Hospital Abbreviations

BNO

Bowels Not Open - Refers to the condition where the bowels are not functioning properly and there is no bowel movement.

BM

Bowel movement - The act of passing stool from the body.

ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography - A procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

GORD

Gastro-oesphageal reflux disease - A chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn.

HBV

Hepatitis B virus - A viral infection that affects the liver and can cause both acute and chronic liver disease.

LFTs

Liver function tests - Blood tests used to assess the health and function of the liver.

NBM

Nil by mouth - Refers to the instruction to not eat or drink anything for a specific period of time.

FT

Feeding tube - A medical device used to provide nutrition to patients who are unable to eat or swallow.

NG tube

Nasogastric tube - A flexible tube inserted through the nose and down into the stomach for various medical purposes.

Cr

Creat. - Abbreviation for creatinine, a waste product produced by the muscles that is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.

GFR

Glomerular filtration rate - A measure of how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering waste products from the blood.

HT, H/t, HTN

Hypertension - A medical term for high blood pressure.

UTI

Urinary tract infection - An infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

KUB

Kidneys, ureters and bladder - A radiographic examination of the abdomen to visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

DCIS

Ductal carcinoma in situ - A non-invasive breast cancer that is confined to the milk ducts.

HCG/hCG

Human chorionic gonadotrophin - A hormone produced during pregnancy that is detected in pregnancy tests.

HRT

Hormone replacement therapy - A treatment that involves replacing hormones, typically estrogen and progesterone, to relieve symptoms of menopause.

HSG

Hysterosalpingogram - A radiologic procedure used to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes.

IUD

Intrauterine device - A contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

LMP

Last menstrual period - The date of the most recent menstrual period, used to calculate the estimated due date in pregnancy.

ABI

Acquired brain injury - Refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth.

CVA

Cerebrovascular accident - Also known as a stroke, it occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain damage.

ICP

Intracranial pressure - The pressure inside the skull and brain, which can increase due to various conditions.

LP

Lumbar puncture - A procedure where a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes.

MG

Myasthenia gravis - A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and fatigue.

PEARL

Pupils equal and reactive to light - A medical term used to describe normal pupillary response to light.

Sz

Seizure - A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, or consciousness.

TBI

Traumatic brain injury - A brain injury caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head.

TIA

Transient ischaemic attack - Also known as a mini-stroke, it is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain.

CSF

Cerebro-spinal fluid - The clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nutrients.

GCS

Glasgow coma scale - A neurological scale used to assess the level of consciousness in patients with brain injuries.

AAA

Abdominal aortic aneurysm - A bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs.

AF

Atrial fibrillation - A heart rhythm disorder characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats.

ASD

Atrial septal defect - A congenital heart defect where there is a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart's upper chambers.

AV

Atrioventricular - Refers to the connection between the atria and ventricles of the heart.

BP

Blood Pressure

CABG

Coronary artery bypass graft

CAD

Coronary artery disease

CHD

Congestive heart disease

CHF

Congestive heart failure

DSA

Digital subtraction angiography

STEMI

ST-elevation myocardial infarction

NSTEMI

Non  ST-elevation myocardial infarction

PICC

Peripherally inserted central catheter

CVL

Central venous line

ARDS

Acute (or adult) respiratory distress syndrome

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CPAP

Continuous positive air pressure

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

LRTI

Lower respiratory tract infection

SOB

Shortness of breath

TLC

Total lung capacity

URTI

Upper respiratory tract infection

AE

Air entry

NEB

Nebulised

BKA

Below knee amputation

DDH

Developmental dysplasia of the hip

DEXA

Dual energy X-ray absorption

NSAID

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

OM

Osteomyelitis

MXT

methotrexate

MUA

Manipulation under anaesthetic

POP

Plaster of paris

ROP

Removal of plaster

ROMW

Removal of metal ware

ORIF

Open reduction internal fixation

#

Fracture

PACS

Picture archiving and communications systems

RIS

Radiology information system

ROP

Remote operating panel

HIS

Hospital information system

HCA

Health care assistant

NHI

National Health index

CCU

Coronary care unit

ICU

Intensive care unit

HDU

High dependency unit

R/O

Rule out

Dx

Diagnosis

BIBA

Brought in by ambulance

BIBM / BIBD

Brought in by mum / dad

GA

General anaesthetic

FH

Family history

OE

On examination

NAD

No abnormalities detected