Medical Terms and Abbreviations

Session Objectives

  • Interpret and use appropriate terminology for common tests and diagnostics
  • Use appropriate medical/nursing terminology
  • Interpret abbreviations for specialized medical terminology
  • Seek clarification when necessary

Medical Imaging Abbreviations

  • CT: Computerized Tomography
  • PET: Positron Emission Tomography
  • EEG: Electroencephalography
  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • X-ray (XR): Electromagnetic Radiation
  • U/S: Ultrasound
  • ECHO: Echocardiography
  • ECG: Electrocardiogram

Pathology Abbreviations

  • FBE: Full Blood Examination
  • Hb: Haemoglobin
  • U&E: Urea and Electrolytes
  • CRP: C-Reactive Protein
  • Trop: Troponin (cardiac marker)
  • CK: Creatine Kinase (cardiac marker)
  • LFT: Liver Function Test
  • X-match: Cross Match
  • WCC: White Cell Count
  • MSU: Mid Stream Urine
  • M/C/S: Microculture and Sensitivity
  • CCU: Clean Catch Urine

Common Medical Condition Abbreviations

  • AKA: Above Knee Amputation
  • BKA: Below Knee Amputation
  • CCF/CHF: Congestive Cardiac Failure
  • ARF: Acute Renal Failure
  • CKD: Chronic Kidney Disease
  • PID: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • VV: Varicose Veins
  • DVT: Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • CF: Cystic Fibrosis
  • AF: Atrial Fibrillation

Common Medical/Nursing Abbreviations for Observations

  • VS: Vital Signs
  • TPR: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration
  • SpO2: Oxygen Saturation
  • BGL: Blood Glucose Level
  • BP: Blood Pressure
  • HR: Heart Rate
  • T: Temperature
  • RR: Respiratory Rate
  • GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale

Common Medical/Nursing Abbreviations for Mobility

  • amb: Ambulent
  • I: Independent
  • SOOB: Sit Out Of Bed
  • NWB: Non Weight Bear
  • WBAT: Weight Bear As Tolerated

Common Medical/Nursing Abbreviations for Medication

  • Ax: Assessment
  • Bx: Biopsy
  • Dx: Diagnosis
  • Rx: Prescription or Treatment

Medical Terminology Pronunciation Guidelines

  • Practice pronunciations of common medical terms
  • Examples include:
    • Cholelithiasis: Chol-uh-lith-eye-uh-sis
    • Cirrhosis: sih-ROH-sis

Key Medical Prefixes and Suffixes

  • a-: without/not
  • hypo-: below/deficient
  • hyper-: excessive/above
  • -itis: inflammation of
  • -ectomy: removal of
  • -logy: study of

Importance of Accurate Medical Terminology

  • Ensures correct communication in medical settings
  • Reduces the risk of miscommunication and errors
  • Practice spelling and pronunciation regularly