Transplant Glossary and 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