Abbreviations (NOT to use)

What is preferred term for U?

write UNIT

U for unit

mistaken for 0, 4 or cc

IU for international unit

mistaken for IV or 10

What is preferred term for IU?

write international unit

Q.D, Q.O.D for once daily or every other day

mistaken for each other

What is preferred term for Q.D, Q.O.D?

write daily or every other day

Trailing zero (x.0mg); lack of leading zero (.xmg)

decimal point is missed

Preferred term for trailing/leading zero?

Never use trailing zeros, always use leading zeros

MS, MSO4, MgSO4

confused for one another, can me morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate

Preferred term for MS, MSO4, MgSO4?

write morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate

Ug

mistaken for mg resulting in one thousand fold dosing overdose

Preferred term for Ug?

write mcg

H.S. (for half-strength or Latin abbreviation for bedtime)

mistaken for half strength or hour of sleep, qHS mistaken for every hour

Preferred term for H.S?

Write out half strength or at bedtime

T.I.W. (for three times a week)

mistaken for three times per day or twice weekly

Preferred term for TIW?

write out 3 times weekly or three times weekly

S.C or S.Q. for subcutaneous

mistaken for SL for sublingual or 5 every

Preferred term for SC or SQ?

write sub-q or subq or subcutaneously

D/C for discharge

Interpreted as discontinue whatever medications follow

Preferred term for D/C?

write discharge

c.c. for cubic centimeter

mistake for U (units)

Preferred term for cc?

write mL or ml for milliliters

AS, AD, AU- abbreviations for left, right, or both ears

write out left, right, or both ears

OS, OD, OU for left, right, or both eyes

write out left, right, or both eyes