What do the abbreviations mean on an ultrasound scan?

Answer 1

Here are some common abbreviations seen on an ultrasound:

• ABO - May be seen in reference to blood test to check what your blood group is
• AC - Abdominal circumference
• AF - Artificial feed i.e. bottle fed
• AFP - Alpha fetal protein (test offered at 16weeks to assess risk of problems with babe such as Downs syndrome)
• ANC - Ante natal clinic
• APH - Ante partum haemorrhage. Bleed whilst pregnant
• BF - Breast fed
• BO - Bowels opened
• BNO - Bowels not opened
• BPD - Bi parietal diameter. One side of the head to the other (ear to ear direction)
• BP - blood pressure
• Br - Breech
• CEPH - Cephalic (head), in regards to presentation means head down
• CRL - Crown to rump length i.e. Top of head to baby.s bum
• C/S - Caesarian section
• CTG - Cardio toco graph. The machine that they use on delivery suite to measure contractions and baby.s heart rate over a period of time
• Cx - Cervix
• = d - Usually in relation to fundal height (uterus size) means is right for dates
• EBM - Expressed breast milk
• EDD - Estimated date of delivery
• ELSCS - Emergency lower segment caesarean section
• Eng - Engaged
• EPU - Early pregnancy unit
• FAU - Fetal assessment unit
• FBC - Full blood count
• FBS - Fetal blood sample OR fasting blood sugar
• FL - Femoral length (thigh bone)
• FMF - Fetal movements felt
• FHHR - fetal heart heard regularly (sometimes seen as FHH)
• GTT - Glucose tolerance test
• G2 P1 - Gravida 2 (2nd pregnancy) Para 1 (1 child living)
• GA - Gestational age
• Hb - Haemoglobin i.e. Iron levels
• HC - Head circumference
• IM - Intra muscular
• IUGR - Intra uterine growth retardation i.e. Small baby for dates
• IV - Intra venous (going into vein)
• IVI - Intra venous infusion i.e. a drip
• LA - Local anaesthetic
• LMP - Last menstrual period
• LOA - Left occiput anterior i.e. the back of baby's head is to the front left side of your abdomen (where you want it to be)
• LOP - Left occiput posterior i.e. back of baby's head is to the back left side of your abdomen (where you don't want it to be really)
• LUSCS - lower uterine segment caesarean section (sometimes seen without the U)
• Mec - Meconium (babies early poo)
• Multip - Has 1 or more living child
• MSSU - mid stream specimen of urine
• NAD - Nothing abnormal detected
• N/Eng - Not engaged
• NNU - Neonatal unit
• NICU - Neonatal intensive care unit
• NPU - Not passed urine
• OC - Oral contraception
• OP - Occiput posterior
• OA - Occiput anterior
• Palp - Palpable i.e. what can be felt
• PIH - Pregnancy induced hypertension (high bp)
• PMH - Past medical history
• PPH - Post partum haemorrhage. Bleed after baby is born
• PR - Via rectum
• PU - Passed urine
• PV - Via vagina
• Primip - First pregnancy
• Reg - Registrar
• Rh - Rhesus
• SCBU - Special care baby unit
• SHO - Senior house officer
• SPD - symphisis pubis dysfunction i.e. loosening of cartilage at front of pubic bone (v. rough definition)
• TOS - Trial of scar
• Tr - Transverse ie Lying sideways
• U&E - Blood test checking urea and electrolyte levels
• USS - ultrasound scan
• VBAC - Vaginal birth after a caesarean section
• +ve - Positive
• -ve - Negative
• VE - Vaginal examination
• Vx - Vertex, used in relation to presenting part/position. Means head down

This list is by no means exhaustive as different members of the medical profession may use different abbreviations or slight variations to these. Also (as seen with FBS) some abbreviations have more than one meaning so if you are unsure check with your health care provider.

Answer 2

there are many many many abbreviations on a echo worksheet and even on the finished report... I'd have to know which specifically you are looking for... message me back and I can help.

Answer 3

The answer depends on the type of ultrasound picture you're viewing. The abbreviations often refer to the anatomical structure being measured.