Medical Abbreviations and Definitions
Genitourinary System Abbreviations
GU: Genitourinary - Refers to the organs involved in the reproductive system and urinary system.
KUB: Kidney, Ureters, and Bladder - An X-ray imaging study of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Used to detect kidney stones, obstructions, or structural abnormalities.
Abd: Abdomen - Refers to the region of the body between the thorax (chest) and the pelvis.
UA: Urinalysis - A common diagnostic test involving the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. Used to detect a wide range of disorders, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.
C/S: Culture and Sensitivity - A laboratory test to identify the type of bacteria or fungus causing an infection and to determine which antibiotics or antifungals will be most effective against it.
UTI: Urinary Tract Infection - An infection in any part of the urinary system, usually caused by bacteria. Common symptoms include frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and lower abdominal pain.
SG: Specific Gravity - A measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. It reflects the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine relative to plasma.
BPH: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men. It can cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and weak urine stream.
PSA: Prostate Specific Antigen - A protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or other prostate problems.
DRE: Digital Rectal Examination - A procedure in which a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to examine the prostate gland and surrounding structures. It's used to screen for prostate cancer and other rectal abnormalities.
GFR: Glomerular Filtration Rate - A measure of kidney function. It estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys) each minute. GFR is used to detect and monitor kidney disease.
PKU: Phenylketonuria - A rare inherited metabolic disorder in which the body cannot properly break down phenylalanine, an amino acid. PKU can lead to a buildup of phenylalanine in the blood, which can cause intellectual disability and other health problems if not treated early.
BUN: Blood Urea Nitrogen - A blood test that measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. The BUN test is used to assess kidney function.
I&O: Input and Output - Measurement and recording of all fluids taken into the body (input) and excreted from the body (output). Accurate I&O monitoring is important in patients with kidney disease, heart failure, and other conditions where fluid balance is critical.
ESRD: End-Stage Renal Disease - The final stage of chronic kidney disease, in which the kidneys are no longer able to function adequately to meet the body's needs. Patients with ESRD require dialysis or kidney transplantation to survive.
STI/STD: Sexually Transmitted Infection/ Sexually Transmitted Disease - Infections transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
HPV: Human Papilloma Virus - A common viral infection that can cause warts on the skin, genitals, and throat. Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and other cancers.
GC/CT: Gonorrhea and Chlamydia - Common bacterial STIs that often occur together. They can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and other complications if left untreated.
HSV: Herpes Simplex Virus - A viral infection that causes sores or blisters on the skin, genitals, or mouth. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 (usually causes oral herpes) and HSV-2 (usually causes genital herpes).
HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus - A virus that attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases. HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if left untreated.