Abbreviations, Acronyms, Tests, and Procedures

AC

Ante cibum, or “before meals,” indicating when a patient should take medication

ADR

Adverse drug reaction, referring to any harmful or unintended response to a medication.

ALOC

Acute Loss of Consciousness

BP

Blood Pressure, the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.

BMI

Body Mass Index, a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat.

CHF

Congestive Heart Failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other body parts.

DNR

Do Not Resuscitate, an order allowing for a patient to refuse resuscitation in case of cardiac arrest.

ECG or EKG

Electrocardiogram, a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart to diagnose various heart conditions.

EMS

Emergency Medical Services, a system that provides urgent pre-hospital care and transportation to individuals experiencing medical emergencies.

FX

Fracture, a break in the bone.

HR

Heart Rate, the number of times the heart beats per minute, used to assess cardiovascular fitness and health.

LFT

Liver Function Tests, a series of blood tests used to assess the health of the liver.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a medical imaging technique used to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body.

PT

Physical Therapy, a treatment method utilizing exercises and equipment to promote recovery and improve physical function.

Rx

Prescription, a written order for medication or medical treatment from a healthcare provider.

UTI

Urinary Tract Infection, an infection in any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Appendectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the appendix, often performed to treat appendicitis.

Biopsy

A medical test involving the extraction of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope to diagnose disease.

Blood Culture

A test used to detect infections in the blood by growing bacteria or fungi from a blood sample.

Blood Swab

A test that involves collecting a sample of blood using a swab to analyze various health parameters.

Coronary Bypass

A surgical procedure that creates a new pathway for blood flow to the heart by redirecting blood around clogged arteries.

Dialysis

A medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.

Fusion

A medical procedure that combines or joins tissues or bones to restore function or stability.

Glucose Test

A test that measures the level of glucose in the blood to diagnose diabetes or monitor blood sugar levels.

Hysterectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, often performed to treat conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or cancer.

Intubation

A medical procedure involving the insertion of a tube into the airway to assist with breathing or to administer anesthesia.

Lead Test

A procedure to detect the presence of lead in the body's system, often used for children at risk of lead poisoning.

Lumbar Puncture

A medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing or to administer medication. Also known as a Spinal Tap

Mastectomy

A surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts, typically to treat or prevent breast cancer.

Occult Blood Screen

A test to detect hidden blood in stool, used to screen for colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal issues.

Ultrasound

A non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body, commonly used in prenatal care and to examine organs.

X-Ray

A diagnostic imaging technique that uses radiation to create images of bones and internal organs. It is commonly used to identify fractures, infections, and tumors.