Browse
All acronyms
Browse medical acronyms with meanings, categories and clinical context.
Arterial blood gas
A blood test used to assess oxygenation, carbon dioxide and acid-base status.
Anterior cruciate ligament
A knee ligament connecting the femur to the tibia and important for knee stability.
American College of Radiology
Professional organisation setting imaging standards and guidelines
Adenosine diphosphate
A nucleotide formed when ATP loses one phosphate group.
As Low As Reasonably Achievable
Principle minimising radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality
Alanine aminotransferase
A liver-associated enzyme measured in liver function testing.
Anteroposterior
Standard frontal projection view
Aspartate aminotransferase
An enzyme found in liver, muscle and other tissues.
Adenosine triphosphate
A high-energy molecule used as a cellular energy currency.
Abdominal X-Ray
Plain radiograph of the abdomen
Barium
Barium contrast used in fluoroscopic GI studies
Blood pressure
The pressure exerted by circulating blood on arterial walls.
Carcinoma in situ
A pre-invasive epithelial malignancy that has not breached the basement membrane.
Central nervous system
The brain and spinal cord.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A chronic respiratory condition characterised by persistent airflow limitation.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Emergency chest compressions and rescue measures used in cardiac arrest.
Colorectal cancer
Cancer arising from the colon or rectum.
C-reactive protein
An inflammatory marker measured in blood tests.
Computed Tomography
Cross-sectional imaging using X-ray and computer reconstruction
CT Angiogram
CT with IV contrast during arterial phase to image blood vessels
CT Pulmonary Angiogram
CT with IV contrast to image pulmonary arteries
Chest X-Ray
Radiograph of the thorax
Ductal carcinoma in situ
A non-invasive malignant proliferation confined to breast ducts.
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Alternative acronym for DXA
Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
Universal standard for digital medical imaging file format and communication
Dose Reference Level
Typical dose level for a standard imaging procedure used for dose comparison
Deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, commonly in the leg.
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Imaging technique measuring bone mineral density
Electrocardiogram
A recording of the heart’s electrical activity over time.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Fluoroscopic endoscopic procedure combining endoscopy and X-ray for biliary intervention
Full blood count
A common blood test measuring red cells, white cells and platelets.
Fine needle aspiration
A sampling technique using a fine needle to obtain cells or fluid.
Glasgow Coma Scale
A clinical scale used to assess level of consciousness.
Glomerular filtration rate
A measure of kidney filtration function.
Glycated haemoglobin
A blood marker reflecting average blood glucose over roughly the previous two to three months.
Hepatocellular carcinoma
A primary malignant tumour of hepatocytes.
Heart rate
The number of heart beats per minute.
Hysterosalpingogram
Fluoroscopic contrast study of uterus and fallopian tubes
Immunohistochemistry
A laboratory technique using antibodies to detect antigens in tissue sections.
Intravenous Pyelogram
Contrast study of kidneys and urinary tract
Intravenous Urogram
Alternative term for intravenous pyelogram
Jugular venous pressure
A clinical sign used to estimate right atrial pressure.
Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder
Plain radiograph of the lower abdomen and pelvis
Lateral
Side-to-side projection view
Lactate dehydrogenase
An enzyme involved in the conversion between lactate and pyruvate.
Loss of Cortical Outline
Disruption of the sharp cortical margin of bone, indicating cortical erosion or destruction
Medial collateral ligament
A ligament on the medial side of the knee that resists valgus stress.
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial injury caused by ischaemia, commonly known as a heart attack.
Magnetic resonance imaging
An imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed internal images.
Musculoskeletal
Imaging of bones, joints, and soft tissues
No Abnormality Detected
Indicates normal imaging findings; completely negative study
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
An electron carrier involved in redox reactions and metabolism.
No Further Action
Imaging finding does not require additional imaging or clinical follow-up
Orthopantomogram
Panoramic dental radiograph
Posteroanterior
Standard posterior-to-anterior projection
Picture Archiving and Communication System
Computer system for storing, retrieving, and distributing medical images
Posterior cruciate ligament
A knee ligament that helps prevent posterior displacement of the tibia.
Pulmonary embolism
A blockage of the pulmonary arteries, usually by thrombus.
Peripheral nervous system
The nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord.
Reporting and Data System
Standardised framework for imaging reports and risk stratification
Radiology Information System
Software system managing radiology workflow, orders, scheduling, and reporting
Respiratory rate
The number of breaths per minute.
Systolic blood pressure
The arterial pressure during ventricular contraction.
Space-Occupying Lesion
Any mass or lesion that displaces or replaces normal tissue
Peripheral oxygen saturation
An estimate of haemoglobin oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry.
Temporomandibular joint
The joint between the temporal bone and mandible.