Health Abbreviations & Acronyms

Acronyms abound in our health world. Here you'll find many common health acronyms and what they abbreviate. Use the search box for quick health abbreviation lookup!

A
  • A-V - arteriovenous
  • A/W - alive and well
  • ABD - Abdomen
  • ac - before meals
  • ACLS - advanced cardiac life support
  • AD - Alzheimer's Disease
  • ADA - American Dental Association;American Dietetic Association;American with Disabilities Act
  • ADH - antidiuretic hormone
  • ADL - activities of daily living
  • AF - Atrial Fibrillation;afebrile
  • AFB - acid fast bacilli
  • AFI - Amniotic fluid index
  • AFP - alpha-fetoprotein
  • AGA - appropriate for gestational age
  • AHF - antihemophilic factor
  • AHG - antihemophilic globulin
  • AIDS - acquired immune deficiency syndrome
  • ALL - acute lymphocytic leukemia
  • AMA - against medical advice;American Medical Association
  • Amb - ambulate
  • AML - acute myelogenous leukemia
  • Amp - ampule
  • ANA - antinuclear antibody;American Nurses Association
  • AODM - adult onset diabetes mellitus
  • APAP - acetaminophen
  • APN - advanced practice nurse
  • ARC - aids related complex
  • ARDS - adult respiratory distress syndrome;acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • ARF - acute renal failure
  • AS - aortic stenosis
  • ASA - aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
  • ASAP - as soon as possible
  • ASCVD - atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
  • ASD - atrial septal defect
  • ATNR - asymmetric tonic neck reflex
  • AU - both ears
  • AVB - atrio-ventricular block
  • Ax - axillary