Health Service Executive

Code of Practice for

Healthcare Records
Management

Abbreviations
Date:

June 2010

This is a controlled document and may be subject to change at any time

Version 2.0

ReaDeR InfoRmatIon
Directorate:

Quality & Clinical Care Directorate

title:

HSE Code of Practice for Healthcare

Records Management

Document
Purpose:

Abbreviations

Publication Date:

June 2010

target audience:

All staff in the HSE who work in

healthcare records management

Description:

This section is intended to encourage best

practice while assisting healthcare
professionals to make effective use of
their time, by providing a list of agreed
abbreviations, which are approved for use
throughout the HSE

Superseded Docs: Version 1 June 2007

Review Date:

June 2012

Contact Details:

Winifred Ryan,
Quality & Clinical Care Directorate,
Health Service Executive.
Email: winifred.ryan@hse.ie
annmarie.heffernan@hse.ie
gay.murphy@hse.ie
Web: www.hse.ie

-2-

table of Contents
Page

1.

Rules for abbreviations

2.

Drugs and Prescribing

2.1

Doses

2.2

Frequency of Administration

2.3

Days of the Week

10

2.4

Time Abbreviations

11

2.5

Routes of Administration

11

2.6

Prescribing electrolytes and

trace elements

12

2.7

Interpretation of dose frequency

instructions

13

3.

4.

approved abbreviations List

for Use in Healthcare Records

15

notation for mobilisations

and manipulations

53

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1. Rules for abbreviations

1.1

Abbreviations should be avoided if at all possible, but in

the event of abbreviations being utilised, only those
approved by the Quality & Clinical Care Directorate and
contained within this document are permitted.

1.2

If an abbreviation is used that is not contained within this

document the full term used, followed by the abbreviation
in brackets, should be written on each side of each page.

1.3

All abbreviations must be written in Block Capitals (e.g.

MI Myocardial infarction). Contractions can be
expressed as a mixture of higher and lower case.
Contractions used in this document omit the end of a word
and are terminated with a full stop (e.g., Ausc.
Auscultation).

1.4

The following must neVeR be abbreviated.

never abbreviate decisions

regarding resuscitation of
a patient

Any decision regarding

resuscitation of a patient must
always be written in full and
signed. A decision of such
gravity must never be
abbreviated.

never abbreviate drug

names

Drug names must always be

written in full and shall never
be abbreviated under any
circumstances.

never use R and L

Right and left must be written

in full. The exception to this
rule is when right or left is
contained within an
abbreviation, e.g. LIF left
iliac fossa.

-4-

+++, < less than and

> greater than should be
avoided except where they
are part of an official
grading system
(i.e. urinalysis results)

Accepted grading systems

should only be used

never use these symbols

+ve and ve

+ve and ve are not acceptable.

These can be abbreviated to
Pos. and Neg.

any reference to the service The service user/patients given

user/patient must never be name should always be used.
abbreviated
abbreviations must never
be used on a consent form
abbreviations must never
be used in the completion
of incident report forms
1.5

Laboratory tests may be abbreviated on typed reports but

only approved abbreviations contained within this
document may be hand-written in service user/patient
healthcare records. If an abbreviation is used that is not
contained within this document the full term used,
followed by the abbreviation in brackets, should be
written on each side of each page.

1.6

Abbreviations pre-printed or typed on Health Service

Executive documentation (and on computer) can remain
unchanged, as they are generally understood. An
explanatory footnote added to the document, prior to
reprinting, in order to clarify the meaning of typed
abbreviations is necessary.

1.7

To deliver best practice it is essential that all of the

abbreviation rules and recommendations apply to
electronic clinical information also. With the move within
the healthcare service to the development and delivery of
integrated Electronic Patient Records, healthcare providers

-5-

must endeavour to produce systems, which will contain

and produce no abbreviations. In the interim:
1.7.1 Current systems can remain unchanged as they are
already approved and agreed locally.
1.7.2 When current systems are upgraded or changed
abbreviations must be omitted.
1.7.3 Information printed or shared from current systems
must:
l

Contain no abbreviations
If they contain abbreviations a footnote must
be added that clarifies the meaning of the
abbreviations.

1.8

References to referrals or discussions with other health

professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses, health and social care
professionals) must state their full name; title and bleep
number if applicable (e.g. seen by Physio or Surgical
IOC is not a substitute for their name).

1.9

International chemical symbols are acceptable in clinical

documentation e.g. Fe Al except in prescriptions and/or
medication charts.

1.10 In designating time in clinical documentation the 24 hour

clock must be used.
1.11 No abbreviations to be used in documentation or
correspondence which is used for transfer, discharge or
external referral letters.
1.12 This document is intended to reduce error and confusion
by providing the generally accepted or preferred
abbreviations and acronyms that have been approved by
the Quality & Clinical Care Directorate.

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2. DRUgS anD PReSCRIbIng

always write clearly when prescribing, using un-joined
lower case text, or bLoCK CaPItaLS.
Where possible prescribe medications, including intravenous
fluids, using approved generic name, where this is not possible
the drug name used must be on the local approved list of trade
name drugs except in the case of multi-ingredient preparations
and modified release formulations when the brand names must
be used.
note: Always document patient drug allergies or idiosyncratic
reactions and refer to documented allergies and reactions before
prescribing any drug.
Drug names must never be abbreviated under any
circumstances

table 1 Checklist when Prescribing

YOuR HANDWRITINg MuST BE CLeaR & LegIbLe

uSINg uN-JOINED LOWER CASE TExT OR BLOCk CAPITALS

Allergies

Always check and document

Drug Names

Never abbreviate drug names

Prescribing

use approved (generic) names

where possible. Where this is
not possible the drug name used
must be on the local approved
list of trade name drugs.

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2.1

DoSeS

2.1.1 Units
The following units may be abbreviated only as follows:
table 2 Units
approved abbreviation
cm
g
kcal
kg
L
mg
mL
mm
Mmol

Unit
Centimetre(s)
gram
kilocalorie
kilogram
Litre
Milligram
Millilitre
Millimetre
Millimole

never abbreviate the following: International units,

Micrograms, Nanograms, units
e.g. Insulin Actrapid 8 units, Tinzaparin 10,000 International
units
Never use the unit cubic centimetre, or the abbreviations c.c. or
cm3 to denote millilitres, e.g. Vancomycin1g/100ml, Fluconazole
suspension 200mg/5ml
2.1.2 Decimal Points
l

Quantities less than 1 gram should be written in

milligrams, e.g. 500mg, not 0.5g.
When decimals are unavoidable a zero should be
written in front of the decimal point where there is
no other figure, e.g. 0.5mL. not .5mL
The use of the decimal point is only otherwise
acceptable to express a range, e.g. 0.5 to 1g

-8-

2.2

fReqUenCy of aDmInIStRatIon
Always specify the dose and frequency.

In the case of preparations to be taken as required, always

specify the minimum dose interval e.g. Paracetamol tablets
500mg 2 every 6 hours p.r.n.
Directions must generally be in english without
abbreviations (exceptions listed in Table 2.3)

table 3

acceptable Latin terms and abbreviations

Latin terms and

abbreviations

english meaning

b.d./b.i.d.

Twice daily

Mane

In the morning

Nocte

At night

p.r.n.

When required

q.d.s./q.i.d.

Four times daily

STAT

Immediately

Tarde

In the evening

t.d.s./t.i.d.

Three times daily

In the case of drugs that are being prescribed at particular hourly

frequencies, the only acceptable way of writing these are:
l
12 hourly or twelve hourly or every 12 hours or
every twelve hours
l
4 hourly or four hourly or every 4 hours or every
four hours
No other method of expressing this dosage is acceptable
including q12h, 120, q4h, q.q.h., 40
no other abbreviation or Latin term may be used

-9-

The left hand column of Table 2.4 contains abbreviations that

should not be used. The correct term is given in the right hand
column.
table 4
Unacceptable abbreviation
Alt Die
o.d.
q.d.
q.q.h
q.4.h
q.6.h
q.12.h
m.d.u
Ad lib
2.3

Correct term (always write

in full)
On alternate days
Once daily
Once daily
Every four hours
Every four hours
Every six hours
Every twelve hours
As directed
As much as desired

DayS of tHe WeeK

Days of the week must not be abbreviated but must always be

written in full. For drugs to be administered only on specific
days of the week then those days must always be written in full.
example 1

A Prescription for once weekly

Methotrexate must state the drug name,
dose and specific weekly day for drug
administration, with no abbreviations
other than the route, e.g. Methotrexate
2.5mg P.O. once weekly on Wednesdays.

example 2

A prescription for thrice weekly

Erythropoietin Beta must state the drug
name, dose and the three specific days per
week for drug administration, with no
abbreviations other than the route, e.g.
Erythropoietin Beta 2,000 units I.V. three
times weekly on Monday, Wednesday and
Friday.

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2.4

tIme abbReVIatIonS

The following abbreviations are applicable with regard to time

and rates of administration of medicines:
table 5
abbreviation

meaning

Hour

Mins.

Minute

Second

2.5

RoUteS of aDmInIStRatIon

The following abbreviations may be used for routes of

administration:
table 6
abbreviation

Route

IV

Intravenously

IM

Intramuscularly

Ng

Nasogastric

PEg

Percutaneous Endoscopic
gastrostomy

PO

Per Oral (i.e. oral by mouth)

PV

Per Vaginal

SC

Subcutaneously

PR

Per Rectum

SL

Sublingually

abbreviations may not be used for other routes. Instead

write the term in full, e.g. intradermally, intrathecally,
intraperitoneally, transdermally.

- 11 -

2.6

PReSCRIbIng eLeCtRoLyteS & tRaCe eLementS

onLy the following abbreviations for electrolytes are

acceptable in prescriptions.
table 7
approved abbreviation
Ca2+

electrolyte

Mg2+
Na+

Magnesium
Sodium

k+

Potassium

CL-

Chloride

Calcium

The following terms must never be abbreviated in

prescriptions:
l Acetate
l Aluminium
l Bicarbonate
l Chromium
l Copper
l Ferric
l Ferrous
l Fluoride
l Iodide
l Iron
l Lactate
l Manganese
l Molybdenum
l Phosphate
l Selenium
l Sulphate
l Zinc

- 12 -

2.7

InteRPRetatIon of DoSe fReqUenCy InStRUCtIonS

As the timing of drug administration rounds differs from

institution to institution no specific guidance is provided
regarding a unified policy on Standard Times for Drug
Administration. Each hospital is, however, strongly encouraged
to have a specific local policy on Standard Times for Drug
Administration.
table 8
abbreviation

meaning

q.d.s./q.i.d.

Four times daily, this ideally

means every six hours. It is
generally impractical to
administer any medicine at
strictly six hourly intervals, as
the service user/patient would
have to be awakened.

t.d.s./t.i.d.

Three times daily, this ideally

means every eight hours.

b.d./b.i.d.

Twice daily, this ideally means

every twelve hours. For drugs
that are prescribed twice daily
and are not intended for
administration at twelve hourly
intervals, the specific
instructions must be included on
the prescription i.e. Diuretics 1
b.d. The dose must read, as
appropriate, 1 in the morning
and 1 at lunchtime etc.

- 13 -

abbreviation

meaning

once Daily

This means every 24 hours.

For drugs that are intended for
administration at a specific
time the prescription must
reflect this fact and not be
prescribed simply as once daily
i.e. diuretics in the morning,
hypnotics at night. Care must
be taken when a drug is
prescribed once daily that the
service user/patient will take
the drug at the same time each
day or else compliance
problems can arise.

Drugs and meal times

Dietary considerations must be

taken into account when drugs
are being prescribed/
administered. If drugs are best
taken on an empty stomach
they must be given at least 30
minutes before the next
mealtime. If drugs are best
taken with or after meals then
they must be given at meal
times. It is generally more
important that the dietary
considerations take precedence
over strict adherence to the
optimum time of
administration.

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3. aPPRoVeD abbReVIatIonS LISt foR

USe In HeaLtHCaRe ReCoRDS
misc.
abbreviation
5Ds
9HPT

Definition
Dizziness, diplopia, drop
attacks, dysorthria, dysphagia
Nine hole peg test

a
abbreviation
A&A
AAA
AACg
AAROM
AB
ABC
Abd.
ABg
ABI
ABO
ABPA
ABPI
Abs.
ACBT
ACH
ACJ
ACL
ACS
ACT
AD
Add.
ADEM

Definition
Aids and Appliances
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Acute angle closure glaucoma
Assisted active range of
movement/motion
Apnoea/Bradycardia
Airway breathing circulation
Abdominal
Arterial blood gas
Ankle brachial index
Blood group system
Allergic broncho pulmonary
aspergillosis
Ankle brachial pulse index
Absorbable
Active cycle of breathing
technique
After coming head
Acromioclavicular joint
Anterior cruciate ligament
Acute coronary syndrome
Airway clearance technique
Alzheimers Disease
Adduction
Acute disseminated
encephalomyelitis

- 15 -

abbreviation
ADH
ADHD
ADL
Adm.
ADOM/N
ADOPHN
AE
AEDF
AET
AF
A. Fib.
A. Flutter
AFO
AFR
AFV
Ag
AgA
AI
AIDS
AIIS
Ak
AkA
AkI
Alb.
ALIF
Alk. Phos.
ALL
ALR
ALT
a.m.
AMI
AML
AMP
ANA
AND
Anaes.

Definition
Antidiuretic hormone
Attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder
Activities of daily living
Admission/admitted
Assistant Director of
Midwifery/Nursing
Assistant Director of Public
Health Nursing
Air entry
Absent end diastolic flow
Atrial ectopic tachycardia
Artificial feed
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial flutter
Ankle foot orthosis
Average flow rate
Amniotic fluid volume
Abdominal girth
Appropriate gestational age
Aortic incompetence
Acquired immune deficiency
syndrome
Anterior inferior iliac spine
Above knee
Above knee amputation
Acute kidney injury
Albumin
Anterior lumbar intervertebral
fusion
Alkaline Phosphatase
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Anterior levator resection
Alanine amino transferase
Morning before twelve
Acute myocardial infarction
Acute myeloid leukaemia
Advanced Midwife Practitioner
Antinuclear Antibody
Adverse neural dynamics
Anaesthetic

- 16 -

abbreviation
ANP
Ant.
Anti-DVT
Ant. Lat.
Ant. Tibs.
Ao.
Ao. arch
Ao. root
Ao. valve
AP
AP2
AP4
APD
APH
Approx.
Appt.
APRS
APTT
APTTR
AR
ARDS
ARF
ARM
ARMD
AROM
AS
ASA
ASAP
Asc. Ao.
ASD
ASIS
ASL
ASR
Ass.

Definition
Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Anterior
Anti deep venous thrombosis
Anterolateral
Anterior tibialis
Aorta
Aortic arch
Aortic root
Aortic valve
Antero-posterior
Apical 2 chamber
Apical 4 chamber
Automated peritoneal dialysis
Ante partum haemorrhage
Approximately
Appointment
Aspiration-penetration rating
scale
Activated partial thromboplastin
time
Activated partial thromboplastin
time ratio
Aortic regurgitation
Acute Respiratory Distress
Syndrome
Acute renal failure
Artificial rupture of membranes
Age related macular
degeneration
Active range of
movement/motion
Aortic stenosis
American Society of
Anaesthesiologists
As soon as possible
Ascending aorta
Atrial septal defect
Anterior superior iliac spine
Alternate side-lying
Articular surface replacement
Assistance

- 17 -

abbreviation
AST
ATNR
AuC
Ausc.
AVA
AVB
AVC Pump
Avl.
AVM
AVNRT
AVR
AVSD
Ax.

Definition
Aspartate amino transferase
Assymetric tonic neck reflex
Area under the curve
Auscultation
Aortic valve area
Atrioventricular block
Anterior venous compression
pump
Available
Arteriovenous malformation
Atrio-ventricular nodal re-entry
tachycardia
Aortic valve replacement
Atrioventricular septal defect
Assessment

B
abbreviation
Ba.
Ba. Enema
Ba. Meal
Ba. Swallow
BAWO
BBA
BBB
BBS
BC
BCg
BCL
b.d./b.i.d.
BEE
BF
Bg
BgL
BHCg
BHT
BHx.
BIA

Definition
Barium
Barium enema
Barium meal
Barium swallow
Bilateral antral washout
Born before admission/arrival
Bundle branch block
Berg balance scale
Blood cultures
Bacille Calmette-guerin
Bandage contact lens
Twice daily
Basal energy expenditure
Breast feed/fed/feeding
Blood glucose/blood gases
Blood glucose level
Beta human chorionic
gonadotropins
Bucket handle tear
Birth history
Bioelectrical impedance
analyzer

- 18 -

abbreviation
BIBA
Bi Dir.
Bi Dirg
BiPAP
Bk
BkA
BLS
BMA
BMI
BMR
BMT
BNA
BNO
BO
BOS
BP
BPD
BPM
BPP
BSA
BSO
BSS
BTL
BT Shunt
BuN
BuPA
Bx.

Definition
Brought in by ambulance
Bidirectional
Bidirectional glenn
Bi-level intermittent positive
airway pressure
Below knee
Below knee amputation
Basic life support
Bone marrow aspirate
Body mass index
Basal metabolic rate
Bone marrow transplant
Borderline nuclear abnormality
Bowels not open
Bowels opened
Base of support
Blood pressure
Biparietal diameter
Beats per minute
Bio-physical profile
Body surface area
Bilateral salpingooophorectomy
Blood sugar series
Bilateral tubal ligation
Blalock-Taussig Shunt
Blood urea nitrogen
British united Provident
Association
Biopsy

C
abbreviation
C2H5OH
C3F8
Ca.
CA2+
CABg
CAD

Definition
Alcohol
Perfluoropropane
Carcinoma
Calcium
Coronary artery bypass graft
Coronary artery disease

- 19 -

abbreviation
CANC
CAPD
Cap. Refill
CAVD
CBC
CBD
CBg
CBT
C&C
cc
CCF
CCPD
CCT
CCu
CD
CDAD
C.diff.
CEA
CEO
CF
CFAM
CFM
CgA
CHB
CHD
Chemo
CHO
Chol.
CIN
CJD
CJRAT
Ck
CkMB
CL
CLD
CLL

Definition
Combined Antenatal care
Continuous ambulatory
peritoneal dialysis
Capillary refill
Complete atrioventricular block
Capillary blood count
Common bile duct
Capillary blood gases
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Collar and cuff
Copied to
Congestive cardiac failure
Continuous cycling peritoneal
dialysis
Controlled cord traction
Coronary Care unit
Catheter draining
Clostridium difficile associated
disease
Clostridium difficile
Carotid endarterectomy
Chief Executive Officer
Cystic fibrosis
Cerebral function amplitude
Cerebral function monitoring
Contact guard assistance
Complete heart block
Coronary heart disease
Chemotherapy
Carbohydrate
Cholesterol
Cervical intraepithelial
neoplasia
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Cubin Jackson risk assessment
tool
Creatine kinase
Creatine kinase isoenzyme
Chloride
Chronic lung disease
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

- 20 -

abbreviation
CLO
cm
CMCJ
CML
CMM 1,2,3
CMP
CMSp.
CMV
CN
CNM 1,2,3
CNS
CNSp.
CO2
CO
COA
Coag. Screen
COD
C of E
C of I
COLD
Conc.
Cons.
Contd.
COPD
CORS
CP
CPAP
CPC
CPD
CPk
CPM
CPR
CRC
CrCl
CREST
CRF

Definition
Campbylobacter like organism
Centimetre
Carpal metacarpal joint
Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Clinical Midwife Manager 1,2,3
Chondromalacia pattellae
Clinical Midwife Specialist
Cytomegalovirus
Cranial nerves
Clinical Nurse Manager 1,2,3
Central nervous system
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Carbon dioxide
Complaining of
Coarctation of the Aorta
Coagulation screen
Change of dressing
Church of England
Church of Ireland
Chronic obstructive lung
disease
Concentration
Consultant
Continued
Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease
Coronary Angiogram
Cerebral Palsy
Continuous positive airway
pressure
Clinical Placement CoOrdinator
Cephalic pelvic disproportion
Creatine phosphokinase
Continuous passive movement
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Central Remedial Clinic
Creatinine clearance
Crest syndrome
Chronic renal failure

- 21 -

abbreviation
CRP
CRRT
C&S
CS
CSE
CSF
CSII
CSOM
CSpine
CSu
CT
CTA
CTEV
CTg
CTR
CTS
CTSS
Cu.
CV
CVA
CVAD
CVC
CVL
CVP
CVS
CVVH
CVVHDF
CWMS
CWO
Cx.
CxR

Definition
C-Reactive protein
Continuous renal replacement
therapy
Culture and Sensitivity
Caesarean section
Combined spinal epidural
Cerebrospinal fluid
Continuous subcutaneous
insulin infusion
Chronic suppurative otitis
media
Cervical spine
Catheter specimen of urine
Computerised tomography
Clear to auscultation
Congenital talipes equina varus
Cardiotocograph
Carpel tunnel release
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Closed tracheal suction system
Copper
Cardiovascular
Cerebrovascular accident
Central venous access device
Central venous catheter
Central venous line
Central venous pressure
Cardiovascular system
Continuous veno-venous
haemofiltration
Continuous veno-venous
haemodiafiltration
Colour, warmth, movement,
sensation
Community Welfare Officer
Cervix
Chest x-Ray

- 22 -

D
abbreviation
DBE
D&C
Dc.
DCIS
DCR
DDH
DDx.
DEASk
Defib.
Dept.
Desc. Ao.
DExA
DF
DHS
DHx.
DI
DIC
DILV
DIPJ
Disp.
Dka.
DL
DLBCL
DM
DNA
DOA
DOB
DOE
DOM/N
DOPHN
DORV
DOSS

Definition
Deep breathing exercises
Dilatation and curettage
Discharge
Ductal carcinoma in situ
Dacryocystorhinostomy
Developmental dysplasia of the
hip
Differential diagnosis
Descemets stripping
endothelial automated
keratoplasty
Defibrillation
Department
Descending aorta
Dual energy x-ray
absortiometry
Dorsiflexion
Dynamic hip screw
Diet history
Detrusor instability
Disseminated intravascular
coagulation
Double inlet left ventricle
Distal interphalangeal joint
Displacement
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Direct laryngoscopy
Diffuse large B Cell lymphoma
Diabetes mellitus
Did not attend
Dead on arrival
Date of birth
Dyspnoea on exertion
Director of Midwifery/Nursing
Director of Public Health
Nursing
Double outlet right ventricle
Dysphagia outcome severity
scale

- 23 -

abbreviation
DPM
DPNS
Dr.
DRVs
DSH
DTs
D&V
DVT
DW
Dx/

Definition
Drops per minute
Deep pharyngeal neuromuscular
stimulation
Doctor
Dietary reference values
Deliberate self harm
Delerium tremens
Diarrhoea & vomiting
Deep vein thrombosis
Discussed with
Diagnosis

E
abbreviation
EA
EAC
EBL
EBM
ECg
ECHO
ECLS
ECMO
E. Coli
ECT
ECV
ED
EDD
EEg
EER
EF
EFA
EFM
EFW
e.g.
EgA
EHL
EL
EMg
EMS

Definition
Elective admission
External auditory canal
Estimated blood loss
Expressed breast milk
Electrocardiogram
Echocardiogram
Extracorporeal life support
Extracorporeal membrane
oxygenation
Escherichia coli
Electroconvulsive therapy
External cephalic version
Emergency Department
Estimated date of delivery
Electroencephalogram
Estimated energy requirements
Ejection fraction
Essential fatty acids
Electronic fetal monitoring
Estimated fetal weight
For example
Estimated gestational age
Extensor hallucis longus
Endo laser
Electromyography
Elderly mobility scale

- 24 -

abbreviation
EMu
EN
Enc.
ENT
EOM
EOR
Eos.
EPAu
EPL
EPS
ERot.
ERCP
ERPC
ESkD
ESR
EST
Est. Req.
ESWL
ET
Etc.
ETCO2
EuA
EuM
EV
EVAR
EVLT
Ex Prem.
Exs.
Ext.

Definition
Early morning urine
Enteral nutrition
Enclosed
Ear nose and throat
External ocular movements
End of range
Eosinophil
Early Pregnancy Assessment
unit
Extensor pollicus longus
Electrophysiology studies
External rotation
Endoscopic retrograde
cholangio-pancreatography
Evacuation of retained products
of conception
End stage kidney disease
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Exercise stress test
Estimated requirements
External shock wave lithotripsy
Endotracheal
Etcetra
End tidal CO2
Examination under anaesthetic
Examination under microscope
Eversion
Endovascular aneurysm repair
Endovenous laser therapy
Ex premature
Exercises
Extension

F
abbreviation
FA
FAD
FAS
FB
FBC

Definition
Fetal anomaly
Focus to axis distance
Fetal assessment scan
Foreign body
Full blood count

- 25 -

abbreviation
FBM
FBS
FDP
FDS
Fe
FEES
FES
FESS
FET
FEV1
FFD
FFP
FH
FHH
FHHR
FHNH
FHR
FHx.
Fi02
FLACC
Flex.
FLP
FM
FMF
FN
FNA
FNAB
FOB
FOs.
Fr.
FROM
FS
FSE
FSH

Definition
Fetal breathing movement
Fasting blood sugar
Fibrin degredation products
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Iron
Fibreoptic endoscopic
examination of the swallow
Functional electrical stimulation
Functional Endoscopic Sinus
Surgery
Forced expiratory technique
Forced expiratory volume in
one second
Fixed flexion deformity
Fresh frozen plasma
Fetal heart
Fetal heart heard
Fetal heart heard and regular
Fetal heart not heard
Fetal heart rate
Family history
Fractioned inspired oxygen
Face
Legs
Activity
Cry
Consolability
Flexion
Fasting lipid profile
Fetal movement
Fetal movement felt
Febrile Neutropenia
Fine needle aspiration
Fine needle aspirate biopsy
Faecal occult blood
Fructo olligosacharides
French (catheter measurement)
Full range of movement/motion
Frozen section
Fetal scalp electrode
Follicle stimulating hormone

- 26 -

abbreviation
FT
FTA
FTND
FTT
Fu
FVC
FWB

Definition
Full term
Failure to advance
Full term normal delivery
Failure to thrive
Follow up
Forced vital capacity
Full weight bearing

g
abbreviation
g
gA
gAMMA gT
gastroc.
gBS
gCS
gCSF
gCT
gd.
gDM
gest.
gF
gFR
g&H
gHJ
gI
gIT
glut. Max.
glut. Med.
glut. Min.
gluts.
gO
gORD
gP
g#P#

Definition
gram
general anaesthetic
gamma glutamyl transferase
gastrocnemius
group B streptococcus
glasgow coma scale
granulocyte colony stimulating
factor
glucose challenge test
grade (mobilizations)
gestational diabetes mellitus
gestation
gluten free
glomerular filtration rate
group and hold
gleno-humeral joint
gastro-intestinal
gastro-intestinal tract
gluteus maximus
gluteus medius
gluteus minimus
gluteal
gastro-oesophageal
gastro-oesophageal reflux
disorder/disease
general Practitioner
gravida# denotes total number
of pregnancies
Para# denotes total number of
delivered pregnancies

- 27 -

abbreviation
gRBAS
gT
gTN
gTT
gu
guIDE
guM
guR
gVHD
gxM
gZF

Definition
grade roughness breathiness
asthenic strain
gastrostomy tube
glyceryl Tri-Nitrate
glucose tolerance test
genito-urinary
genito urinary and Infection
Disease Clinic
genito-urinary medicine
genito-ureteric reflux
graft versus host disease
group and cross match
gutter zimmer frame

H
abbreviation
H
Haem.
Hams.
HAV
Hb
HbA1c
HBB
HBcAb.
HBH
HBsAg.
HBV
HC
HCA
HCg
HCO3
HcRN
Hct.
HCV
HD
HDL
HDu

Definition
Hour
Haematology
Hamstrings
Hepatitis A virus
Haemoglobin
glycosylated haemoglobin type
A1c
Hand behind back
Hepatitis B core antibody
Hand behind head
Hepatitis B surface antigen
Hepatitis B virus
Head circumference
Home care assistant
Human chorionic gonadotropin
Bicarbonate
Healthcare record number
Haematocrit
Hepatitis C virus
Haemodialysis
High density lipoprotein
High Dependency unit

- 28 -

abbreviation
HELLP
HEP
Hep. A/B/C
HFOV
HH
HI
HIE
HIPE
HIT
HITS
HIV
HL
HLA
HM
HMD
HPHC
HPOA
HR
HRT
HSE
HSP
Ht.
HTN
HuS
HV
HVS
Hx.
HxPC
Hydro

Definition
Haemolysis elevated liver
enzymes low platelets
Home exercise programme
Hepatitis A/B/C
High frequency oscillator
ventilator
Home help
Head injury
Hypoxic ischaemic
encephalopathy
Hospital In Patient Enquiry
Heparin induced
thrombocytopenia
Heparin induced
thrombocytopenia syndrome
Human immunodeficiency virus
Hodgkins lymphoma
Human lucocyte antigen
Hand movements
Hyaline membrane disease
High protein high calorie
Hypertrophic Pulmonary
Osteoarthropathy
Heart rate
Hormone replacement therapy
Health Service Executive
Henock schonlein purpura
Height
Hypertension
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Home visit
High vaginal swab
History
History of present complaint
Hydrotherapy

- 29 -

I
abbreviation
IABP
IAS
IBW
ICP
iCRBBB
ICu
I&D
ID
IDPN
IDWg
i.e.
I:E Ratio
IFT
Ig
IHD
IHF
IM
IMB
Imp.
IMV
Incl.
Ind.
Inf.
Inferolat.
Info.
iNO
In Pt.
INR
Int. Rot.
Inv.
I&O
IOL
IOP
IP
IPD
IPJ

Definition
Intra-aortic Balloon Pump
Interatrial septum
Ideal body weight
Intracranial pressure
Incomplete right bundle branch
block
Intensive Care unit
Incision & drainage
Infectious disease
Intradialytic parenteral nutrition
Intradialytic weight gain
that is
Inspiratory to expiratory ratio
Interferential therapy
Immunoglobulin
Ischaemic heart disease
Irish Heart Foundation
Intramuscular
Intermenstrual bleeding
Impression
Intermittent mandatory
ventilation
Including/included
Independent
Inferior
Inferolateral
Information
Inhaled nitric oxide
In Patient
International normalised ratio
Internal rotation
Inversion
Intake and output
Induction of labour
Intra ocular pressure
Intraperitoneal
Intermittent peritoneal dialysis
Interphalangeal joint

- 30 -

abbreviation
IPPB
IPPV
IRQ
ISC
ISQ
IT
ITP
ITT
ITu
Iu
IuCD
IuD
IugR
IV
IVC
IVDu
IVF
IVH
IVI
IVP
IVS
IVSD
IVSS
IVT
IVu
IVuS
IWA
Ix.

Definition
Intermittent positive pressure
breathing
Intermittent positive pressure
ventilation
Inner range quadriceps
Intermittent self catheterisation
In Status Quo
Inspiratory time
Idiopathic thrombocytopenia
purpura
Insulin tolerance test
Intensive Therapy unit
International unit
Intrauterine contraceptive
device
Intrauterine death
Intrauterine growth
retardation/restriction
Intravenous
Inferior vena cava
Intravenous drug user
In vitro Fertilisation
Intraventricular haemorrhage
Intravenous infusion
Intravenous pyelogram
Interventricular septum
Interventricular septum in
diastole
Interventricular wall in systole
Intravenous therapy
Intravenous urogram
Intravascular ultrasound
Irish Wheelchair Association
Investigation

J
abbreviation
JIA
JVP

Definition
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Jugular venous pressure

- 31 -

k
abbreviation
k+
kAFO
kcal
kCL
kg.
kJ
kPs
kuB
kVO

Definition
Potassium
knee ankle foot orthosis
kilocalorie
Potassium chloride
kilogram
kilo joules
keratic precipitates
kidneys, ureters and bladder
keep vein open

L
abbreviation
L
LA
LAA
Lab.
LADA
Lap. & Dye
LASER
Lat.
Lat. Men.
Lat. Rot.
Lat. Wall
LAVH
LBBB
LBM
LBP
lbs.
LCL
LCT
LCx
LDH
LDL
LFTs
LgA
Lgt.

Definition
Litre
Local anaesthetic
Left atrial appendage
Laboratory
Left anterior descending artery
Laparoscopy and dye
Light amplification by
stimulated emission of radiation
Lateral
Lateral meniscus
Lateral rotation
Lateral wall
Laparoscopic assisted vaginal
hysterectomy
Left bundle branch block
Lean body mass
Low back pain
Pounds weight
Lateral collateral ligament
Long chain triglyceride
Circumflex artery
Lactate dehydrogenase
Low density lipoprotein
Liver function tests
Large for gestational age
Ligament

- 32 -

abbreviation
LH
LHS
LIF
LIH
LL
LLETZ
LLQ
LMA
LMP
LOA
LOC
LOL
LOP
LOR
LP
LRot.
LRTI
LSA
LSCS
LSF
LSH
LSL
LSLy.
LSO
LSP
LSpine
LS Ratio
LTC
LTM
LTS
LuQ
LuS
LV
LVAD
LVDV
LVEDP
LVF

Definition
Luthenising hormone
Left height sensation
Left iliac fossa
Left inguinal hernia
Lower limb
Large loop excision of the
transformation zone
Left lower quadrant
Laryngeal mask airway
Last menstrual period
Left occipito-anterior
Loss of consciousness
Left occipito-lateral
Left occipito-posterior
Loss of resistance
Lumbar puncture
Left rotation
Lower respiratory tract infection
Left sacro-anterior
Lower segment caesarean
section
Left side flexion
Long shoe horn
Left sacro-lateral
Left side lying
Left salpingo-oophorectomy
Left sacro-posterior
Lumbar spine
Leichithin/Sphyngomyelin ratio
Long term care
Long term memory
Lateral tarsal strip
Left upper quadrant
Lower uterine segment
Left ventricle
Left ventricular assist device
Left ventricular diastolic
volume
Left ventricular end diastolic
pressure
Left ventricular failure

- 33 -

abbreviation
LVH
LVOT
LVOTO
LVS
LVSV
Ly.

Definition
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Left ventricular outflow tract
Left ventricular outflow tract
obstruction
Low vaginal swab
Left ventricle systolic volume
Lying

M
abbreviation
m2
Man. Dex.
Mane
MAP
MAS
MAu
Max.
MC
MCA
MCL
MCPJ
MCug
MCV
MDA
MDR TB
MDT
MDu
Med.
Med. Men.
Med. Rot.
Meds.
Mets.
mEq.
MFR
mg
Mg2+
MI

Definition
Square metres body surface
Manual dexterity
Morning
Mean arterial pressure
Motor assessment scale
Medical Assessment/Admission
unit
Maximum
Metacarpal
Middle cerebral artery
Medial collateral ligament
Metacarpo-phalangeal joint
Micturating cystourethrogram
Mean corpuscular volume
Misuse of Drugs Act
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Multidisciplinary team
Medical Day unit
Medial
Medial meniscus
Medial rotation
Medication
Metastases
Milli-equivalent
Maximum flow rate
Millligram
Magnesium
Myocardial infarction

- 34 -

abbreviation
Micro.
Min.
Mins.
mL
MLB
mm
mmHg
MMk
mmol
MMR
MMSE
Mn
MNB
MND
Mob.
Mobs.
Mod.
MPT
MR
MRCP
MRI
MROP
MRSA
MS
Msg.
MSSA
MSu
MSW
MT
MTPJ
MuA
MuFA
MugA
Multip.
MV
MVA
MVR
MWM

Definition
Microbiology
Minimum
Minute
Mililitre
Micro laryngeal bronchoscopy
Millimetre
Millimetres of mercury
Marshall Marchetti krantz
Millimole
Measles, mumps, rubella
Mini mental state examination
Manganese
Manipulation of nasal bones
Motor neurone disease
Mobility/mobilising
Mobilizations
Moderate
Maximum phonation time
Mitral regurgitation
Magnetic resonance
cholangiopancreatography
Magnetic resonance imaging
Manual removal of placenta
Methicillin resistant
staphylococcus aureus
Multiple sclerosis
Message
Methicillin sensitive
staphylococcus aureus
Midstream specimen of urine
Medical Social Worker
Metatarsal
Metatarso-phalangeal joint
Manipulation under anaesthetic
Mono unsaturated fatty acids
Multiple-gated arteriography
Multiparous
Mitral valve
Mitral valve area
Mitral valve replacement
Mobilisation with movement

- 35 -

N
abbreviation
N2
N2O
NA
Na+
NaCL
NAD
NAg
NAI
NAS
NB
NBFD
NCA
NCHD
ND
Neb.
NEC
Neg.
NETZ
Neuro.
NFA
NFR
Ng
NH
NHL
NIBP
NICu
NIEL
NIPPV
NIV
NJ
NkA
NkDA
NMS
NND
No.

Definition
Nitrogen
Nitrous oxide
Not applicable
Sodium
Sodium chloride
No abnormality detected
Natural apophyseal glide
Non accidental injury
Neonatal abstinence syndrome
Note bene (important)
Neville Barnes forceps delivery
Nurse controlled analgesia
Non consultant hospital doctor
Naso duodenal
Nebuliser
Necrotising enterocolitis
Negative
Needle excision of
transformation zone
Neurological
No fixed abode
Not for resuscitation
Naso-gastric
Nursing Home
Non hodgkins lymphoma
Non invasive blood pressure
Neonatal Intensive Care unit
Not in established labour
Non invasive positive pressure
ventilation
Non invasive ventilation
Naso-jejunal
No known allergies
No known drug allergies
Neuroleptic malignant
syndrome
Neonatal death
Number

- 36 -

abbreviation
Nocte
NOF
NOk
NP
NPL
NPO
NPu
NSAID(s)
NSCL cancer
NSR
NSTEMI
NTD
NTT
Nullip.
N&V
NWB

Definition
Night
Neck of femur
Next of kin
New patient
No perception of light
Nil per oral
Not passed urine
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drug(s)
Non small cell lung cancer
Normal sinus rhythm
Non ST segment elevated
myocardial infarction
Neural tube defect
Nasotracheal tube
Nulliparous
Nausea and vomiting
Non weight bearing

O
abbreviation
O2
OA
OAusc.
Obj.
Obs.
Occ.
Occ. Health
OCP
OCPD
OD
OE
OFC
Og
OgD
OgTT
OHA

Definition
Oxygen
Osteoarthritis
On auscultation
Objective
Observations
Occasional
Occupational Health
Oral contraceptive pill
Optichoice peritoneal dialysis
Overdose
On examination
Occipito-frontal circumference
Orogastric
Oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy
Oral glucose tolerance test
Oral hypoglycaemic agent

- 37 -

abbreviation
OHSS
OM
Onc.
O&P
OP
OPD
OPE
ORIF
ORQ
Ortho.
OT

Definition
Ovarian hyperstimulation
syndrome
Obtuse marginal
Oncology
Ova and parasites
Outpatient
Outpatient Department
Oral peripheral examination
Open reduction and internal
fixation
Outer range quadriceps
Orthopaedics
Occupational Therapy/Therapist

P
abbreviation
PA
PAC
Pa. CO2
PADL
Paeds.
PAF
PAIVM
Pa. O2
PAPVD
PAPVR
Para
PASP
PBSCH
PC
PCA

Definition
Pulmonary artery
Premature atrial contraction
Partial pressure of arterial
carbon dioxide
Personal activities of daily
living
Paediatrics
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Passive accessory intervertebral
movements
Partial pressure of arterial
oxygen
Partial anomalous pulmonary
venous drainage
Partial anomalous pulmonary
venous return
Parity
Pulmonary artery systolic
pressure
Peripheral blood stem cell
harvest
Presenting complaint
Patient controlled analgesia

- 38 -

abbreviation

Definition

PCEA

Patient controlled epidural

analgesia
Percutaneous coronary
intervention
Posterior cruciate ligament
Polymerase chain reaction
Packed cell volume
Peritoneal dialysis
Posterior descending artery
Postdural puncture headache
Pulmonary embolus/embolism
Pulseless electrical activity
Pupils equal and reacting to
light
Pectoralis major
Positive end expiratory pressure
Peak expiratory flow rate
Percutaneous endoscopic
gastrostomy
Percutaneous endoscopic
jejunostomy
Protein energy malnutrition
Positive expiratory pressure
mask
Pancreatic enzyme replacement
therapy
Positron emission tomography
scan
Plantarflexion
Plain film of abdomen
Patellofemoral joint
Patent foramen ovale
Pelvic floor repair
Pulmonary function tests
Prostaglandin E
Log of hydrogen ion
concentration
Phacoemulsification
Public Health Nurse
Pulmonary hypertension

PCI
PCL
PCR
PCV
PD
PDA
PDPH
PE
PEA
PEARL
Pec. major
PEEP
PEFR
PEg
PEJ
PEM
PEP Mask
PERT
PET Scan
PF
PFA
PFJ
PFO
PFR
PFTs
PgE
pH
PHACO
PHN
PHT

- 39 -

abbreviation
Physio.
PI
PICC
PICu
PID
PIH
PIIS
PIP
PIPJ
PkB
Pku
PL
PLAD
PLAx.
PLIF
PLO
PLTS
p.m.
PMB
PMHx.
PMs.
P&N
PN
PND
PNF
PO
PO4
POA
POD
PON&V
POP
Pos.
Post.
Post Op.
PPAM aid

Definition
Physiotherapist/Physiotherapy
Pulsatility index
Peripherally inserted central
catheter
Paediatric Intensive Care unit
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pregnancy induced hypertension
Posterior inferior iliac spine
Peak inspiratory pressure
Proximal interphalangeal joint
Prone knee bend
Phenylketonuria
Perception of light
Posterior lip augmentation
device
Parasternal long axis
Posterior lumbar intervertebral
fusion
Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy
Platelets
Afternoon
Post menopausal bleeding
Past medical history
Passive movements
Pins and needles
Parenteral nutrition
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea
Proprioceptive neuromuscular
facilitation
Per oral
Phosphate
Persistant occipito-anterior
Progression of disease
Post operative nausea &
vomiting
Plaster of paris
Positive
Posterior
Post operation
Pneumatic post amputation
mobility aid

- 40 -

abbreviation

Definition

PPH

Post-partum haemorrhage
Persistent pulmonary
hypertension of the newborn
Passive physiological
intervertebral movements
Peripheral parenteral nutrition
Pre-term premature rupture of
membranes
Pars plana vitrectomy
Per rectum
Premature
Premedication
Pre operation
As required
Prolonged rupture of
membranes
Proximal
Pan retinal photocoagulation
Pressure regulated volume
control
Pulmonary stenosis
Prostatic specific antigen
Parasternal short axis
Posterior superior iliac spine
Pressure support ventilation
Psychiatric Social Worker
Pulsed short wave diathermy
Prothrombin time
Post traumatic amnesia
Patella tendon bearing
Percutaneous transluminal
coronary angioplasty
Post traumatic stress disorder
Partial thromboplastin time
Partial thromboplastin time
kaolin
Passed urine
Peptic ulcer disease
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Pelvic-ureteric junction

PPHN
PPIVM
PPN
PPROM
PPV
PR
Prem.
Premed.
Pre Op
p.r.n.
PROM
Prox.
PRP
PRVC
PS
PSA
PSAx.
PSIS
PSV
PSW
PSWD
PT
PTA
PTB
PTCA
PTSD
PTT
PTTk
Pu
PuD
PuFA
PuJ

- 41 -

abbreviation
Pulsed SWD
Pul.V
Pul.VI
PuO
PV
PVC
PVD
PVL
PWB
PWD
PWS

Definition
Pulsed short wave diathermy
Pulmonary veins
Pulmonary vein isolation
Pyrexia of unknown origin
Per vagina
Premature ventricular
contraction
Peripheral vascular disease
Periventricular leucomalacia
Partial weight bearing
Posterior wall in diastole
Posterior wall in systole

Q
abbreviation
q.d.s./q.i.d.
QRS
Quads.

Definition
Four times daily
Deflection on Ekg representing
electrical activity
Quadriceps

R
abbreviation
RA
RBBB
RBC
RBg
RC
RCA
RCC
RCJ
RCN
RD
RDS
Re.
Recd
Recom.
REE
Re.-ed.

Definition
Right atrium
Right bundle branch block
Red blood cells
Random blood glucose
Roman Catholic
Right coronary artery
Red cell concentrate
Radio-carpal joint
Registered Childrens Nurse
Retinal detachment
Respiratory distress syndrome
Regarding
Received
Recommended
Resting energy expenditure
Re-educate

- 42 -

abbreviation
Reg.
Rehab.
REM
Reps.
Resp.
Rev.
RFA
RgN
Rh.
RhA.
RHS
RICE
RIF
RIg
RIH
RIP
RLQ
RM
RNI
RNID
RNP
RNT
RO
ROA
ROL
ROM
ROP
ROS
Rot.
RPN
RQ
RR
RRot.
RRT
RSA
RSD
RSF
RSI
RSLy.

Definition
Registrar
Rehabilitation
Rapid eye movement
Repetition
Respiration
Revision
Radio frequency ablation
Registered general Nurse
Rhesus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Right height sensation
Rest, ice, compression,
elevation
Right iliac fossa
Radiology inserted gastrostomy
Right inguinal hernia
Rest in peace/Deceased
Right lower quadrant
Registered Midwife
Reference nutrient intake
Registered Nurse Intellectual
Disability
Registered Nurse Prescriber
Registered Nurse Tutor
Removal of
Right occipito-anterior
Right occipito-lateral
Range of movement/motion
Right occipito-posterior
Removal of sutures
Rotation
Registered Psychiatric Nurse
Respiratory quotient
Respiratory/respiration rate
Right rotation
Renal replacement therapy
Right sacro-anterior
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Right side flexion
Repetitive strain injury
Right side lying

- 43 -

abbreviation
RSO
RSP
RSV
RT
RTA
RTI
RTS
RTW
RuJ
RuQ
Rv.
RV
RVDV
RVF
RVH
RVOT
RVOTO
RVSP
RVSV
Rx.
RZF

Definition
Right salpingo-oophorectomy
Right sacro-posterior
Respiratory syncytial virus
Radiotherapy
Road traffic accident
Respiratory tract infection
Raised toilet seat
Returned to ward
Radio-ulnar joint
Right upper quadrant
Review
Right ventricle
Right ventricle diastolic volume
Right ventricular failure
Right ventricular hypertrophy
Right ventricular outflow tract
Right ventricular outflow tract
obstruction
Right ventricular systolic
pressure
Right ventricle systolic volume
Treatment
Rollator zimmer frame

S
abbreviation
s
SA
SAD
SAH
SaO2
SARS
SB
SBA
SBBE
SBE
SBFT
SBR

Definition
Second
Spinal anaesthetic
Seasonal affective disorder
Sub arachnoid haemorrhage
Oxygen saturation
Severe acute respiratory
syndrome
Seen by
Stand-by assistance
Small bowel barium enema
Subacute bacterial endocarditis
Small bowel follow through
Serum bilirubin rate

- 44 -

abbreviation
SC
SCBu
SCC
SCD
SCIDS
SCJ
SCL cancer
SCM muscle
Se
SF6
SFA
SFD
SgA
SHO
SHx.
SIC
SIDS
SIJ
SIMV
Sitt.
SL
SLE
SLR
SLT
SM
SMD
SMR
SN
SNAg
Snr.
SOAP
SOB
SOBAR

Definition
Subcutaneous
Special Care Baby unit
Spinal cord compression
Sickle cell disease
Severe combined immune
deficiency syndrome
Sterno-clavicular joint
Small cell lung cancer
Sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle
Selenium
Sulphurhexaflouride
Saturated fatty acids
Small for dates
Small for gestational age
Senior House Officer
Social history
Self-intermittent catheterisation
Sudden infant death syndrome
Sacroiliac joint
Synchronised intermittent
mandatory ventilation
Sitting
Sublingually
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Straight leg raise
Speech and Language
Therapy/Therapist
Staff Midwife
Sub-mucosal diathermy
Sub-mucosal resection
Staff Nurse
Sustained natural apophyseal
glide
Senior
Subjective
Objective
Assessment
Plan
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath at rest

- 45 -

abbreviation
SOBOE
Soc. Hx.
SOP
S&P
SP
SpR
SR
SRF
SROM
SSD
SSg
SSM
SSN
SSPE
ST
STAH
STAR
STAT
Stats.
Std.M
Std.N
Std.PHN
STEMI
STI
STJ
STM
STNR
STR
SuI
Sup.
Su.R
Surg.
SV
SVC
SVCO

Definition
Shortness of breath on exertion
Social history
Standard operating procedure
Syringing and probing
Supra pubic
Specialist Registrar
Sinus rhythm
Sub retinal fluid
Spontaneous rupture of
membranes
Source to skin distance
Split skin graft
Senior Staff Midwife
Senior Staff Nurse
Subacute sclerosing
panencephalitis
Sinus tachycardia
Subtotal abdominal
hysterectomy
Scandinavian total ankle
replacement
At once/Immediately
Statistics
Student Midwife
Student Nurse
Student Public Health Nurse
ST elevation myocardial
infarction
Sexually transmitted infection
Sub-talor joint
Short term memory
Symmetric tonic neck reflex
Soft tissue release
Stress urinary incontinence
Superior
Suburethral repair
Surgical
Self-ventilating
Superior vena cava
Superior vena cava obstruction

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abbreviation
SVD
SVRA
SVT
SW
SWD
SWETZ

Definition
Spontaneous vaginal delivery
Self-ventilating on room air
Supra ventricular tachycardia
Social Worker
Shortwave diathermy
Short wire excision of
transformation zone

T
abbreviation
TA
TAH
TAPVD
TAPVR
TAR
TB
TBC
TBI
TBg
TBL
TBW
Tc.D
TCI
TCM
TCOM
TCPO2
TCRE
T1DM
T2DM
t.d.s./t.i.d.
TEDs
TEE
Temp.

Definition
Tendon of achilles
Total abdominal hysterectomy
Total anomalous pulmonary
venous drainage
Total anomalous pulmonary
venous return
Total ankle replacement
Tuberculosis
Tuberculin bacillus culture
Traumatic brain injury
True blood glucose
Total blood loss
Tension band wiring
Transcerebral diameter
To come in
Transcutaneous monitor
Transcutaneous oxygen
monitoring
Transcutaneous Oxygen
Pressure
Transcervical resection of
endometrium
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Three Times Daily
Thrombo-embolic deterrent
stockings
Total energy expenditure
Temperature

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abbreviation
TENS
TEP
TER
TES
TF
TFA
TFTs
TFVT
Tg.
TgA
THR
TIA
TIBC
Tib. & Fib.
TICH
Tidal PD
TITs
TkR
TL
TM
TMD
TMJ
TMP
TOE
TOF
TOP
TORCH

TPHA
TPN
TPR

Definition
Transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation
Tracheoesophageal puncture
Total elbow replacement
Therapeutic endoscopic
sialalendoscopy
Transfer
Trans fatty acids
Thyroid Function Tests
Tension free vaginal tape
Triglycerides
Transposition of the great
arteries
Total Hip Replacement
Transient ischaemic attack
Total iron binding capacity
Tibia & Fibula
Traumatic intracranial
haemorrhage
Tidal peritoneal dialysis
Trimming of Inferior Turbinates
Total knee Replacement
Tubal ligation
Tympanic membranes
Thyromental distance
Tempero-mandibular joint
Transmembrane pressure
Trans oesophageal
echocardiogram
Tracheoesophageal fistula
Termination of pregnancy
Toxoplasmosis
Other
Rubella
Cytomegalovirus
Herpes
Teponema pallidum
haemagglutination
Total parenteral nutrition
Temperature, pulse and
respiration

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abbreviation
TR
TRACHY
TRH
Trigs
Ts. & As.
TSH
TSpine
TSR
TTN
TTWB
TuAg
TuRBT
TuRP
TV
TVI
TVS

Definition
Tricuspid regurgitation
Tracheostomy
Thyrotrophin releasing hormone
Triglycerides
Tonsillectomy &
Adenoidectomy
Thyroid stimulating hormone
Thoracic spine
Total shoulder replacement
Transient tachypnoea of the
newborn
Toe touch weight bearing
Timed up and go test
Transurethral resection of
bladder tumour
Transurethral resection of
prostate
Tricuspid valve
Tissue velocity imaging
Transvaginal scan

u
abbreviation
uA
uAC
uBW
uC
uD
u&E
uL
uLTT
uO
uPPP
uRTI
uS/uSS
uST
uTI
uVC

Definition
urinalysis
umbilical arterial catheter
usual body weight
urinary catheter
ulnar deviation
urea and electrolytes
upper limb
upper limb tension test
urinary output
uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
upper respiratory tract infection
ultrasound/ultrasound scan
ultrasound therapy
urinary tract infection
umbilical venous catheter

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abbreviation

Definition

uVJ
uWSD

uretero-vesical junction
underwater seal drain

V
abbreviation
VA
VAS
VBAC
VBg
VC
VCJD
VDRL
VE
Veg.
VEPs
V. Fib.
VFu
VHI
Via
VIN
Vits.
VL
VLCD
VMA
VML
VMO
Vol.
VQ
VR
VRE
VS
VSB
VSD
VT
VVF

Definition
Visual acuity
Visual analogue scale
Vaginal birth after caesarean
section
Venous blood gas
Volume control
Variant Crutzfeldt Jakob
Disease
Venereal disease research
laboratory test
Ventricular ectopics
Vegetables
Visual evoked potentials
Ventricular fibrillation
Videofluoroscopy
Voluntary Health Insurance
By way of
Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia
Vitamins
Vision left
Very low calorie diet
Vanillylmandelic acid
Vastus medialis longus
Vastus medialis oblique
Volume
Ventilation perfusion quotient
Vision right
Vancomycin resistant
enteroccocus
Volume support
Videostroboscopy
Ventricular septal defect
Ventricular tachycardia
Vesico vaginal fistula

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abbreviation
VVs
Vx.
VZIg

Definition
Varicose Veins
Vertex
Varicella zoster immune
globulin

W
abbreviation
WB
WBC
WC
WCC
W.chair
W.end
WFD
WFL
WL
WNL
WPWS
WR
Wt.
WZF

Definition
Weight bear/bearing
Whole blood count
Water Closet/Toilet
White cell count
Wheelchair
Weekend
Word finding difficulties
Within functional limits
Waiting list
Within normal limits
Wolff-Parkinson-White
Syndrome
Ward round
Weight
Wheeled zimmer frame

x
abbreviation
x-match

Definition
Crossmatch

Y
abbreviation
YO

Definition
Year old

Z
abbreviation
ZF
Zn
ZN Stain

Definition
Zimmer frame
Zinc
Ziehl Neelsen stain

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Others
abbreviation

Definition

&
@
/ Dx
FVIII
FIx
Fx
FxI
FxIII
#
1
/2 Sitt.
1/7
1/52
1/12
1:1
x/7
x/52
x/24
x/12
1o

And
At
Diagnosis
Factor eight
Factor nine
Factor ten
Factor eleven
Factor thirteen
Fracture
Half sitting
One day
One week
One month
One to one
Where x = number of days
Where x = number of weeks
Where x = number of hours
Where x = number of months

?
o

2
x2
o

Primary
Query (e.g. Query Multiple
Sclerosis)
Secondary to
Twice
Degrees only permitted for
measuring angles

C
L1-L5
S1-S5

Temperature in degrees Celsius

Lumbar vertebrae
Sacral vertebrae

With

- 52 -

4. notatIon foR mobILISatIonS anD

manIPULatIonS
Central posteroanterior pressures (PAs)

Central anteroposterior pressures (APs)

Unilateral PAs on left

Unilateral PAs on right

Unilateral APs on the left

Unilateral APs on the right

Transverse pressure towards left

Transverse pressure towards right

Rotation of head, thorax or pelvis towards left

Rotation of head, thorax or pelvis towards right

Lateral flexion towards left

Lateral flexion towards right

Longitudinal movement (state cephalad or caudad)

GRADING OF MOBILISATIONS

GRADE I:
GRADE II:
GRADE III:
GRADE IV:
GRADE V:

small amplitude movement at beginning of range of

movement
large amplitude movement well into the range of movement
(not into resistance or stiffness )
large amplitude movement into resistance
small amplitude movement into resistance
high velocity thrusting movement beyond end range of
motion

Reference: G D Maitland. (1994 5th edition) Vertebral Manipulation.

Butterworth Heinemann.

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- 54 -