Abbreviations

Hepatitis A virus: a virus that infects the liver and spreads when traces of stool get into the mouth, as through food or water.

HCT written for the drug hydrocortisone: an abbreviation ISMP lists as error-prone. It is not the lab value Hct (hematocrit).

An abbreviation for hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic; it should not be used because it can be misread.

Head, eyes, ears, nose and throat: a section of a physical exam or health history.

A high-efficiency particulate air filter, which removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers and larger from the air passing through it.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state: very high blood glucose with severe dehydration and little or no ketone buildup.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a US law that protects the privacy of health information.

The record of a patient's health history and physical examination, written by a provider before surgery and other care; abbreviated H&P.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: an immune reaction to heparin that lowers the platelet count.

Human immunodeficiency virus: a virus that infects and destroys immune cells called CD4 T cells.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, its most advanced stage, written together.

An abbreviation that most often means Hodgkin lymphoma, and sometimes hearing loss; the setting shows which.

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A: a substance the liver uses on its way to making cholesterol.

Health maintenance organization, a group of providers that gives care for a set fee under guidelines meant to keep costs down.

The incident command system as used by a single hospital or other health care facility to run its response to an emergency.

An abbreviation that has been used for "at bedtime" (from Latin hora somni) and for "half-strength".

The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, the professional association for sterile processing; formerly IAHCSMM.

Herpes simplex virus type 1, the virus that most often causes cold sores and can also cause genital herpes.

Herpes simplex virus type 2, the virus that most often causes genital herpes.

A charting abbreviation for history, such as a client's medical history.