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Abbreviations

Medical Professionals

Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. They are written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. You may find one of our health articles more useful.

We use a number of abbreviations in our medical reference articles. The following table provides each abbreviation in full.

% abv

percentage alcohol by volume

ac

ante cibum (before food)

AIIRA

angiotensin-II receptor antagonist

AAFB

acid-alcohol fast bacilli

AAS

atomic absorbance spectrophotometry

Ab

antibody

ABC

abacavir

ABG

arterial blood gasses

ABPI

ankle brachial pressure index

ABR

auditory brainstem response

ACBS

Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances

ACDP

Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens

ACE

angiotensin-converting enzyme

ACEI

angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

aCL

anticardiolipin

ACR

albumin:creatinine ratio

ACT

artemisinin-based combination therapy

ACTH

adrenocorticotrophic hormone

ADH

antidiuretic hormone

AECG

ambulatory electrocardiography

AED

automated external defibrillators

AF

atrial fibrillation

AFE

amniotic fluid embolism

AFP

alpha-fetoprotein

AGXT

alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase

AIDS

acquired immune deficiency syndrome

AIO

Ambulance Incident Officer

AJ

ankle jerk

ALF

acute liver failure

ALS

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

AMAs

anti-mitochondrial antibodies

AMH

anti-Müllerian hormone

AMHP

Approved Mental Health Professional

ANA

antinuclear antibody

ANCA

antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody

Anti-GBM

antiglomerular basement membrane antibody

anti-RNP

antibodies to ribonucleoprotein

anti-U1-RNP

anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein

a-NVH

asymptomatic non-visible haematuria

AP

anteroposterior

aPL

antiphospholipid

aPPT

activated partial thromboplastin time

APT

adaptive pacing therapy

APUD

amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation

AR

ankle reflex

ARB

angiotensin receptor blocker

ARC

AIDS-related complex

ARDS

acute/adult respiratory distress syndrome

ARR

absolute risk reduction

ART

assisted reproduction technique

ARVC

arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

ASD

autistic spectrum disorder

ASW

approved social worker

ASTRAL

Angioplasty and Stent for Renal Artery Lesions

ATC

around the clock

ATRA

all-trans retinoic acid

AVJRT

atrioventricular junctional re-entry tachycardia

AVNRT

atrioventricular nodal re-entry tachycardia

AVNT

atrioventricular nodal tachycardia

AZOOR

acute zonal occult outer retinopathy

BAER

brainstem auditory evoked response

BAL

bronchoalveolar lavage

BALT

bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue

BAN

British Approved Name

BCBV

Better Care Better Value

BCG

Bacille Calmette-Guérin

BCh

Bachelor of Surgery

bd

bis di twice daily

BDD

body dysmorphic disorder

BHR

bronchial hyperresponsiveness

BiPAP

bilevel positive airway pressure

BJ

biceps jerk

BM

Bachelor of Medicine

BMA

British Medical Association

BMD

bone mineral density

BMI

Body Mass Index

BMJ

British Medical Journal

BMedSci

Bachelor of Medical Sciences

BMM

behavioural migraine management

BMS

bare metal stent

BMT

bone marrow transplantation

BMZ

basement membrane zone

BNF

British National Formulary

BNP

brain natriuretic peptide

BP

blood pressure

BPharm

Bachelor of Pharmacy

bpm

beats per minute

BPP

biophysical profile

BR

biceps reflex

BRA

bilateral renal agenesis

BRI

building-related illness

BSAP

bone-specific alkaline phosphatase

BSE

bovine spongiform encephalopathy

BS MB

Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Medicine

BSO

bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

C1-INH

C1-inhibitor antigenic protein

Ca

carcinoma

CA

carbohydrate antigen

CABG

coronary artery bypass graft

CAD

computer-aided detection

CA-MRSA

community-acquired MRSA

cANCA

classical antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

CAPD

continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

CAPS

catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

CaSR

calcium-sensitive receptor

CAT

cognitive analytic therapy

cc

cum cibo (with food)

CCDC

consultant in communicable disease control

CCF

congestive cardiac failure

CCGR

complete cytogenetic remission

CCP

cyclic citrullinated peptide

CCPD

continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis

CCU

coronary care unit

CDCR

conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy

CDI

Children's Depression Inventory

CDI

cranial diabetes insipidus

CDT

cardiotocograph

CEA

carcinoembryonic antigen

CER

control event rate

CES

Center for Epidemiologic Studies

CES

cauda equina syndrome

CES-D

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale

CF

complement fixation

CFC

chlorofluorocarbon

CfI

Centre for Infections

cfu

colony-forming unit

CFS

chronic fatigue syndrome

CFTR

cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

CHAOS

congenital high upper airway obstruction syndrome

CHART

continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy

CHB

complete heart block

CHC

Community Health Council

CHD

coronary heart disease

CHM

Commission on Human Medicines

CHMP

Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use

CI

confidence interval

CIRCI

critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency

CIS

carcinoma in situ

cm

centimetre

CMACE

Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries

CNS

central nervous system

CNV

choroidal neovascularisation

COAD

chronic obstructive airways disease

COCP

combined oral contraceptive pill

COPD

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COMT

catechol-O-methyltransferase

COSHH

Committee on Substances Hazardous to Health

COT

Consultation Observation Tool

CMP

casual male partner

CPAP

continuous positive airway pressure

CPD

continuing professional development

CQC

Care Quality Commission

CRP

C-reactive protein

CRT

cardiac resynchronisation therapy

CSDD

Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia

CSE

combined spinal-epidural

CSII

continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion

CSSD

central sterile supply department

CSSRs

councils with social services responsibilities

CT

computed tomography

CTG

cardiotocograph

CTPA

computed tomography pulmonary angiogram

CTR

cardiothoracic ratio

CTSI

computed tomography severity index

CUP

carcinoma of unknown primary

CVE/CVA

cerebrovascular event/cerebrovascular accident

CVP

central venous pressure

CVS

chorionic villus biopsy

CXR

chest X-ray

DA

Diploma in Anaesthetics

DABA

dual action bone agent

DAT

direct antiglobulin test

db HL

decibels hearing loss

DCD

developmental co-ordination disorder

DCG

dacryocystogram

DCh

Doctor of Surgery

DCH

Diploma in Child Health

DCIS

ductal carcinoma in situ

DCP

Diploma in Clinical Pathology

DCR

dacryocystorhinostomy

dcSSC

diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

DDH

developmental dysplasia of the hip

DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

DEN

Doctor's Educational Need

DES

drug-eluting stent

DEXA

dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

DFA

direct fluorescent antibody

DFHom

Diploma of the Faculty of Homeopathy

DFM

Diploma in Forensic Medicine

DFSA

drug-facilitated sexual assault

dGEMRIC

gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage

DGM

Diploma in Geriatric Medicine

DGO

Diploma in Gynaecology and Obstetrics

DHEA

dehydroepiandrosterone

DIC

disseminated intravascular coagulation

DIF

direct immunofluorescence

DIP

distal interphalangeal

Dip GU Med

Diploma in Genitourinary Medicine

dL

decilitre

DLBCL

diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

DLCO

diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide

DM

diabetes mellitus

DMARD

disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug

DMR

Diploma in Medical Radiology

DMSA

dimercaptosuccinic acid

DO

Diploma in Ophthalmology

DObst

Diploma in Obstetrics

DOT

directly observed therapy

DPath

Diploma in Pathology

DPF

Dental Practitioners' Formulary

DPH

Diploma in Public Health

DPhil

Doctor of Philosophy

DPhysMed

Diploma in Physical Medicine

DPM

Diploma in Psychological Medicine

DQ

developmental quotient

DR

Diploma in Radiology

DRCOG

Diploma Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

DRCPath

Diploma Royal College of Pathologists

DRESS

Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms

DREZ

dorsal root entry zone

DS

Doctor of Surgery

DSP

digital signal processing

DTs

delirium tremens

DTaP

diphtheria (D), tetanus (T) and acellular pertussis (aP)

DTB

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin

DXR

digital X-ray radiogrammetry

e/c

enteric-coated

EBL

estimated blood loss

EBM

evidence-based medicine

EBNA

EBV nuclear antigen

EBUS TBNA

endobronchial US-guided transbronchial needle aspiration

ECMO

extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

ECT

electroconvulsive therapy

ECV

external cephalic version

EDAMS

encephalo-duro-arterio-myo-synangiosis

EDC

estimated date of confinement

EDD

expected date of delivery

EDS

excessive daytime sleepiness

EER

experimental event rate

EFWC

electrolyte-free water clearance

eGFR

estimated glomerular filtration rate

EIA

enzyme immunoassay

ELISA

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

EMA

endomysial antibodies

EMDA

electromotive drug administration

EMDAS

encephalomyoduroarteriosynangiosis

EMG

electromyography

ENG

electronystagmography

eod

every other day

EOG

electro-oculogram

ePACT

electronic Prescribing Analysis and Cost Tool

EPDS

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

ePFIP

electronic Prescribing and Financial Information for Practices

EPO

erythropoietin

EPSEs

extra-pyramidal side-effects

ER

(o)estrogen receptor

ERCP

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

ERG

electroretinography

ERP

exposure and relapse prevention

ERT

enzyme replacement therapy

ESBL

extended-spectrum beta-lactamase

ESES

electrical status epilepticus in sleep

ESR

erythrocyte sedimentation rate

ESWL

extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

EUA

examination under anaesthesia

EUS

endoscopic ultrasonography

EVAR

endovascular aneurysm/aortic repair

f/c

film-coated

FAP

familial adenomatous polyposis

FAMM

familial atypical mole and melanoma

FAST

F ace A rm S peech T est

FBC

full blood count

FDG

fluorodeoxyglucose

FDG-PET

fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography

FEIA

fluorescent enzyme immunoassay

FENa

fractional excretion of sodium

FEUrea

fractional excretion of urea

FEV1

forced expiratory volume in one second

FFA

Fellow Faculty of Anaesthetists

FFCM

Fellow Faculty of Community Medicine

FFDM

full-field digital mammography

FFFP

Fellow of the Faculty of Family Planning

FFHom

Fellow of the Faculty of Homeopathy

FFPath

Fellow Faculty of Pathology

FFPHM

Fellow Faculty of Public Health Medicine

FFR

Fellow Faculty of Radiologists

FISH

dual fluorescence in situ hybridisation

FLA-ABS

fluorescent antibody absorption test

fl oz

fluid ounce

FMRP

fragile X mental retardation protein

FNA

fine-needle aspiration

FNAC

fine-needle aspiration cytology

FPR

false positive rate

FRCA

Fellow Royal College of Anaesthetists

FRCGP

Fellow Royal College of General Practitioners

FRCOG

Fellow Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

FRCOphth

Fellow Royal College of Ophthalmology

FRCPath

Fellow Royal College of Pathologists

FRCPS

Fellow Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons

FRCPsych

Fellow Royal College of Psychiatrists

FRCR

Fellow Royal College of Radiologists

FRCS

Fellow Royal College of Surgeons

FRS

Fellow of the Royal Society

FRSH

Fellow Royal Society of Health

FSE

fetal scalp electrode

FSH

follicle-stimulating hormone

FVC

forced vital capacity

>

greater than

g

gram

GA

general anaesthetic

GABS

Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus

GAD

glutamic acid decarboxylase

GALC

galactosylceramidase

GALT

gut-associated lymphoid tissue

GARS

gait abnormality rating scale

GBM

glomerular basement membrane

GCA

giant cell arteritis

G-CSF

granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

GDM

gestational diabetes mellitus

GDS

Geriatric Depression Scale

GHRH

growth hormone-releasing hormone

GIFT

gamete intrafallopian transfer

GIST

gastrointestinal stromal tumour

GIT

gastrointestinal tract

GP

General Practitioner

GPi

globus pallidus interna

GR

glucocorticoid receptor

GRBAS

Grade, Roughness, Breathy voice, Asthenia and Strain

GREG

guideline recommendation and evidence grading

GVHD

graft-versus-host disease

HA-MRSA

hospital-acquired MRSA

HAART

highly active antiretroviral therapy

HACCP

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points

HAM

HTLV-1-associated myelopathy

HaNDL

headache and neurological deficits + CSF lymphocytosis

HAV

hepatitis A virus

HAVS

hand-arm vibration syndrome

HBcAg

hepatitis B core antigen

HBeAg

hepatitis B e antigen

HBsAg

hepatitis B surface antigen

HCTD

hereditary connective tissue disorders

HDCV

human diploid cell vaccine

HFNEF

heart failure with a normal ejection fraction

HFPSF

heart failure with preserved systolic function

HGPRT

hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase

Hib

Haemophilus influenzae type b

HIDA

hepatobiliary imino-diacetic acid

HIFU

high-intensity focused ultrasound

HNIG

human normal immunoglobulin

HNPP

hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies

HOCM

hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

HoLEP

holmium laser enucleation of the prostate

HONK

hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma

HOOF

Home Oxygen Order Form

HPA CHaPD

HPA Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division

HPA NPIS

HPA National Poisons Information Service

HPN

home parenteral nutrition

HPU

Health Protection Unit

HRCT

high-resolution CT

HRV

heart rate variability

HSC

Health and Social Care

hs-CRP

high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

HSG

hysterosalpingogram

HTLV-1

human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1

HVA

homovanillic acid

HVPG

hepatic venous pressure gradient

HYVET

HY pertension in the V ery E lderly T rial

Hz

hertz

IABP

intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation

ICAM-1

intercellular adhesion molecule-1

ICAS

Independent Complaints Advocacy Services

ICD

implantable cardiac defibrillator

ICHD

International Classification of Headache Disorders

ICP

intracranial pressure

ICP-MS

inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

ICS

intercostal space

ICSI

intracytoplasmic sperm injection

ICU

intensive care unit

IDDM

insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

IDIF

indirect immunofluorescence

IE

infective endocarditis

IFN-gamma

interferon-gamma

IGF-I

insulin-like growth factor-I

IGFBP-3

insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3

IGT

impaired glucose tolerance

IHD

ischaemic heart disease

IM

intramuscular/ly

IMB

intermenstrual bleeding

IMiD

immunomodulatory drug

IPPV

intermittent positive pressure ventilation

IPR

impaired polysaccharide responsiveness

IPV

inactivated polio vaccine

IQCODE

Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly

IRMA

intraretinal microvascular abnormality

IRT

immunoreactive trypsinogen

ISS

Injury Severity Score

IUCD

intrauterine contraceptive device

IUI

intrauterine insemination

in vivo

within the living

IVF-ET

in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer

IVIG

intravenous immunoglobulin

IVII

IV insulin infusion

IVP

intravenous pyelogram

IVRA

intravenous regional anaesthesia

IVU

intravenous urogram

JCVI

Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation

JVP

jugular venous pressure

kcal

kilocalorie

kg

kilogram

KJ

knee jerk

KOH

potassium hydroxide

KR

knee reflex

KTP

potassium titanyl phosphate

<

less than

L

litre

LA

local anaesthetic

LA

lupus anticoagulant

LABAs

long-acting beta2 agonists

LACIs

lacunar infarcts

LAIV

live attenuated influenza vaccine

LAMB

lentigines, atrial myxoma, mucocutaneous myxoma, blue naevi

LAP

leukocyte alkaline phosphatase

LARC

long-acting reversible contraceptive

LASEK

laser epithelial keratomileusis

LASIK

laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

LAUP

laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty

lb

pound

LCR

ligase chain reaction

LDH

lactate dehydrogenase

LFHom

Licensed Associate of the Faculty of Homeopathy

LFTs

liver function tests

LGIB

lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding

LH

luteinising hormone

LHH

likelihood of being helped or harmed

LHRHa

luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonist

LIF

left iliac fossa

LINks

Local Involvement Networks

LLETZ

large loop excision of the transformation zone

LMA

laryngeal mask airway

LMP

last menstrual period

LMWH

low molecular weight heparin

LOC

loss of consciousness

LOD

laparoscopic ovarian 'drilling'

LSCS

lower segment Caesarean section

LSD

lysergic acid diethylamide

LTK

laser thermal keratoplasty

μg (mcg)

microgram

m

metre

m3

cubic metre

mm3

cubic millimetre

mm Hg

millimetre of mercury

mol

mole

m/r

modified-release

MAC

membrane attack complex

MALT

mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue

MAOIs

monoamine oxidase inhibitors

MBAcA

Member British Acupuncture Association

MB BCh

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

MB BChir

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

MB BS

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

MB ChB

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

MBL

mannose-binding lectin

MCAD

medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase

MCh

mean corpuscular haemoglobin

MCH

Master of Surgery

MChir

Master of Surgery

MChOrth

Master of Orthopaedic Surgery

MCI

mild cognitive impairment

MClinPsychol

Master of Clinical Psychology

MCOT

mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry

MCP

metacarpophalangeal

MCR

major cytogenetic remission

MC&S

microscopy, culture and sensitivity

MCTD

mixed connective tissue disease

MCUG

micturating cystourethrogram

MCV

mean cell volume

MD

Doctor of Medicine

MDR

multidrug-resistant

MDT

multidrug therapy

MEB

muscle-eye-brain (disease)

MEL

maximum exposure limit

MELD

model for end-stage liver disease

MEN

multiple endocrine neoplasia

MenC

meningitis C

mEq

milliequivalent

MERIT

Medical Emergency Response Incident Team

MEWDS

multiple evanescent white dot syndrome

MFCPU

multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis

MFFP

Member Faculty of Family Planning

MFHom

Member of the Faculty of Homeopathy

MFOM

Member Faculty of Occupational Medicine

MFPHM

Member Faculty of Public Health Medicine

MFPR

multifetal pregnancy reduction

mg

milligram

MGUS

monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

miRNAs

microRNAs

MID

multi-infarct dementia

MIO

Medical Incident Officer

MIS

Müllerian-inhibiting substance

Mitf

microphthalmia transcription factor

MJ

megajoule

MKP

melanoma of known primary source

mL

millilitre

MMed

Master of Medicine

MMedSci

Master of Medical Science

MMR

measles, mumps and rubella

MODY

maturity onset diabetes of the young

MOH

medicine overuse headache

MPIG

Minimum Practice Income Guarantee

MR

modified release

MRA

magnetic renal angiography

MRCGP

Member Royal College of General Practitioners

MRCOG

Member Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

MRCP

Member Royal College of Physicians

MRCPath

Member Royal College of Pathologists

MRCPsych

Member Royal College of Psychiatrists

MRCS

Member Royal College of Surgeons

MRI

magnetic resonance imaging

MRCP

magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

MRSA

meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

MRV

magnetic resonance venography

MSAFP

maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein

MSLT

multiple sleep latency test

MSSA

meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus

MSU

mid-stream specimen of urine

MTCT

mother-to-child transmission

MUA

manipulation under anaesthetic

MUD

matched unrelated donor

MUP

melanoma of unknown primary source

MUGA

multiple-gated acquisition

MUPS

medically unexplained physical symptoms

MUS

medically unexplained symptoms

MuSK

muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase

Na

sodium

NAAT

nucleic acid amplification test

NABSA

nucleic acid sequence-based amplification technique

NAC

N-acetylcysteine

NAD

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

NADP

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate

NAME

naevi, atrial myxoma, myxoid neurofibroma and ephilides

NASH

non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

NaTHNaC

National Travel Health Network and Centre

NBT

nitroblue tetrazolium

NCS

nerve conduction studies

NDI

nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

NE

niacin equivalents

NESP

novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein

NICE

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

NICU

neonatal intensive care unit

NIDDM

non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

NISS

New Injury Severity Score

NIV

non-invasive ventilation

nL

nanolitre

NNH

number needed to harm

NNRTI

non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor

NNT

number needed to treat

NOIDs

Notifications of Infectious Diseases

NPF

Nurse Prescribers' Formulary

NPIS

National Poisons Information Service

NPPV

noninvasive positive pressure ventilation

NRTI

nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor

NSAID

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

NSE

neuron-specific enolase

NSTACS

non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

NSTEMI

non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

NTD

neural tube defect

NT-proBNP

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide

NVH

non-visible haematuria

OAES

otoacoustic emissions screen

OATS

osteoarticular transplantation

OC&P

ova, cysts and parasites

OCT

optical coherence tomography

od

omni die (every day)

OES

occupational exposure standard

OGD

oesophagogastroduodenoscopy

om

omni mane (every morning)

OMIM

Online Mendelian Inheritence in Man

on

omni nocte (every night)

OTC

over-the-counter

OGTT

oral glucose tolerance test

OPCAB

off-pump coronary artery bypass

OR

odds ratio

ORIF

open reduction internal fixation

PACG

primary angle closure glaucoma

PACT

prescribing analysis and cost tabulation

PAGE

polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

PAI

photoacoustic imaging

PAIR

Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, Re-aspiration

PALS

Patient Advice and Liaison Services

PAM

proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, metronidazole

PAPP-A

pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A

PAPS

primary antiphospholipid syndrome

PAS

periodic acid-Schiff

PATH

Proteinuria/Antiphospholipid syndrome/Thrombocytopenia/Hypertension

PBP

progressive bulbar palsy

pc

post cibum (after food)

PCB

post-coital bleeding

PCC

Patient Client Council

PCEC

purified chick embryo cell

PCI

percutaneous coronary intervention

PCNL

percutaneous nephrolithotomy

PCNSL

primary central nervous system lymphoma

PCOS

polycystic ovary syndrome

PCR

polymerase chain reaction

PCV

pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

PCWP

pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

PDA

patent ductus arteriosus

PDD

pervasive developmental disorder

PDL

pulsed dye laser

PDT

photodynamic therapy

PEA

pulseless electrical activity

PECS

picture exchange communication system

PEEP

positive end-expiratory pressure

PEG

percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

PEP

post-exposure prophylaxis

PEPSE

post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure

PERLA

pupils equal + react to light and accommodation

PEST

psoriasis epidemiology screening tool

PET

positron emission tomography

PF(R)

peak flow (rate)

PI

protease inhibitor

PIC

punctate inner choroidopathy

PICU

paediatric intensive care unit

PIP

proximal interphalangeal

PIVKA-II

protein induced from vitamin K absence

PJRT

permanent junctional re-entrant tachycardia

PLDH

pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride

PLHA

people living with HIV/AIDS

PLMS

periodic limb movements of sleep

PLP1

proteolipid protein-1

PLS

primary lateral sclerosis

PM

polymyositis

PMA

progressive muscular atrophy

PMETB

Postgraduate Medical Education Training Board

PML

progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

PMN

polymorphonuclear

PMR

polymyalgia rheumatica

PND

postnasal drip

po

per os by mouth

POAG

primary open angle glaucoma

POCT

point of care test

POEM

Patient-oriented Eczema Measure

POIC

progestogen-only injectable contraceptive

PoM

prescription-only medication

POP

plaster of Paris

POSDI

progestogen-only subdermal implant

POSE

primary obesity surgery, endoscopic

POTS

postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

PP

pancreatic polypeptide

PP

psychogenic polydipsia

PPD

purified protein derivative

PPE

personal protective equipment

PPI

proton pump inhibitor

ppm

parts per million

PPRA-gamma

peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma

PPROM

preterm, prelabour rupture of membranes

PPV

pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

PR

progesterone receptor

PRA

preoperative risk assessment

PRL

prolactin

prn

pro re nata (when required)

PRNP

PR ioN P rotein

PRP

polyribosyl ribitol phosphate

PS

polysomnography

PSA

prostate specific antigen

PSVT

paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

PT

prothrombin time

PTA

polymyxin/tobramycin/amphotericin

PTBD

percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage

PTCA

percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

PTH

parathyroid hormone

PTRAA

percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty

PTX

pneumothorax

PUFA

polyunsaturated fatty acid

PUNS

Patient's Unmet Needs

PUO

pyrexia of unknown origin

PVA

polyvinyl alcohol

PVS

persistent vegetative state

qad

quoque alternis die (every other day)

qam

quaque die ante meridiem (every day before noon)

qd

quaque die (every day)

qds

quater die sumendum (to be taken four times daily)

qh

quaque hora (every hour)

qhs

quaque hora somni (every night at bedtime)

qid

quattuor in die (four times a day)

qod

every other day

qpm

quaque die post meridiem (every day after noon)

qqh

quarta quaque hora (every four hours)

®

registered trademark

RAADP

routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis

RADS

Reynolds' Adolescent Depression Scale

RAEB

refractory anaemia with excess blasts

RAEBt

refractory anaemia with excess blasts in transformation

RAPD

relevant afferent pupil defect

RARS

refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblasts

RAS

renin angiotensin system

RAST

radioallergosorbent test

RCA

root cause analysis

RCDS

Reynolds' Child Depression Scale

RCGP

Royal College of General Practitioners

RCN

Royal College of Nursing

RCOG

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

RCT

randomised controlled trial

RDS

respiratory distress syndrome

RDT

rapid diagnostic test

REBT

rational emotive behavioural therapy

REE

resting energy expenditure

rFVIIa

recombinant activated factor VIIa

rHA

recombinant haemagglutinin

rhG-CSF

recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

rHuEPO

recombinant human erythropoietin

RICE

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

RIF

right iliac fossa

RIFLE

Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-stage kidney disease

RIMA

Reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A

rINN

Recommended International Non-proprietary Name

RLS

restless legs syndrome

RMO

responsible medical officer

rNA

recombinant neuraminidase

RPGN

rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis

RPR

rapid plasmin reagin

RPS19

small ribosomal protein 19

RPSGB

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

RRR

relative risk reduction

RSI

repetitive strain injury

RTA

renal tubular acidosis

RUQ

right upper quadrant

RVOT

right ventricular outflow tract

s/c

sugar-coated

SABRE

serious and adverse blood reactions and events

SAD

seasonal affective disorder

SAD

social anxiety disorder

SAH

subarachnoid haemorrhage

SALT

skin-associated lymphoid tissue

SBE

subacute bacterial endocarditis

SCD

sudden cardiac death

SCHIN

Sowerby Centre for Health Informatics at Newcastle

SCID

severe combined immune deficiency

SCS

spinal cord stimulation

SCT

supervised community treatment

SEGA

subependymal giant cell astrocytoma

SEN

subependymal nodule

SERMs

selective (o)estrogen receptor modulators

SFH

symphyseal fundal height

SGA

small for gestational age

SHOX

stature homeobox-containing gene

SHS

sexual health screen

SIGN

Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network

SIRS

systemic inflammatory response syndrome

SITREP

situation report

SJ

supinator jerk

SLE

systemic lupus erythematosus

SLR

straight leg raise

SLS

selected list scheme

SMC

Scottish Medicines Consortium

SNOMED

Standardised Nomenclature of Medicine

SNRIs

serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

s-NVH

symptomatic non-visible haematuria

SOCOs

Scene of Crime Officers

SPC

Summary of Product Characteristics

SPECT

single-photon emission computed tomography scanning

SpR

Specialist Registrar

SPRM

selective progesterone receptor modulator

SR

supinator reflex

SRS

somatostatin receptor scintigraphy

SRT

structured reflective template

SSRI

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

SSS

subclavian steal syndrome

START

Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment

stat

statim (immediately)

STEMI

ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

STN

subthalamic nucleus

STOPP

Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions

SURUSS

Serum Urine and Ultrasound Screening Study

SVTs

supraventricular tachycardias

SXA

single energy X-ray absorptiometry

SXR

skull X-ray

TACE

transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation

TAPP

transabdominal preperitoneal

TATTS

tired all the time syndrome

TBSA

total burn surface area

TDF

tenofovir DF

Td/IPV

tetanus, diphtheria and polio

tds

ter die sumendum (to be taken three days daily)

TEE

transoesophageal echocardiography

TENS

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

TEP

totally extraperitoneal

TESE

testicular sperm extraction

TEVAR

thoracic endovascular aneurysm/aortic repair

TIA

transient ischaemic attack

tid

ter in die (three times daily)

TIPS

transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

TIVAS

totally implantable venous access system

tiw

three times a week

TJ

triceps jerk

TKI

tyrosine kinase inhibitor

TLC

total lung capacity

TMS

transcranial magnetic stimulation

TNA

transient neurological attack

TOP

termination of pregnancy

tPA

tissue plasminogen activator

TPN

total parenteral nutrition

TR

triceps reflex

TRALI

transfusion-related acute lung injury

TRISS

Trauma and Injury Severity Score

TRT

tinnitus retraining therapy

TSE

transmissible spongiform encephalopathy

TSH

thyroid-stimulating hormone

TSS

toxic shock syndrome

TTE

transthoracic echocardiography

tTG

tissue transglutaminase

TUIP

transurethral incision of the prostate

TURP

transurethral resection of the prostate

TUVP

transurethral vaporisation of the prostate

TYM

Test Your Memory

U&E

urea and electrolytes

UCTD

unclassified connective tissue disorder

ud

ut dictum (as directed)

UGIB

upper gastrointestinal bleeding

ULN

upper limit of normal

UPD

uniparental disomy

UPPP

uvelopalatopharyngoplasty

UPSI

unprotected sexual intercourse

URA

unilateral renal agenesis

VATS

video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

VCA

viral capsid antigen

VEP

visual evoked potential

VF

ventricular fibrillation

VGCC

voltage-gated calcium channel

VH

visible haematuria

VIP

vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

VLCFA

very long chain fatty acids

VLDL

very low-density lipoprotein

VMA

vanillylmandelic acid

VPI

velopharyngeal insufficiency

VT

ventricular tachycardia

VTEC O157

verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157

WASP

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein

WATCH

Working Group on the Assessment of Toxic Chemicals

WBH-DTI

whole-brain histogram of diffusion tensor imaging

WCC

white cell count

WHO

World Health Organization

WLL

whole-lung lavage

WRIGHT

WHO Research into global hazards of travel

XDR

extensively drug-resistant

Y

Z

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

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