Some Common Abbreviations Encountered in the Histology Lab

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course . Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about (online CE course)
Some Common Abbreviations Encountered in the Histology Lab

ax = axillary
AE = above the elbow
AKA = above the knee amputation
BKA = below the knee amputation
BLT = bilateral tubal ligation
BMBX = bone marrow biopsy
BSO = bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Bx =biopsy
Ca = carcinoma, cancer, oe calcium
CIS = carcinoma in situ
CS = cesarean section
Cx = cervical
DCIS = ductal-cell carcinoma in situ
DJD = degenerative joint disease
DUB = dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Dx = diagnosis
ECC = endocervical curettings
EM = electron microscopy
EMB = endometrial biopsy
EMC = endometrial curettings
ENT = ear, nose, and throat
ETOH = ethyl alcohol
ex = excision
FB = foreign body
FS = frozen section
Fx = fracture
GB = gallbladder
GI = gastrointestinal
GU = genitourinary
GYN = gynecology
Hx = history
IH = infectious hepatitis
IHD = ischemic heart disease
K = potassium
L = left
LUL = left upper lid, limb, or lung
mg = milligram
MI = myocardial infarction
mL = milliliter
MV = mitral valve
N = normal (concentration)
neg = negative
NPH = no previous history
OB = obstetrics
OB-GYN = obstetrics and gynecology
OR = operating room
Pap test = Papanicolaou's test
PDR = Physician's Desk Reference
PH = past history
PM = post mortem or preventative maintenance
PMH = past medical history
PMS = post-menopausal syndrome
PMB = post-menopausal bleeding
PO = postoperative (postop)
pos = positive
PP = post partum
pt = patient
QNS = quantity not sufficient
RUL = right upper lid, limb, or lung
R =right
RA = rheumatoid arthritis
RBC = red blood cells
R/O = rule out
RUE = right upper extremity
RUQ = right upper quadrant
S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, S-5 = sacral vertebrae or nerves
S-A = sino-atrial (SA) node
SC = subcutaneous
SCM = sternocleidomastoid
SDS = sudden death syndrome
SO = salpingo-oophorectomy
SQ = subcutaneous
STAT = immediately
sup = superior
sx = signs or symptoms
T&A = tonsils and adenoids
TAH =total abdominal hysterectomy
TL = tubal ligation
TOA = tubo-ovarian abscess
UE = upper extremity
UGI = upper gastrointestinal
ULQ = upper left quadrant
unk = unknown
UQ =upper quadrant
URQ = upper right quadrant
vag = vaginal
wt = weight