Medical Full Forms Every Student Should Know

Last updated: Sep 2026

Medical students and healthcare workers use hundreds of abbreviations daily. Here are 40+ essential medical full forms that every student should know, from basic anatomy to advanced diagnostics.

Full List of Medical Terms

Abbreviation	Full Form	Meaning
AIDS	Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome	Advanced stage of HIV infection
ALP	Alkaline Phosphatase	Enzyme in blood (high levels indicate disease)
ALT	Alanine Aminotransferase	Liver enzyme; high levels indicate liver damage
AST	Aspartate Aminotransferase	Liver enzyme; high levels indicate liver disease
ATP	Adenosine Triphosphate	Energy molecule in cells
BP	Blood Pressure	Force of blood against artery walls
BPM	Beats Per Minute	Heart rate measurement
CBC	Complete Blood Count	Blood test counting red/white blood cells and platelets
CK	Creatine Kinase	Enzyme in muscles and heart; high levels indicate damage
CNS	Central Nervous System	Brain and spinal cord
CT	Computed Tomography	Imaging scan (CT scan) using X-rays
CXR	Chest X-Ray	X-ray imaging of chest/lungs
DNA	Deoxyribonucleic Acid	Genetic material carrying hereditary information
ECG	Electrocardiogram	Test recording heart's electrical activity
EEG	Electroencephalogram	Test measuring brain's electrical activity
ER	Estrogen Receptor	Protein in cancer cells (helps determine treatment)
ESR	Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate	Blood test measuring inflammation
FBS	Fasting Blood Sugar	Blood glucose level after fasting overnight
GI	Gastrointestinal	Relating to stomach and intestines
HDL	High-Density Lipoprotein	"Good" cholesterol; protective for heart
HER2	Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2	Protein in some cancers (affects treatment)
HIV	Human Immunodeficiency Virus	Virus causing AIDS; attacks immune system
INR	International Normalized Ratio	Blood clotting test for warfarin patients
IV	Intravenous	Through a vein (IV injection/infusion)
LDL	Low-Density Lipoprotein	"Bad" cholesterol; increases heart disease risk
LSCS	Lower Segment Caesarean Section	Surgical delivery method (C-section)
LFT	Liver Function Test	Blood test checking liver health
MB	Myoglobin	Protein in muscles; high levels indicate muscle damage
MRI	Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Imaging scan using magnetic fields (better than CT for soft tissue)
OT	Operation Theatre	Surgery room in hospital
OPD	Outpatient Department	Hospital clinic for patients not staying overnight
PCR	Polymerase Chain Reaction	DNA test technique used for COVID, viral infections
PT	Prothrombin Time	Blood clotting test
RNA	Ribonucleic Acid	Genetic material that carries DNA instructions
RBS	Random Blood Sugar	Blood glucose level at any time (not fasting)
SpO2	Oxygen Saturation	Percentage of oxygen in blood (normal: 95-100%)
TB	Tuberculosis	Infectious lung disease
TFT	Thyroid Function Test	Blood test checking thyroid hormone levels
TSH	Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone	Hormone controlling thyroid; high/low indicates disease
UTI	Urinary Tract Infection	Infection in bladder or urethra

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between RNA and DNA?

A: DNA contains genetic information and is found in cell nucleus. RNA carries DNA instructions for protein synthesis and is found throughout the cell.

Q: What do CT and MRI scans do?

A: CT scans use X-rays (good for bones and lungs). MRI uses magnetic fields (better for soft tissue like brain, muscles). MRI takes longer but gives more detailed images.

Q: What is normal blood pressure?

A: Normal BP is below 120/80 mmHg. Systolic (top number) = pressure when heart beats. Diastolic (bottom number) = pressure between beats.

Q: What does high cholesterol mean?

A: High cholesterol means excess fat in blood. LDL (bad) cholesterol can clog arteries; HDL (good) cholesterol protects the heart.

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