Common Medical Abbreviations and Their Meanings

GI

Refers to the body's system that processes nutrients and handles waste elimination.

GTT

A timed test used to see how well sugar is managed after intake.

H&P

A combined summary of a person's past health and current exam results.

HCG

A hormone that rises during early stages of pregnancy and signals body changes.

HDL

A type of fat mover that clears out harmful lipids from the bloodstream.

HEENT

Regions commonly checked for early signs of illness, especially above the neck.

Hgb

A protein that helps carry oxygen throughout the body.

HIV

A virus that weakens the immune system's ability to fight off disease.

HPI

A focused explanation of the symptoms currently being experienced.

HR

The number of pulse beats in one minute.

HTN

A long-term condition where internal pressure in vessels stays too high.

ICD

A tool to regulate irregular rhythms or a system for categorizing diseases.

ICU

A hospital section for patients needing constant, critical care.

IM

A method of giving medication deep into soft tissue for slow release.

INR

A lab value showing how quickly your blood forms clots.

IOP

The pressure inside the eye that matters for vision-related conditions.

IPV

A vaccine made with inactive virus used to protect against severe infections.

IV

A way to deliver fluids or drugs directly into circulation.

IVF

Either hydration by vein or a lab method for assisted pregnancy.

JVD

Bulging veins in the neck that may indicate fluid or pressure problems.

KUB

A basic imaging test used to view certain lower abdominal organs.

L&D

A hospital unit that handles childbirth and maternal care.

LDH

A substance released when cells are damaged or stressed.

LDL

A type of fat that can build up in vessels if levels stay high.

LFT

Tests that check how well the liver is working.

LMP

A key date used in tracking menstrual or pregnancy timelines.

LP

A procedure to collect fluid from the spinal area for testing.

LR

A fluid used in medical settings to help with rehydration or shock.

LVH

Thickening in a heart chamber caused by increased workload over time.

MI

Damage caused when part of the heart doesn't get enough oxygen.

MRI

A scan that shows detailed pictures inside the body using magnets.

MS

A nerve disorder or term for muscles and bones depending on context.

MVA

Injuries that result from car-related trauma.

NAD

Nothing abnormal is seen when the patient is first observed.

NPO

A medical order to stop all eating or drinking.

NSAID

A medicine used to reduce swelling, pain, or fever without steroids.

NSTEMI

A milder heart attack that shows up differently on a scan.

OCP

A pill taken daily to help prevent pregnancy by managing hormones.

OD

Can mean a daily dose or instructions for the right-side eye.

OR

A sterile location in a hospital where surgeries are performed.

OSA

A sleep issue where breathing repeatedly pauses at night.

OTC

Medication that can be bought without needing a prescription.

P&T

A team that decides which drugs are used and how safely in a facility.

PACU

Where patients recover right after surgery or sedation.

PAT

A short episode of rapid heartbeat starting in the upper heart chambers.

PCA

A machine that lets patients safely control their pain medication.

PCP

A main doctor for overall health or a lung infection in immune-weakened patients.

PERRLA

A sign from an eye exam showing pupil responses are working normally.

PET

A scan that tracks body activity using small doses of radioactive material.