Phlebotomy Abbreviations List
Listed below is a table of the most commonly used phlebotomy abbreviations in alphabetical order along with their respective meanings.
But, it's a LOT more than just a reference guide!
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This dynamic training tool was designed to replace those old-fashioned paper flash cards using the latest in technology to help you study online!
This is a great study resource for those taking their phlebotomy certification tests and also a great reference for those working in an office or out in the field.
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How To Use As A Study Tool
Click the "Show/Hide All" button to hide all of the abbreviations meanings. Then, just as you would with flash cards, go down the list and recite each abbreviations meaning. To check your answer, simply click on the abbreviations respective meaning (the grayed out box to the right of the abbr.) and it will appear. Happy studying!
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ABG | Arterial Blood Gases (A test that measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in blood) |
| ABO | Bloodtyping (A method to tell your blood type) |
| ACD | Acid Citrate Dextrose (A solution of citric acid, sodium citrate and dextrose) |
| AED | Automated External Defibrillator (A portable device that measures heart rhythm) |
| AIDS | Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (aka Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is an advanced stage of HIV) |
| APTT | Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (A test commonly given after a patient takes blood thinners) |
| ASAP | As Soon As Possible |
| AVF | Arteriovenous Fistula (Abnormal passageway between an artery and a vein - Same as Shunt) |
| AVS | Arteriovenous Shunt (Abnormal passageway between an artery and a vein - Same as Fistula) |
| BBP | Blood-Borne Pathogen (Viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood) |
| BC or B/C | Blood Culture (BC is a common blood test abbreviation meaning Blood Culture, which is used to detect infections in the bloodstream) |
| BIL | Bilirubin (Brownish yellow substance found in bile) |
| BT | Bleeding Time (A medical test performed to assess platelet function) |
| BUN | Blood Urea Nitrogen |
| Ca | Calcium |
| CBC | Complete Blood Count (A blood test that provides info about the types and numbers of cells in your blood) |
| CHOL | Cholesterol |
| CK | Creatine Kinase (Enzyme found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle) |
| Diff | Differential white count (Blood test that measures each type of white blood cell in your blood) |
| DNAR | Do Not Attempt Resuscitation |
| DNR | Do Not Resuscitate |
| ECG (EKG) | Electrocardiogram (Formerly EKG. A reading of the heart's electrical activity) |
| EDTA | EthyleneDiamineTetraacetic Acid (A polyamino carboxylic acid and a colourless, water-soluble solid) |
| ESR | Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (Test that measures how much inflammation is in the body) |
| EST | Evacuated Tube System (The most common method of drawing blood) |
| ETOH | Ethanol |
| FDP | Fibrin Degradation Product |
| Fe | Iron |
| FUO | Fever of Unknown Origin |
| GTT | Glucose Tolerance Test (Test to check how your body breaks down sugar) |
| Hct | Hematocrit (Blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells) |
| HDL | High-Density Lipoprotein (aka good cholesterol)) |
| Hgb | Hemoglobin (Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) |
| HIV | Human Immunodeficiency Virus (The virus that leads to AIDS) |
| LDL | Low-Density Lipoprotein (aka bad cholesterol)) |
| LH | Leutinizing Hormone |
| Lytes | Electrolytes |
| Mg++ | Magnesium |
| NPO | Nil Per Os meaning "nothing by mouth" |
| PICC | Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter |
| PKU | Phenylketonuria (A rare condition where the individual does not have the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine) |
| Plt (PLT) | Platelets |
| POCT | Point of Care Testing (Medical testing at or near the site of patient care) |
| PP | Post Prandial (After a meal) |
| PSA | Prostate Specific Antigen (A protein produced by prostate cells) |
| PST | Plasma Separation Tube |
| PT | Prothrombin Time (Blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot) |
| QNS | Quantity Not Sufficient |
| RBC | Red Blood Cells |
| SST | Serum Separation Tube |
| TDM | Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (Measuring the levels of prescribed drugs in the blood stream) |
| TRIG | Triglycerides (Type of fat found in your blood) |
| TSH | Thyroid Stimulating Hormone |
| WBC | White Blood Cells |
| XDP | Serum Crosslinked Fibrin |
Reviewed on September 9, 2019