Medical Abbreviations - Essential Clinical Shorthand

What you'll learn

• The 60 most common abbreviations found on medical charts, orders, and prescriptions
• What prescription shorthand like BID, TDS, OD, and PRN actually means
• Chart abbreviations for history, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment
• Provider title abbreviations including MD, DO, RN, NP, and PA

Preview the flashcards

A sample of the 62 cards in this set — each with pronunciation and English meaning.

BID/ say 'B-I-D' or 'bid' /

Twice a day. From the Latin bis in die. Describes how often a medication or task is scheduled.

TID/ say 'T-I-D' /

Three times a day. From the Latin ter in die.

QID/ say 'Q-I-D' /

Four times a day. From the Latin quater in die.

OD/ say 'O-D' /

Once daily in prescribing (from omni die). Note: OD can also mean the right eye (oculus dexter) in eye care, so context matters.

BD/ say 'B-D' /

Twice a day. From the Latin bis die. Common in UK and Commonwealth prescribing (equivalent to BID).

TDS/ say 'T-D-S' /

Three times a day. From the Latin ter die sumendum. Common in UK prescribing (equivalent to TID).

PRN/ say 'P-R-N' or 'as needed' /

As needed. From the Latin pro re nata. The dose is given only when required, such as for pain or nausea.

STAT/ 'stat' /

Immediately, without delay. From the Latin statim.

AC/ say 'A-C' /

Before meals. From the Latin ante cibum.

PC/ say 'P-C' /

After meals. From the Latin post cibum.

HS/ say 'H-S' /

At bedtime. From the Latin hora somni.

PO/ say 'P-O' /

By mouth. From the Latin per os. Describes a medication that is swallowed.

IV/ say 'I-V' /

Intravenous, meaning into a vein.

IM/ say 'I-M' /

Intramuscular, meaning into a muscle.

SubQ/ 'sub-Q' /

Subcutaneous, meaning into the fatty tissue just under the skin. Also written SC or SQ.

+ 47 more cards with full native audio in the complete set.