Medical AbbreviationsBy Chris Oswalt

Medical abbreviations are used as a short hand writing technique that condenses longer terms to just a few letters. This is very helpful in the medical field where there are many similarly spelled words. Overall it helps decrease confusion resulting in better patient care.

CATHCath is an abbreviation for Catheter

Catheter is a tube that can be inserted into the body to facilitate urination in patients with a urinary disorder or patients that are bed ridden.

UTI

UTI is an abbreviation for Urinary Tract Infection. It is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. Caused by germs, usually bacteria that enters the urethra. Women are more likely than men to get a UTI. A burning sensation is the most common symptom when urinating and also frequent urge to urinate.

H2O

H2O is an abbreviation for water. It is the chemical composition for the molecules and states that there are two hydrogen ions and one oxygen ion that are bonded together. Water is such an abundant source of matter within the body and is very common that using this abbreviation is extremely helpful when writing or charting.

BUNBUN is an abbreviation for blood urea nitrogen. It is a blood test utilized to evaluate kidney function. Normal result is generally 6 - 20 mg/dL.

UCUC is an abbreviation for Urine Culture. This is when urine is collected and evaluated for bacteria or infection

Urine culture is a test that is usually ordered to detect the presence of a urinary tract infection. Presence of a single type of bacteria growing at high colony counts is considered a positive urine culture. Cultures with greater than 100,000 colony forming units (CFU)/mL of one type of bacteria usually indicate infection.

Medical abbreviations are helpful in many ways throughout medicine. Their importance beneficial because they are time saving. Even verbal communication uses abbreviations.

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