Glossary and Abbreviations
Gastrointestinal, Transplant, and Related Medical Terms
Please Click on Each Letter to View the Terms for More Information
Medical Abbreviations
Here is a list of some medical abbreviations you might encounter throughout your transplant journey or time in the medical community. It is a useful reference.
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or American Diabetes Association
AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
bid: Two times per day
BM: bowel movement
BP: blood pressure
BUN: blood urea nitrogen
CBC: complete blood count
CMS: Centers for Medicate and Medicaid Services
COBRA: Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985
CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Cr: Creatinine
CT: Computed tomography (CAT scan)
DC, D/C: Discharge, discontinue
ECG, EKG: Electrocardiogram
ED: Emergency Department
EEG: Electroencephalogram
ENT: Ears, nose, throat
ER: Emergency Room
ESRD: End-stage renal disease
GFR: Glomerular filtration rate
Hct: Hematocrit
Hgb: Hemoglobin
HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
HIV: human immunodeficiency virus
HLA: human leukocyte antigens
HMO: health maintenance organization
HPN: Home parenteral nutrition
ICU: Intensive Care Unit
IM: intramuscular (injection)
IV: intravenous
kg: kilogram (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)
L: liter
lb: pound
mcg: microgram
MD: medical doctor
Mg: magnesium
mg: milligram
MI: myocardial infarction (heart attack)
min: minute
MRI: magnetic resonance imaging
Na: sodium
NG: nasogastric
NOTA: National Organ Transplant Act
NPO: nothing by mouth (no food or fluids)
NSAID: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
O2: oxygen
OPO: organ procurement organization
OPTN: Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
OR: Operating Room
OTC: over the counter (medications)
oz: ounce
PCA: patient controlled analgesia
PharmD: doctor of pharmacy
PN: Parenteral nutrition
po: orally, by mouth
PPO: preferred provider organization
PRA: panel reactive antibody
prn: as needed
PT: physical therapy
q: every
qd: every day
qid: four times per day
qod: every other day
RBC: red blood cell
RN: registered nurse
ROM: range of motion (as in exercise)
Rx: prescription
SC, sc: subcutaneous (injection)
soln: solution
SSA: Social Security Administration
SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI: Social Security Income
tid: three times per day
TPN: Total parenteral nutrition
UNOS: United Network for Organ Sharing
URI: upper respiratory infection
VS: vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration)
WBC: white blood cell
wk: week
wt: weight
yr: year