome characterized by abnormally high levels of phosphates, potassium, and uric acid and by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood following induction chemotherapy of malignant tumors, possibly caused by the release ATP adenosine triphosphate AUL acute undifferentiated leukemia B BAL bronchial alveolar lavage BCC basal cell carcinoma basal cell carcinoma n. A slow-growing, locally invasive, but rarely metastasizing neoplasm of the skin derived from basal cells of the epidermis or hair follicles. Also called basal cell epithelioma. BCE basal cell epithelioma epithelioma /ep·i·the·li·o·ma/ (-the?le-o´mah) 1. any tumor derived from epithelium. 2. loosely and incorrectly, carcinoma. BCG bacillus Calmette-Gubrin bromcresol green BE barium enema base excess BFP biologic false positive BG blood glucose bid twice a day (L. bis in die bis in die [L.] twice a day; abbreviated b.i.d. ) BJP Bence-Jones protein BM basal metabolism bone marrow bowel movement BMR basal metabolic rate BMT bone marrow transplant BOM bilateral otitis media BOS blood order schedule BP blood pressure BS blood sugar breath sounds BSA body surface area bovine serum albumin BSS balanced salt solution BUN blood urea nitrogen Bx biopsy C c Celsius (centigrade) complement c with (L. cum) C125 C125 tumor antigen Ca calcium cancer carcinoma CAD coronary artery disease CAH chronic active hepatitis CALLA common acute lymphoblastic lymphoblastic pertaining to a lymphoblast; producing lymphocytes. leukemia antigen CAPD chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis CAT computerized axial tomography CBC complete blood count cc chief complement CCMS clean catch midstream ccu coronary care unit CDE an Rh blood group CDNH chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis CEA carcinoembryonic antigen CEV California encephalitis virus CF complement fixation cystic fibrosis CFU colony-forming units CGD chronic granulomatous disease CGL chronic granulocytic leukemia CGN chronic glomerulonephritis CHAD cold hemagglutinin disease ChE cholinesterase CHF congestive heart failure CHOL cholesterol CIE counter immunoelectrophoresis Immunoelectrophoresis A combination of the techniques of electrophoresis and immunodiffusion used to separate the components of a mixture of antigens and make them visible by reaction with specific antibodies. CIN cervical intraepithelial neoplasia CIRC circumflex circumflex /cir·cum·flex/ (serk´um-fleks) curved like a bow. cir·cum·flex adj. 1. Curving or bending around. 2. Bowed. circumflex curved like a bow. coronary artery cis carcinoma in situ CK creatine kinase CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia CMI cell-mediated immunity CML cell-mediated lympholysis chronic myelocytic leukemia CMV cytomegalovirus CNS central nervous system coagulase-negative staphylococci c/o complains of cop colloid osmotic pressure COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cp cerebral palsy chemically pure CPC clinical pathology conference CPD citrate phosphate dextrose CPDA-1 CPD anticoagulant with adenosine CPE cytopathic effect cytopathogenic cytopathogenic /cy·to·path·o·gen·ic/ (-jen´ik) capable of producing pathologic changes in cells. cy·to·path·o·gen·ic adj. Of, relating to, or producing pathological changes in cells. effect CPK creatine phosphokinase CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation Cpu central processing unit CR creatinine CRF chronic renal failure CRP C-reactive protein CRYO cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor (factor VIII) C&S culture and susceptibility C-section cesarean section CSF cerebrospinal fluid CSR corrected sedimentation rate CT computerized tomography C/T crossmatch to transfusion ratio CV coefficient of variation curriculum vitae (resume) CVA cerebrovascular accident D DAT direct antiglobulin test db decibel D&C dilation and curettage DC discontinue DD directed donation (blood) DDAVP 1 -deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin vasopressin (văz'ōprĕs`ĭn): see antidiuretic hormone. DFA direct fluorescent antibody DH dermatitis herpetiformis DHEA-S dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate Di diabetes insipidus DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation DIFF leukocyte differential count DIG digoxin DKA diabetic ketoacidosis DM diabetes mellitus dopamine DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide DNA deoxyribonucleic acid DNR do not resuscitate DO diamine oxidase DOA dead on arrival DOB date of birth DOE dyspnea on exertion DOPA dihydroxyphenylalanine di·hy·drox·y·phen·yl·al·a·nine n. Dopa. DOS direct operating system DPH dilantin DPN(H) diphosphopyridine nucleotide (reduced); now nicotinamide nicotinamide (nĭk'ətĭn`əmīd): see vitamin. adenine dinucleotide (NAD) DPT diphtheria-pertussis tetanus injection DRG diagnosis related group DT delirium tremens diphtheria and tetanus toxoids D/W distilled water Dx diagnosis DZ dizygotic dizygotic /di·zy·got·ic/ (di?zi-got´ik) pertaining to or derived from two separate zygotes. di·zy·got·ic or di·zy·gous adj. Derived from two separately fertilized eggs. (twin) E E epinephrine E sub 2 estradiol E sub 3 estriol estriol /es·tri·ol/ (es´tre-ol) a relatively weak human estrogen (q.v.), being a metabolic product of estradiol and estrone found in high concentrations in urine, especially during pregnancy. EACA e-aminocaproic acid EBL estimated blood loss EBV Epstein-Barr virus ECC endocervical curettage ECG electrocardiogram ED emergency department EDC estimated date of confinement es·ti·mat·ed date of confinement n. Abbr. EDC The date at which an infant is expected to be born, calculated from the date of the last menstrual period. Also called due date. (childbirth) EDTA ethylene diamino-tetracetate (anticoagulano EEE Eastern equine encephalitis EEG electroencephalogram EENT eyes, ears, nose, throat EIA enzyme immunoassay ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay EM electron microscopy EMA epithelial membrane antigen EMB eosin-methylene blue (agar) EMF electromotive force EMG electromyelogram EMI electromagnetic imagery EMIT enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique EMR electromagnetic resonance ENA extractable nuclear antigen ENT ears, nose, throat EPO erythropoietin ER emergency room estrogen receptors ERA estrogen receptor assay ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESRD end-stage renal disease ESWL extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy ETOH ethanol ethyl alcohol F F Fahrenheit FA fatty acid fluorescent antibody Fab antigen-binding fragment of immunoglobulin FAB French-American-British classification (for acute leukemias) FBS fasting blood sugar Fc crystallizable fragment of immunoglobulin FCM flow cytometry FCS fetal calf serum FFA free fatty acid FFP fresh frozen plasma FIA fluorescent immunoassay FID fungal immunodiffusion immunodiffusion /im·mu·no·dif·fu·sion/ (-di-fu´zhun) any technique involving diffusion of antigen or antibody through a semisolid medium, usually agar or agarose gel, resulting in a precipitin reaction. FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate FNA fine-needle aspiration FPIA fluorescence polarization immunoassay fr urine fractional urine fresh urine FS frozen section FSH follicle-stimulating hormone FTA fluorescent treponemal trep·o·ne·mal adj. Relating to Treponema. antibody FTA-Abs fluorescent treponemal antibody, absorbed FTA-ABS fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test FTI free thyroxine index FTT failure to thrive 5-FU 5-fluorouracil FUO fever of unknown origin Fever of Unknown Origin Definition Fever of unknown origin (FUO) refers to the presence of a documented fever for a specified time, for which a cause has not been found after a basic medical evaluation. Fx fracture G GA gastric analysis general anesthesia GC gas chromatography gonococcal Gonococcal The bacteria Neisseria gonorrheae that causes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection of the genitals and urinary tract. The gonococcal organism may occasionally affect the eye, causing blindness if not treated. Mentioned in: Conjunctivitis gonococci gonococcus gonococcus /gono·coc·cus/ (-kok´us) pl. gonococ´ci an individual of the species Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the etiologic agent of gonorrhea.gonococ´calgonococ´cic gon·o·coc·cus n. gonorrhea GC/ECD gas chromatography/ electron capture detector G C/FID gas chromatography/ flame ionization detector GC/MS gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry GC/NPD gas chromatography/ nitrogen phosphorus detector GFR glomerular filtration rate GG gamma globulin GGT gamma-glutamyl transferase GH growth hormone GI gastrointestinal GLC gas-liquid chromatography GMB glomerular glomerular /glo·mer·u·lar/ (glo-mer´u-ler) pertaining to or of the nature of a glomerulus, especially a renal glomerulus. glo·mer·u·lar adj. basement membrane GMP guanosine monophosphate (guanosine guanosine /gua·no·sine/ (gwah´no-sen) a purine nucleoside, guanine linked to ribose; it is a component of RNA and its nucleotides are important in metabolism. Symbol G. 5'-phosphoric acid) GNC gram-negative cocci GNR gram-negative rods GOT glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase now aspartate aminotransferase (AST) GPC gram-positive cocci G6PD glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase GPR gram-positive rods GPT glutamic pyruvic transaminase; now alanine aminotransferase (ALT) GSH reduced glutathione group, screen, hold GSW gunshot wound GTT glucose tolerance test GU gastric ulcer genitourinary GVH(R) graft vs. host reaction H HA headache HAA hepatitis-associated antigen HAD hemadsorption HAI hemagglutination hemagglutination /he·mag·glu·ti·na·tion/ (he?mah-gloo-ti-na´shun) agglutination of erythrocytes. he·mag·glu·ti·na·tion n. inhibition HAV hepatitis A virus Hb hemoglobin HbA (sub 1)c glycosylated hemoglobin hemoglobin A(sub 1)c HBcAb hepatitis B core antibody HBcAg hepatitis B core antigen hepatitis B core antigen n. Abbr. HBcAg A core protein antigen of the hepatitis B virus found on the Dane particle and also in hepatocyte nuclei in hepatitis B infections. HBeAb hepatitis B e antibody HBeAg hepatitis B e antigen hepatitis B e antigen n. Abbr. HBe, HBeAg A core protein antigen of the hepatitis B virus distinct from hepatitis B core antigen, associated with infectivity. HBIG hepatitis B immune globulin HBsAb hepatitis B surface antibody HBsAg hepatitis B surface antigen hepatitis B surface antigen n. Abbr. HBsAg An antigen derived from the surface of the hepatitis B virus that is present in the blood in active hepatitis B infection. Also called Australia antigen. HBV hepatitis B virus HCG human chorionic gonadotropin HCL hairy cell leukemia HCT hematocrit HCV hepatitis C virus HDL high-density lipoprotein HDN hemolytic disease of the newborn H & E hematoxylin and eosin stain HEM, hem hemolyzed HEM hereditary erythroblastic erythroblastic of, or relating to erythroblasts. erythroblastic islets a bone marrow unit consisting of a central macrophage and surrounding erythroblasts and in which differentiation of erythroblasts takes place. multinuclearity HEMPAS hereditary erythroblastic multinuclearity with positive acidified acidified /acid·i·fied/ (ah-sid´i-fid) having been made acid. serum HEP hemoglobin electrophoresis Hgb hemoglobin hGH human growth hormone H&H hemoglobin and hematocrit Hi hemagglutination inhibition HIAA hydroxyindole acetic acid HiB Hemophilus influenzae, type B HIV human immunodeficiency virus HLA histocompatibility antigen human leukocyte antigen human leukocytic antibody human lymphocyte antibody hLH human luteinizing hormone HMD hyaline membrane disease H & P history and physical HPF high-power field hPL human placental lactogen HPLC high-pressure liquid chromatography HPV human papillomavirus HSV herpes simplex virus HTLV human T-cell leukemia virus human T-cell leukemia virus n. See HTLV. human T-cell lymphotropic vi HTN hypertension HUS hemolytic uremia uremia (y  rē`mēə), condition resulting from advanced stages of kidney failure in which urea and other nitrogen-containing wastes are found in the blood. syndrome
HVA homovanillic acid Hx history I IAT indirect antiglobulin test intraoperative autotransfusio ICC immunocytochemistry ICDH isocitric dehydrogenase ICSH interstitial cell-stimulating hormone lCU intensive care unit I & D incision and drainage ID identification infectious disease infective dose intradermal IDA iron deficiency anemia IEP immunoelectrophoresis IF immunofluorescence IFA immunof luorescent assay indirect fluorescent antibody IFE immunofixation electrophoresis IFX immunofixation Ig immunoglobulin IgA immunoglobulin A (gamma A immunoglobuhn) IgD immunoglobulin D (gamma D immunoglobulin) IgE immunoglobulin E (gamma E immunoglobulin) IgG immunoglobulin G (gamma G immunoglobulin) IgM immunoglobulin M (gamma M immunoglobulin) IHA indirect hemagglutination IHC immunohistochemistry IM infectious mononucleosis intramuscular IMFX immunofixation IMPX immunoperoxidase INH isoniazid I&O intake and output IP immunoperoxidase IR infrared IRMA immunoradiometric assay Is immediate spin (crossmatch) ISE ion-selective electrode ISG immune serum globulin ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura IUC intrauterine catheter IUD intrauterine device IUGR intrauterine growth retardation Iv intravenous IV Cath intravenous catheter IVF in vitro fertilization IVIG intravenous immune globulin J JODM juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus K 17-KGS 17-ketogenic steroid KS Kaposi's sarcoma ketosteroid ketosteroid /ke·to·ster·oid/ (ke?to-ster´oid) a steroid having ketone groups on functional carbon atoms. The 17-ketosteroids L LA latex agglutination LAC La Crosse virus LAD left anterior descending (coronary artery) LAN local area network (computers) LAP leucine aminopeptidase a·mi·no·pep·ti·dase n. Any of various enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of the terminal peptide bond at the amino end of a polypeptide. aminopeptidase leukocyte alkaline phosphatase lyophilized anterior pituitary tissue LATS LATS long-acting thyroid stimulator. LATS abbr. long-acting thyroid stimulator long-acting thyroid stimulator LAV lymphadenopathy-associated virus (early name for HIV) LCA leukocyte common antigen LCAT lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase LCM lymphocytic choriomeningitis LD lactate dehydrogenase (also called LDH) lactic dehydrogenase (also called LDH) lethal dose lymphocyte defined LD sub 50 median lethal dose LDH lactate dehydrogenase lactic dehydrogenase LDL low-density lipoprotein LE lupus erythematosus LFT liver function test LGV lymphogranuloma venereum LH luteinizing hormone (see hLH) LIS laboratory information system LISS low ionic strength saline solution LN lymph node LND lymph node dissection LP Legionella pn eumophila lichen planus lumbar puncture L/S lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio LS lichen simplex LS&A lichen sclerosus et atrophicus lichen scle·ro·sus et a·troph·i·cus n. A skin eruption consisting of white atrophic papules that may contain a central depression or a black keratotic plug. Also called Hallopeau's disease. LTH lactogenic hormone luteotropic hormone LYTES electrolytes M m molarity molarity: see concentration. MAC Mycobacterium avium complex MAI Mycobacterium avium intracellulare MAO monoam ine oxidase MBC minimum bacteriocidal concentration MBD minimum bacteriocidal dilution minimum brain damage MBP myelin basic protein MCH mean corpuscular hemoglobin MCHC mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration MCV mean corpuscular volume mEq milliequivalence milliequivalent MFC minimum fungicidal concentration MFD minimum fatal dose MG myasthenia gravis MHA-TP micro-hemagglutination test (for Treponema pallidum) MHC major histocompatibility complex MHPG methoxyhydroxy-phenylglycol mi mitral insufficiency myocardial infarction MIC minimum inhibitory concentration MICU medical intensive care unit MID minimum infecting dose minimum inhibitory dilution MIF migration inhibitory factor MLD minimum lethal dose MM mucous membrane mmHg millimeters ot mercury MONO infectious mononucleosis MOPP mechlorethamine, oncovin, procarbazine procarbazine /pro·car·ba·zine/ (pro-kahr´bah-zen) an alkylating agent used as the hydrochloride salt as an antineoplastic, primarily in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease. pro·car·ba·zine n. , prednisone (chemotherapy regimen) MOTT mycobacterium other than tuberculosis MPD maximum permissible dose MPV mean platelet volume MRD minimum reacting dose MRI magnetic resonance imaging MRSA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Ms mass spectrometry mitral stenosis multiple sclerosis MSBOS maximum surgical blood order schedule MSH melanocyte-stimulating hormone MSN methylene silver nitrate MSU midstream urine specimen monosodium urate urate (ur´at) any salt or anion of uric acid (q.v.). u·rate n. A salt of uric acid. urate a salt of uric acid. MW molecular weight N N normality NAD nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide no appreciable disease NADH nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced form NADP(H) nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form NANA n-acetylneuraminic acid NANB non-A, non-B hepatitis (now hepatitis C) NAPA n-acetyl procainamide NBS no bacteria seen NBT nitroblue tetrazolium NCV nerve conduction velocity ND nondetectable NDAR no diagnostic abnormality recognized NE norepinephrine NED no evidence of disease NEG negative NEM no evidence of malignancy NHL non-Hodgkin's lymphoma NICU neonatal intensive care unit NIDDM non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus NK natural killer (cells) NKA no known allergies NMR nuclear magnetic resonance NPO nothing by mouth (L. nihil per Os) NRBC nucleated red blood cell NS nephrotic syndrome normal saline (0.9% NaCl) NSE neuron-specific enolase 5'-NT 5'-nucleotidase O OB occult blood 0D optical density outside diameter outdate overdose OG obligatory gene (paternity testing) OGTT oral glucose tolerance test 17-OHCS 17-hydroxycorticosteroid OM obtuse marginal (coronary artery) otitis media O&P ova and parasites OPD outpatient department OR operating room ORO oil red O OT occupational therapy old tuberculin P PA pernicious anemia PABA para-aminobenzoic acid (dermatology) PAF platelet-aggregating factor PAIg platelet-associated immunoglobulin PAP Papanicolaou smear prostatic acid phosphatase PAS periodic acid Schiff reaction periodic acid-Schiff stain PASA p-aminosalicylic acid PBS peripheral blood smear phosphate buffered saline PCA passive cutaneous anaphylaxis PCH paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria hemoglobinuria /he·mo·glo·bin·uria/ (he?mo-glo?bi-nu´re-ah) free hemoglobin in the urine.hemoglobinu´ric march hemoglobinuria that seen after prolonged exercise. PCO sub 2 partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCP PCP abbr. 1. phencyclidine 2. primary care physician Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) phencyclidine phencyclidine /phen·cy·cli·dine/ (PCP) (fen-si´kli-den) a potent veterinary analgesic and anesthetic, used as a drug of abuse in the form of the hydrochloride salt; its abuse by humans may lead to serious psychological disturbances. ("angel dust") Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia PCV packed cell volume polycythemia vera PD peritoneal dialysis PDW platelet distribution width PE pleural effusion PEG pneumoencephalography pneumoencephalography /pneu·mo·en·ceph·a·log·ra·phy/ (PEG) (-en-sef?ah-log´rah-fe) radiography of fluid-containing structures of the brain after cerebrospinal fluid is intermittently withdrawn by lumbar puncture and replaced by a gas. PEMA phenylethylmalonamide PG phosphatidyl glycerol PGH pituitary growth hormone plasma growth hormone PGM phosphoglucomutase pH hydrogen ion concentration indicating alkaline acid level PH past history PHA passive hemagglutination phytohemagglutinin phytohemagglutinin /phy·to·hem·ag·glu·ti·nin/ (-hem?ah-glldbomact´in-in) a hemagglutinin of plant origin. phy·to·he·mag·glu·ti·nin n. Abbr. pi parainfluenza virus paternity index PICU pediatric intensive care unit PID pelvic inflammatory disease PIE pulmonary infiltration with eosinophilia pK the pH at which equal concentrations of the acid and base forms of a substance are present PKU phenylketonuria PLT platelet platelet concentrate PM post mortem PM-1 polymyositis Polymyositis Definition Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease causing weakness and pain. Dermatomyositis is identical to polymyositis with the addition of a characteristic skin rash. antibody PMH past medical history PML progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy PMN polymorphonuclear neutrophil PMS premenstrual syndrome PNH paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria PNP platelet neutralization procedure pooled normal plasma PO by mouth (L. per os) PO sub 2 partial pressure of oxygen POL physician's office laboratory POS positive PPCF plasmin plasmin /plas·min/ (plaz´min) an endopeptidase occurring in plasma as plasminogen, which is activated via cleavage by plasminogen activators; it solubilizes fibrin clots, degrades other coagulation-related proteins, and can be activated prothrombins conversion factor PPD purified protein derivative (tuberculosis test) PPE partial plasma exchange PPF pellagra-preventing factor purified protein fraction PPNG penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae PR progesterone receptor PRAS prereduced, anaerobically sterilized PRBC packed red blood cells PRC packed red cells PRN as needed (L. pro re nata, "as the event arises'") PSA prostate-specif ic antigen prostatic specific antigen PSD peptone peptone /pep·tone/ (pep´ton) a derived protein, or a mixture of cleavage products produced by partial hydrolysis of native protein.pepton´ic pep·tone n. starch dextrose (agar) PSP phenolsulfonphthalein PT prothrombin time PTC plasma thromboplastin component PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty PTF plasma thromboplastin factor PTH parathyroid hormone posttransfusion post·trans·fu·sion adj. Occurring after or as a consequence of blood transfusion. hepatitis PTT partial thromboplastin time PVD peripheral vascular disease Pvp polyvinylpyrrolidone polyvinylpyrrolidone /poly·vi·nyl·pyr·rol·i·done/ (-vi?nil-pi-ro´li-don) povidone. polyvinylpyrrolidone see povidone; called also PVP. Px prognosis PZI protamine protamine /pro·ta·mine/ (prot´ah-min) one of a class of basic proteins occurring in the sperm of certain fish, having the property of neutralizing heparin; the sulfate salt is used as an antidote to heparin overdosage. zinc insulin Q QA quality assurance QC quality control QD every day (L. quaque die) QH every hour (L. quaque hora) QID four times a day (L. quater in die) QL as much as desired (L. quantum libet) QNS quantity not sufficient (L. quantum non satis) i QS sufficient quantity (L. quantum' satis) QUATS quaternary ammonium compounds R R right RA rheumatoid arthritis RAEB refractory anemia with excessive bias RAP rheumatoid arthritis precipitin precipitin /pre·cip·i·tin/ (-sip´it-in) an antibody to soluble antigen that specifically aggregates the macromolecular antigen in vivo or in vitro to give a visible precipitate. pre·cip·i·tin n. RAST radioallergosorbent test reactive allergy screen test RBC red blood cells red blood count RCA red cell agglutination right coronary artery RCF relative centrifugal force RDS respiratory distress syndrome RDW red cell distribution width Red cell distribution width (RDW) A measure of the variation in size of red blood cells. Mentioned in: Red Blood Cell Indices (standard deviation of reduce volume divided by mean corpuscular volume) RE reticuloendothelial reticuloendothelial /re·tic·u·lo·en·do·the·li·al/ (-en?do-the´le-al) pertaining to the reticuloendothelium or to the reticuloendothelial system. re·tic·u·lo·en·do·the·li·al adj. REF renal erythropoietic factor RES reticuloendothelial system RETIC reticulocyte reticulocyte /re·tic·u·lo·cyte/ (re-tik´u-lo-sit) a young erythrocyte showing a basophilic reticulum under vital staining. re·tic·u·lo·cyte n. RF rheumatic fever rheumatoid factor Rh rhesus factor RHD rheumatic heart disease RHIG Rh immune globulin RIA radioimmunoassay RID radial immunodiffusion RISA radioactive iodinated serum albumin RNA ribonucleic acid R/O ruleout RPF renal plasma flow RPHA reverse passive hemagglutination RPR rapid plasma reagin RO respiratory quotient RR recovery room RSV respiratory syncytial virus RVS relative value scale Rx prescription S s without (L. sine) S&A sugar and acetone SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis SBO small bowel obstruction SBP spontaneous bacterial peritonitis systolic blood pressure SBT standardized bleeding time SCAT sheep cell agglutination test SCC small cell carcinoma squamous cell carcinoma SCID severe combined immunodeficiency disease SD serologically defined (antigen) standard deviation streptodornase streptodornase /strep·to·dor·nase/ (-dor´nas) a deoxyribonuclease produced by hemolytic streptococci. strep·to·dor·nase n. Abbr. S-G Swan-Ganz catheter SG specific gravity SGOT serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase; now aspartate aminotransferase (AST) SGPT serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase; now alanine aminotransferase (ALT) SHBG sex hormone binding globulin SI Sex hormone Internationale d'Unites SIADH syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion SIDS sudden infant death syndrome sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or crib death, sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant under one year of age (usually between two weeks and eight months old). SIV simian immunodeficiency virus SK streptokinase SKSD streptokinase streptodornase SLE St. Louis encephalitis virus systemic lupus erythematosus SMA simultaneous multiple analysis smooth muscle antibody SOM serous otitis media SP suprapubic SPCA serum prothrombin conversion accelerator (factor VII) SPE serum protein electrophoresis SPEP serum protein electrophoresis sp gr specific gravity SRBC sheep red blood cells SRF skin-reactive factor SRSA slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis SSA salmonella-shigella agar SS- A + B - Sjogren's syndrome antibodies STAT immediately (L. statim) STD sexually transmitted disease STH somatotropic (growth) hormone STLV simian T-cell leukemia virus STS serologic test for syphilis serologic test for syphilis Any assay for detecting antibodies to Treponema pallidum antigens. See RPR test, Syphilis, TPI, VDRL. standard test for syphilis T T&A tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy T sub 3 triiodothyronine T sub 4 T sub 4 lymphocyte thyroxine TAH total abdominal hysterectomy TAT tetanus antitoxin toxin-antitoxin turnaround time TB tuberculosis TBC tuberculosis complex TBG thyroxine-binding globulin TBS tri-buffered saline T&C type and crossmatch TCC transitional cell carcinoma T cell thymic lymphoid cell (a lymphocyte involved in cellular immunity) TCT thrombin clotting time TDA tryptophan deaminase deaminase /de·am·i·nase/ (de-am´i-nas) an enzyme causing deamination, or removal of the amino group from organic compounds, usually cyclic amidines. de·am·i·nase n. agar TDL thoracic duct lymphocytes TDM therapeutic drug monitoring TDT terminal deoxyribonucleotide deoxyribonucleotide /de·oxy·ri·bo·nu·cleo·tide/ (-noo´kle-o-tid) a nucleotide having a purine or pyrimidine base bonded to deoxyribose, which in turn is bonded to a phosphate group. transferase TdT terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase TeBG testosterone-estradiol binding globulin T/F to follow TGT thromboplastin generation time THC delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (marijuana) TIBC total iron-binding capacity tid three times a day (L. ter in die) TLC thin-layer chromatography total lung capacity TNTC too numerous to count TORCH toxoplasma, others, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex (a complex of microbial agents that cause clinically similar manifestations, caged TORCH infections, in newborns) TP total protein TPA tissue plasminogen activator TPN total parenteral nutrition TPR temperature, pulse, respiration TRH thyrotropin-releasing hormone TRIG triglycerides TRIS trishydroxymethyl T&S type and screen T/S thyroid/serum iodide ratio TSF thrombopoietin-stimulating factor TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone TSI thyroid-stimulating immunoglubulin triple sugar iron (agar) TTP thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura U UA uric acid urinalysis UCG urinary chorionic gonadotropin up universal precautions U/P urine-plasma concentration URI upper respiratory infection UTI urinary tract infection uv ultraviolet V VCA viral capsid antigen VD venereal disease (outdated; use STD) VDRL Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (test for syphilis) VIP vasoactive intestinal polypeptide VLDL very-low-density lipoprotein VMA vanillylmandelic acid vs vital signs vz varicella-zoster VZIG varicelia-zoster immune globulin VZV varicella-zoster virus W WB whole blood WBC white blood cell white blood cell count white blood cell count, n a diagnostic clinical laboratory test to determine the number and types of leukocytes present in a measured sample of blood. Overall the normal number of leukocytes ranges from 5000 to 10,000/mm3. Wd wound WEE Western equine encephalitis WNL within normal limits W/U workup X XM crossmatch Z ZIG zoster immune globulin ZSR zeta sedimentation ratio |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion