Medical language, translated into normal language.

A blood test that counts red cells, white cells and platelets and reports measurements such as haemoglobin and red-cell size.

The oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. Low haemoglobin is a key feature of anaemia.

The proportion of blood volume made up of red blood cells.

The number of red blood cells in a measured volume of blood.

The total number of infection- and immunity-related white blood cells.

The number of platelets in blood. Platelets are essential for normal clot formation.

The average size of red blood cells. A low MCV suggests microcytosis; a high MCV suggests macrocytosis.

The average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.

The average concentration of haemoglobin inside red blood cells.

A measure of how much red blood cells vary in size.

White blood cells especially important in bacterial infection and acute inflammation.

The actual number of neutrophils in blood, rather than their percentage.

A lower-than-normal neutrophil count. Infection risk rises when neutropenia becomes more severe.

A higher-than-normal neutrophil count, commonly seen with infection, inflammation, stress or corticosteroid treatment.

White blood cells central to adaptive immunity, including antiviral responses and antibody production.

A higher-than-normal lymphocyte count, seen with some infections and blood disorders.

A lower-than-normal lymphocyte count, which can occur with acute illness, medicines and immune disorders.

White blood cells involved in longer-term immune responses and clearance of damaged material.

White blood cells that can increase in allergies, asthma, parasitic infection and some drug reactions.

A small group of white blood cells involved in allergic and inflammatory signalling.

Young white blood cells released from bone marrow, often increased during strong marrow responses.

A laboratory description meaning increased immature neutrophil forms are present, often during acute infection or inflammation.

A blood sample spread thinly on a slide so the shape and appearance of cells can be examined under a microscope.

A condition in which haemoglobin is too low to carry oxygen normally. Causes include iron deficiency, bleeding and chronic disease.

Red blood cells that are smaller than usual, usually reflected by a low MCV.

Red blood cells that are larger than usual, usually reflected by a high MCV.

Red blood cells containing less haemoglobin than usual, often seen with iron deficiency.

More variation in red-cell size than usual, often associated with a raised RDW.

More variation in red-cell shape than usual.

A count of young red blood cells that helps show how actively bone marrow is making new red cells.

A protein that stores iron. Low ferritin usually indicates depleted iron stores; ferritin can rise during inflammation.

The amount of circulating iron measured at one point in time. It varies and is usually interpreted with other iron studies.

A protein that transports iron in the blood.

The percentage of transferrin carrying iron. It helps assess iron deficiency and iron overload.

An estimate of how much iron the blood could carry if transferrin were fully occupied.

A state in which the body has insufficient iron. It can exist before haemoglobin falls enough to cause anaemia.

Anaemia caused by insufficient iron for normal haemoglobin production.

A vitamin needed for normal blood formation and neurological function.

A B vitamin required for DNA synthesis and normal blood-cell production.

A non-specific marker that can increase with inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease and other conditions.

A liver-produced protein that rises with inflammation or infection. It is useful for trends but does not identify the cause by itself.

A blood marker that can rise in significant bacterial infection and sepsis, but must be interpreted clinically.

A laboratory test that looks for bacteria or fungi circulating in the bloodstream.

A group of tests used to assess parts of the blood-clotting system.

A clotting test used to assess part of the coagulation pathway and to calculate INR.

A standardised clotting measurement commonly used to monitor warfarin.

A clotting test used to assess another part of the coagulation system and sometimes to monitor unfractionated heparin.

A blood protein converted into fibrin when a clot forms.

A fragment produced when a clot is broken down. An elevated result is non-specific and does not by itself prove thrombosis.

Classification of blood based on red-cell antigens, most commonly the ABO and Rh systems.

A compatibility test performed before selected blood transfusions.

Breakdown of red blood cells. It can happen in the body or accidentally after a blood sample is collected.

An enzyme found in many tissues that can rise when cells are damaged.

A protein that binds free haemoglobin. Low levels can support certain diagnoses of haemolysis.

A test that checks whether antibodies or complement are attached to red blood cells.

The interval in which most results from a defined reference population fall. A result just outside the range does not automatically mean disease.

A laboratory value considered dangerous enough that rapid clinical attention may be required.

The sample sent for testing, such as blood, urine, stool, swab or tissue.

A blood sample in which red cells broke down after collection, potentially making some results unreliable.

A blood sample that formed a clot when the requested test required unclotted blood.

The practice of drawing blood from a vein for testing or treatment.

Insertion of a needle into a vein, most commonly to collect blood.

A waste product generated mainly from muscle metabolism. It is used to estimate kidney filtration.

An estimate of how well the kidneys filter blood, calculated from creatinine and patient characteristics.

A waste product formed from protein metabolism and cleared mainly by the kidneys.

A sudden deterioration in kidney function occurring over hours to days.

Long-term abnormal kidney structure or function.

Excess protein in urine. Persistent proteinuria can be a marker of kidney disease.

Albumin in urine above the expected level, an important marker of kidney and cardiovascular risk.

A urine test comparing albumin with creatinine to estimate albumin loss.

Minerals in body fluids that carry electrical charge, including sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate.

A major blood electrolyte involved in fluid balance, nerve function and blood pressure.

A lower-than-normal sodium concentration. Symptoms depend on how low it is and how quickly it developed.

A higher-than-normal sodium concentration, often reflecting a relative shortage of body water.

An electrolyte essential for normal nerve, muscle and heart electrical activity.

A low blood potassium level that can cause weakness and, when significant, heart-rhythm problems.

A high blood potassium level that can disturb cardiac electrical activity.

A mineral important for bone, muscle contraction, nerve transmission and many cellular processes.

An estimate of calcium adjusted for albumin when total calcium is measured.

The biologically active form of calcium circulating freely in blood.

An electrolyte involved in muscle, nerve and cardiac function.

A mineral involved in bone, energy metabolism and cell function.

A major blood buffer that helps maintain acid–base balance.

A calculated value from electrolytes that can help classify some disturbances of blood acidity.

A group of tests used to assess liver-cell injury, bile flow and protein production.

A liver-enriched enzyme that often rises with liver-cell injury.

An enzyme found in liver, muscle and other tissues that can rise with liver or muscle injury.

An enzyme found particularly in bile ducts and bone.

An enzyme often used to help identify a liver or bile-duct source of abnormal liver tests.

A yellow pigment produced when haemoglobin is broken down. High levels can cause jaundice.

The main protein in blood plasma, important for fluid balance and transport of many substances.

A measurement of major blood proteins, particularly albumin and globulins.

Yellowing of the skin or eyes caused by increased bilirubin.

Reduced or obstructed flow of bile from the liver.

Inflammation of the liver caused by infection, alcohol, medicines, autoimmune disease or other conditions.

Excess fat accumulation in cells, most commonly used to describe fatty liver.

The current term for fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction.

Metabolic fatty liver disease with liver-cell injury and inflammation.

Formation of excess scar tissue after ongoing or repeated tissue injury.

Advanced scarring of the liver that distorts normal structure and can impair function.

A digestive enzyme that can rise in pancreatic and some other conditions.

A digestive enzyme commonly measured when pancreatitis is suspected.

A substance produced during metabolism that can rise with poor tissue perfusion, severe infection, seizures and other states.

A process that makes body fluids more acidic than normal.

A process that makes body fluids more alkaline than normal.

A test measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide and acid–base status, usually from arterial or venous blood.

A measure of the concentration of dissolved particles in a fluid such as blood or urine.

The force exerted by circulating blood against artery walls, expressed as systolic over diastolic pressure.

The upper blood-pressure number, representing arterial pressure when the heart contracts.

The lower blood-pressure number, representing arterial pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

Persistently elevated blood pressure. It often causes no symptoms but increases long-term cardiovascular and kidney risk.

Blood pressure that is lower than expected. It matters mainly when it causes symptoms or reflects illness.

The number of heart beats per minute.

A heart rate faster than expected for the situation.

A heart rate slower than expected for the situation.

The sensation of being aware of the heartbeat, such as racing, pounding, fluttering or skipped beats.

An abnormal heart rhythm that may be too fast, too slow or irregular.

A common irregular rhythm arising in the upper chambers of the heart. It can increase stroke risk.

A rapid organised rhythm arising in the atria, related to but different from atrial fibrillation.

An extra heartbeat occurring earlier than the next expected normal beat.

An extra heartbeat arising from the ventricles.

An extra heartbeat arising from the atria.

A rapid heart rhythm that starts above the ventricles.

A rapid rhythm originating in the ventricles. Sustained VT can be life-threatening.

Chaotic ventricular electrical activity that stops effective blood circulation.

Chest discomfort caused by temporary insufficient blood flow to heart muscle, usually from coronary artery disease.

Death of heart-muscle tissue caused by prolonged interruption of blood supply, most often from a blocked coronary artery.

Urgent conditions caused by suddenly reduced blood flow to the heart, including some heart attacks and unstable angina.

Narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying the heart, usually due to atherosclerosis.

Build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque in artery walls.

A syndrome in which the heart cannot pump or fill well enough to meet the body's needs without abnormal pressures.

The percentage of blood pumped out of a ventricle with each contraction, usually referring to the left ventricle.

Disease of heart muscle affecting its size, thickness, stiffness or pumping ability.

Inflammation of heart muscle.

Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Infection or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, often affecting valves.

A sound made by turbulent blood flow through the heart. Some murmurs are harmless; others reflect valve or structural disease.

Narrowing of a heart valve that obstructs forward blood flow.

Leakage backward through a heart valve that does not close completely.

Narrowing of the aortic valve between the left ventricle and the aorta.

Leakage through the mitral valve from the left ventricle back into the left atrium.

A blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg.

A blockage in a lung artery, usually caused by a clot that travelled from a deep vein.

Reduced blood flow to the limbs because arteries have narrowed, usually from atherosclerosis.

Abnormal widening or ballooning of a blood-vessel wall.

A recording of the heart's electrical activity using electrodes on the skin.

A portable ECG recorder worn for hours or days to detect intermittent rhythm abnormalities.

A portable device that measures blood pressure repeatedly over 24 hours or longer.

An ultrasound examination of the heart assessing structure, valve function and pumping.

A procedure that restores a normal heart rhythm using an electrical shock or medication.

An implanted device that delivers electrical impulses when the heart rhythm is too slow or unreliable.

A small mesh tube placed inside an artery to keep it open.

A procedure that widens a narrowed artery using a balloon, often followed by a stent.

A group of conditions in which blood glucose is persistently too high because insulin is absent, insufficient or not working effectively.

An autoimmune form of diabetes in which pancreatic beta cells are destroyed and insulin replacement is required.

Diabetes driven mainly by insulin resistance together with progressive failure of insulin production.

Blood glucose higher than normal but below the usual diagnostic threshold for diabetes.

A hormone that helps glucose move from blood into cells and regulates metabolism.

A state in which body tissues respond less effectively to insulin.

Blood glucose that is higher than normal.

Blood glucose that is too low. Severe hypoglycaemia can cause seizures or unconsciousness.

A dangerous metabolic emergency caused by severe insulin deficiency, with high ketones and blood acidity.

A severe diabetic emergency with extreme hyperglycaemia, dehydration and high blood osmolality.

Chemicals produced when the body burns fat for energy. They can become dangerously high in diabetic ketoacidosis.

A substance released with the body's own insulin and used to estimate endogenous insulin production.

A blood test estimating average glucose exposure over roughly the previous 2–3 months.

Blood glucose measured after a specified period without food.

A blood glucose measurement taken without requiring fasting.

A gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism and many body functions.

A pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid and is commonly the first test used to assess thyroid function.

The unbound circulating form of thyroxine, one of the main thyroid hormones.

The unbound circulating form of triiodothyronine.

Underactivity of the thyroid gland, causing insufficient thyroid hormone.

Excess thyroid hormone production or release.

An autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid and commonly leads to hypothyroidism.

An autoimmune condition in which antibodies stimulate the thyroid and cause hyperthyroidism.

A discrete lump within the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are benign.

Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate stress response, blood pressure, glucose and inflammation.

A condition caused by prolonged excessive cortisol exposure.

Primary adrenal failure causing insufficient cortisol and often aldosterone.

Insufficient production of adrenal steroid hormones, especially cortisol.

A pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

The main androgen hormone in men and an important hormone in women, influencing sexual function, muscle, bone and red-cell production.

The main biologically active oestrogen during reproductive years.

A pituitary hormone involved in ovarian follicle development and sperm production.

A pituitary hormone involved in ovulation and testosterone production.

A pituitary hormone best known for stimulating milk production.

A pituitary hormone involved in growth and metabolism.

A growth factor produced mainly in response to growth hormone.

A cluster of central obesity, abnormal glucose, raised blood pressure and abnormal lipids that increases cardiovascular and diabetes risk.

Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. It is a screening measure, not a direct measurement of body fat.

Excess body fat that increases the risk of health problems.

Fat stored around internal abdominal organs and strongly associated with metabolic risk.

A condition in which bones become less dense and structurally weaker, increasing fracture risk.

Bone mineral density lower than expected but not low enough to meet the standard definition of osteoporosis.

A hormone-like vitamin important for calcium balance and bone health.

A hormone that helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels.

Upper abdominal discomfort or indigestion, often including fullness, burning, belching or nausea.

Repeated reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus causing symptoms or complications.

Inflammation of the oesophagus.

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

An open sore in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine.

A bacterium associated with gastritis, ulcers and increased gastric-cancer risk.

Difficulty swallowing.

Pain when swallowing.

Vomiting blood.

Black, tar-like stool caused by digested blood, usually from upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Passage of fresh red or maroon blood from the rectum.

Infrequent, difficult or incomplete bowel movements, often with hard stool.

Loose or watery stools occurring more often than usual.

A disorder of gut–brain interaction causing recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habits.

A group of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, mainly Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease involving the colon, usually beginning in the rectum.

Presence of small outpouchings in the wall of the colon.

Inflammation or infection involving one or more diverticula in the colon.

An autoimmune condition triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible people, causing small-intestinal injury.

Reduced ability to digest lactose, often causing bloating, gas and diarrhoea.

A solid deposit formed in the gallbladder.

Inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly caused by a gallstone blocking the cystic duct.

Episodic upper abdominal pain caused when a gallstone temporarily obstructs bile flow.

A gallstone located in the main bile duct.

Infection and inflammation of the bile ducts, often due to obstruction.

Inflammation of the pancreas. Causes include gallstones, alcohol, very high triglycerides and some medicines.

Inflammation of the appendix, usually causing progressive abdominal pain and requiring prompt assessment.

Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, often due to infection or leakage from an abdominal organ.

Abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the abdominal cavity.

Enlargement of the liver.

Enlargement of the spleen.

Abnormally high pressure in the portal venous system, most commonly due to cirrhosis.

Enlarged veins in the oesophagus caused by portal hypertension that can bleed severely.

Brain dysfunction caused by severe liver failure or portal-systemic shunting, leading to confusion and altered consciousness.

Examination of the colon with a flexible camera inserted through the rectum.

Examination of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum with a flexible camera passed through the mouth.

The sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing.

Insufficient oxygen reaching body tissues.

Lower-than-normal oxygen concentration in arterial blood.

The percentage of haemoglobin carrying oxygen, commonly estimated by a pulse oximeter.

A chronic inflammatory airway disease causing variable wheeze, cough, chest tightness and breathlessness.

A chronic lung disease with persistent airflow limitation, most often related to long-term smoking exposure.

Destruction and enlargement of small air spaces in the lungs, reducing effective gas exchange.

A clinical pattern of chronic productive cough, commonly associated with smoking and COPD.

Inflammation of the large airways. Acute bronchitis is commonly viral.

Infection of lung tissue causing inflammation and filling of air spaces.

Inflammation of the membranes around the lungs, often causing sharp pain that worsens with breathing.

Abnormal fluid collecting between the lung and chest wall.

Air in the pleural space causing partial or complete lung collapse.

Fluid accumulation in the lungs, often due to heart failure but also caused by other conditions.

Repeated episodes in which breathing stops or becomes markedly reduced during sleep.

Sleep apnoea caused by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep.

A machine that provides continuous positive airway pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.

A breathing test measuring how much air a person can exhale and how quickly.

The amount of air forcefully exhaled in the first second of a spirometry manoeuvre.

The total amount of air forcefully exhaled after taking the deepest possible breath.

A medicine that relaxes airway smooth muscle and makes breathing easier.

An anti-inflammatory medicine delivered into the airways, commonly used for asthma.

A device that converts liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled.

An infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, most commonly affecting the lungs.

A state in which TB bacteria are present but controlled by the immune system, without contagious active disease.

A group of tests assessing airflow, lung volumes and sometimes gas transfer.

A simple measure of the maximum speed of forced expiration, often used in asthma monitoring.

Sudden brain injury caused by interruption of blood supply or bleeding in the brain.

Stroke caused by blockage of an artery supplying the brain.

Stroke caused by bleeding into or around the brain.

Temporary neurological symptoms caused by transient loss of blood flow to part of the brain.

A sudden episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can alter movement, awareness, sensation or behaviour.

A neurological condition characterised by a tendency to have recurrent unprovoked seizures.

A prolonged seizure or repeated seizures without adequate recovery, requiring urgent treatment.

A brief loss of consciousness caused by temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain, followed by spontaneous recovery.

The sensation that you or the environment is spinning or moving when it is not.

A broad symptom that may describe light-headedness, imbalance, vertigo or a feeling of impending faint.

A neurological disorder causing recurrent headache attacks, often with nausea, light sensitivity and sometimes aura.

A temporary neurological symptom that can occur before or during some migraines or seizures.

Damage or dysfunction of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing numbness, tingling, pain or weakness.

Neuropathy affecting peripheral nerves, commonly beginning in the hands or feet.

Symptoms caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root.

Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve pathway, usually from lower-back nerve-root irritation.

Abnormal skin sensations such as pins-and-needles, tingling or burning.

Poor coordination or balance caused by dysfunction of the nervous system.

Involuntary rhythmic shaking of a body part.

A progressive neurological disorder affecting movement and other brain functions, associated with loss of dopamine-producing neurons.

A syndrome of progressive cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with independent daily functioning.

The most common cause of dementia, associated with progressive impairment of memory and other cognitive functions.

An acute, fluctuating disturbance of attention and thinking, usually caused by an underlying medical problem, medicine or substance.

An immune-mediated disease in which inflammation damages myelin in the central nervous system.

Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, commonly caused by infection.

Inflammation of brain tissue, often due to infection or autoimmune disease.

Impaired ability to understand or produce language because of brain dysfunction.

Difficulty speaking clearly because the muscles used for speech are weak or poorly coordinated.

Weakness affecting one side of the body.

Loss of voluntary muscle movement in part of the body.

Pain arising from irritation or damage to a nerve.

A test that records electrical activity of the brain using scalp electrodes.

A procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid or measure pressure.

A state of apprehension or fear that can become a disorder when persistent, excessive and impairing.

Persistent excessive worry about multiple areas of life that is difficult to control.

A sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort with symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, chest tightness or dizziness.

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks together with persistent concern or behavioural change related to further attacks.

A mental health condition involving persistent low mood or loss of interest together with changes in energy, sleep, appetite and functioning.

A clinical depressive illness meeting defined criteria for severity, duration and functional impact.

A mood disorder characterised by episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania.

A period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, reduced need for sleep and major behavioural change.

A milder form of elevated or irritable mood and increased energy that is less severe than mania.

Loss of contact with reality, which may include hallucinations, delusions or severely disorganised thinking.

A perception such as hearing or seeing something without an external stimulus.

A fixed false belief maintained despite strong evidence to the contrary and not explained by cultural context.

A chronic psychiatric disorder that can involve psychosis, cognitive difficulties and functional impairment.

A condition involving intrusive unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals performed to reduce distress.

A trauma-related disorder that can include intrusive memories, avoidance and heightened arousal.

A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that affects daily functioning.

A neurodevelopmental condition involving differences in social communication and patterns of behaviour, interests or sensory processing.

Persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or obtaining restorative sleep despite adequate opportunity.

A state in which the body adapts to a substance and stopping it may produce withdrawal. It is not identical to addiction.

A substance-use or behavioural disorder characterised by impaired control, craving and continued use despite harm.

A state in which a larger dose is needed to achieve an effect previously produced by a smaller dose.

Physical or psychological symptoms that occur when a substance is reduced or stopped after adaptation.

Symptoms after abrupt reduction of heavy or dependent alcohol use, ranging from tremor to seizures or delirium.

A severe form of alcohol withdrawal with confusion, agitation and autonomic overactivity.

A class of medicines and drugs acting on opioid receptors, including morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and heroin.

A medicine that rapidly reverses opioid effects and can restore breathing during an opioid overdose.

Exposure to a drug or substance at a level that causes serious toxic effects.

A class of sedative medicines used for selected conditions such as acute anxiety, seizures or muscle spasm.

A medicine used to treat depression and several anxiety-related conditions.

A medicine used primarily to treat psychosis, mania and some other psychiatric conditions.

Structured psychological treatment using evidence-based talking and behavioural approaches.

A form of psychotherapy focusing on links between thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

Thoughts about suicide or ending one's life.

Deliberate injury to oneself, with or without suicidal intent.

Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body, with or without symptoms.

An infection caused by bacteria.

An infection caused by a virus.

An infection caused by fungi such as yeasts or moulds.

An infection caused by parasites such as protozoa or worms.

A microorganism or infectious agent capable of causing disease.

Presence of microorganisms on or in the body without causing tissue invasion or illness.

Able to spread from one person to another, directly or indirectly.

The time between exposure to an infectious agent and development of symptoms.

Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection.

A severe form of sepsis with profound circulatory and metabolic abnormalities.

Presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Presence of virus in the bloodstream.

A laboratory method that allows microorganisms from a specimen to grow so they can be identified.

Testing that determines which antimicrobial medicines are likely to work against a microorganism.

The ability of bacteria to survive or grow despite an antibiotic that would normally inhibit them.

A molecular laboratory technique that detects specific genetic material.

A substance recognised by the immune system, often part of a microorganism or toxin.

A protein produced by B cells that recognises a specific antigen.

Blood testing that looks for antibodies, antigens or other markers of infection or immunity.

The body's ability to recognise and defend against specific threats.

Rapid, non-specific immune defence present from birth.

Specific immune responses that develop after exposure and can create immunological memory.

A disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Reduced immune-system activity caused by disease or medication.

A state in which part of the immune system is absent or does not function adequately.

An immune reaction to a substance that is usually harmless to most people.

A severe, rapidly developing systemic allergic reaction that can affect breathing and circulation.

Raised itchy wheals on the skin, commonly called hives.

Deeper swelling beneath the skin, often affecting lips, eyelids or tongue.

A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that primarily attacks joints and can affect other organs.

An autoimmune disease that can affect skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, nervous system and other organs.

Inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis.

A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.

An autoimmune disorder commonly causing dry eyes and dry mouth and sometimes systemic disease.

Inflammation of blood-vessel walls that can reduce blood flow and damage organs.

A group of autoantibodies directed against cell nuclei. A positive ANA is not by itself a diagnosis.

An antibody that can be present in rheumatoid arthritis but also occurs in other conditions and some healthy people.

An antibody strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and useful in diagnosis.

A group of immune proteins that help antibodies and immune cells clear pathogens and damaged cells.

A treatment produced using biological systems, often designed to block a specific immune or inflammatory pathway.

A targeted medicine that blocks Janus kinase signalling, used in several inflammatory and blood disorders.

A laboratory-produced antibody designed to bind a specific biological target.

A biological product that trains the immune system to recognise and respond to a specific infection or toxin.

Administration of a vaccine to produce protection against disease.

The process by which a person becomes protected against an infection, often through vaccination.

The initial set of vaccine doses needed to establish protection.

An additional vaccine dose given later to strengthen or restore protection.

A vaccine containing a weakened living microorganism, with special precautions in pregnancy and significant immunosuppression.

A vaccine containing killed organisms or components that cannot reproduce in the body.

A vaccine that delivers messenger RNA instructions so cells briefly make an antigen that stimulates immunity.

A vaccine in which a bacterial polysaccharide is linked to a protein to create a stronger immune response.

A vaccine protecting against a bacterial toxin using an inactivated form of that toxin.

An ingredient added to some vaccines to strengthen or shape the immune response.

A condition or circumstance in which a treatment or vaccine should not be used because risk is unacceptable.

A condition requiring individual clinical judgement before treatment or vaccination.

Any medical event occurring after treatment or vaccination, whether or not the treatment caused it.

An unwanted effect reasonably attributable to a vaccine, such as injection-site pain or temporary fever.

Reduced spread of an infection when a sufficiently large proportion of a population is immune.

Vaccination given to bring someone up to date after missing routine doses.

Development of detectable antibodies after infection or vaccination.

How well a vaccine reduces disease under controlled study conditions.

How well a vaccine works in real-world use.

A vaccine recommended or required because of infection risks associated with travel.

Official proof of yellow fever vaccination used for specified international travel requirements.

Medication taken before, during and after travel to reduce malaria risk.

Acute diarrhoea occurring during or shortly after travel, most often from contaminated food or water.

Urgent treatment after a possible rabies exposure, involving wound care, vaccine and sometimes rabies immunoglobulin.

Preventive treatment given before a possible future exposure.

Consistently present in a particular population or geographic area.

Occurrence of disease above what is normally expected in a community or region.

An epidemic that spreads across multiple countries or continents and affects large numbers of people.

An organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that transmits an infectious agent between hosts.

An infection transmitted by organisms such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or sandflies.

Illness caused by inadequate acclimatisation to high altitude.

Temporary sleep and circadian disturbance after rapidly crossing multiple time zones.

A group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissue or spread elsewhere.

An abnormal mass of tissue caused by excessive or abnormal cell growth. A tumour can be benign or malignant.

Not cancerous. A benign growth does not invade or metastasise, although size or location can still cause problems.

Cancerous, with the ability to invade surrounding tissue and potentially spread to distant sites.

An abnormal new growth of tissue. Neoplasms can be benign, pre-malignant or malignant.

Spread of cancer cells from the original site to another part of the body.

The organ or tissue where a cancer began.

Cancer present in another site because it spread from the primary cancer.

Cancer arising from epithelial cells that line surfaces and organs.

A carcinoma arising from gland-forming epithelial cells.

A cancer arising from squamous epithelial cells.

A cancer arising from connective or supporting tissues such as bone, muscle or fat.

A cancer arising from lymphocytes and lymphatic tissues.

A group of cancers involving blood-forming tissues and abnormal blood cells.

A cancer of plasma cells, most commonly multiple myeloma.

Removal of a tissue or cell sample for microscopic and sometimes molecular examination.

Microscopic examination of tissue structure to diagnose disease.

Examination of individual cells or small groups of cells under a microscope.

The formal laboratory report describing findings from tissue, cells or other specimens.

A description of how abnormal cancer cells look and, in many cancers, how aggressively they may behave.

A description of how far a cancer has spread in the body.

A cancer-staging system describing the primary tumour, regional lymph nodes and distant metastasis.

Abnormal or malignant cells confined to their original layer without invasion.

Cancer that has grown beyond the tissue layer or structure where it first developed.

A small immune-system structure that filters lymphatic fluid. Nodes can enlarge because of infection, inflammation or cancer.

A period in which signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced or disappear. Remission is not always the same as cure.

Disappearance of all measurable evidence of cancer using the assessment methods being applied.

A substantial reduction in measurable tumour burden that does not meet criteria for complete response.

Growth or spread of cancer despite or after treatment.

Return of cancer after a period in which it was undetectable or controlled.

Medicines that damage or kill rapidly dividing cells. Many regimens affect cancer cells and some normal cells.

Treatment using ionising radiation to damage cancer cells.

Treatment that modifies or uses the immune system to attack cancer or other disease.

Treatment designed to interfere with a specific molecule or pathway important to a cancer.

Treatment that blocks or alters hormones that stimulate certain cancers.

A cancer immunotherapy blocking inhibitory immune checkpoints such as PD-1, PD-L1 or CTLA-4.

Treatment in which a patient's T cells are genetically modified to recognise and attack a chosen target.

An engineered antibody designed to bind two different targets at the same time.

Use of molecular, genetic and clinical information to choose treatment or prevention more specifically.

A measurable biological feature used to assess disease, risk, prognosis or treatment response.

A substance measured in blood or tissue that can sometimes help monitor or characterise a cancer. Most are not stand-alone screening tests.

A prostate-produced protein measured in blood. It can rise with prostate cancer, benign enlargement and inflammation.

A tumour marker mainly used to monitor selected colorectal and other cancers rather than diagnose cancer by itself.

A blood marker used mainly in evaluating and monitoring selected ovarian and other conditions. It is not specific for cancer.

A tumour marker used in selected pancreatic and biliary cancers but not sufficiently specific to diagnose cancer by itself.

Very small numbers of cancer cells remaining after treatment that may be detectable only with sensitive tests.

Time during and after treatment in which a patient remains alive without the cancer becoming measurably worse.

Time from a defined starting point until death from any cause.

The proportion of study participants whose tumours shrink by a predefined amount.

A research study involving human participants that evaluates a medical intervention, diagnostic strategy or other health approach.

Imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves rather than ionising radiation to create pictures of internal structures.

Ultrasound used to assess movement, particularly blood flow through vessels.

The degree to which tissue reflects ultrasound waves, determining how bright or dark it appears.

Brighter than surrounding tissue on ultrasound because it reflects more sound.

Darker than surrounding tissue on ultrasound because it reflects less sound.

Completely or nearly black on ultrasound because there are few internal echoes, as often occurs with simple fluid.

A general term for an area of abnormal tissue. The word lesion does not by itself mean cancer.

A discrete lump or area of tissue. A mass can have many benign or malignant causes.

A relatively small, rounded or defined area of tissue that differs from its surroundings.

A fluid-filled or partly fluid-filled sac. Many cysts are benign.

A cyst with typical benign imaging features such as clear fluid and a thin smooth wall.

A cystic lesion containing internal echoes, septa, solid areas or other features requiring closer assessment.

Deposit of calcium within tissue, visible on some imaging tests.

A dark ultrasound area behind a structure that strongly blocks or reflects the sound beam, such as a gallstone.

Increased brightness behind a fluid-filled structure because sound passes easily through fluid.

Cross-sectional imaging created with X-rays and computer processing.

Imaging using a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency signals rather than X-rays.

Imaging that uses ionising radiation to create pictures, particularly useful for bones and chest structures.

A substance given to make structures more visible on imaging.

Able to block X-rays and therefore appear relatively white on an X-ray image.

Allowing X-rays to pass through more easily, producing a darker appearance on X-ray.

An abnormality discovered unexpectedly during a test performed for another reason.

Use of ultrasound, CT or other imaging to guide a needle accurately into a target.

Examination of an internal surface using a flexible or rigid instrument with a camera.

Keyhole surgery performed through small abdominal incisions using a camera.

Open abdominal surgery through a larger incision.

Medicine that temporarily numbs a specific area while the patient remains conscious.

Medication-induced unconsciousness used for surgery or procedures.

Medication used to reduce anxiety and awareness during a procedure without necessarily causing full general anaesthesia.

A flexible tube inserted into the body to drain fluid, deliver treatment or access blood vessels.

A small tube inserted into a vein for fluids or medication, or into another body space for a specific procedure.

A route directly into a vein.

An injection delivered into muscle.

An injection delivered into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin.

Free from living microorganisms capable of causing contamination or infection.

Methods used to minimise contamination by microorganisms during a procedure.

The recurring hormonal cycle that prepares the ovaries and uterus for possible pregnancy.

Shedding of the uterine lining, producing a menstrual period.

Absence of menstrual periods when they would normally be expected.

Painful menstruation.

Menstrual bleeding that is unusually heavy or prolonged.

Release of an egg from an ovary.

A fluid-filled ovarian structure containing a developing egg.

The temporary ovarian structure formed after ovulation that produces progesterone.

The inner lining of the uterus.

The measured thickness of the uterine lining, which changes with the menstrual cycle and hormonal state.

A benign growth of uterine smooth muscle.

A condition in which tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation and sometimes pain or infertility.

Growth of endometrial-type tissue within the muscular wall of the uterus.

A fluid-filled or partly fluid-filled structure in or on an ovary. Many are functional and resolve naturally.

A hormonal and metabolic condition commonly associated with irregular ovulation, androgen excess and polycystic ovarian morphology.

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

A screening test collecting cervical cells to look for changes associated with cervical-cancer risk.

A group of viruses, some of which can cause genital warts and some of which increase the risk of cervical and other cancers.

Close examination of the cervix using magnification after an abnormal cervical screening result or other indication.

A test that detects human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy.

A hormone produced mainly by placental tissue during pregnancy. Levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy.

The age of a pregnancy counted from the first day of the last menstrual period.

A pregnancy implanted outside the main cavity of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.

Loss of a pregnancy before fetal viability, usually in the first half of pregnancy.

The organ that develops during pregnancy to exchange oxygen, nutrients and waste products between mother and fetus.

The permanent end of menstrual periods due to loss of ovarian follicular activity.

The transition leading up to menopause, during which cycle timing and symptoms can change.

Hormonal treatment used to relieve menopausal symptoms and for selected other indications.

Pelvic ultrasound performed with a probe inserted gently into the vagina to obtain close views of the uterus and ovaries.

Pelvic ultrasound performed through the lower abdomen, usually with a full bladder to improve the view.

Inflammation or structural disease of a joint causing pain, swelling, stiffness or reduced movement.

A common joint disease involving cartilage loss and changes in bone and other joint tissues.

Inflammation of the membrane lining a joint.

Excess fluid inside a joint.

Inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction near joints.

Inflammation or irritation of a tendon.

A broader term for tendon pain and structural change, often related to overload rather than acute inflammation alone.

A strong band of connective tissue connecting bone to bone.

Strong connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.

Injury to a ligament, usually from stretching or tearing.

Injury to muscle or tendon.

A break or crack in a bone.

A small bone fracture caused by repeated loading rather than a single major injury.

Complete loss of normal contact between joint surfaces.

Partial loss of normal joint alignment without complete dislocation.

A crescent-shaped pad of fibrocartilage in the knee that helps distribute load and stabilise the joint.

A major knee ligament controlling forward and rotational movement of the tibia.

A group of shoulder muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder and help lift and rotate the arm.

Painful progressive stiffness of the shoulder capsule.

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling and sometimes hand weakness.

Inflammatory arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints.

Crystal arthritis caused mainly by calcium pyrophosphate deposition.

Muscle pain.

Inflammation of muscle.

Rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle releasing muscle-cell contents into the blood. Severe cases can cause kidney injury.

A low-dose X-ray test that measures bone mineral density, commonly at the hip and spine.

A bone-density comparison with the average peak bone density of a young healthy adult.

A bone-density comparison with people of the same age and sex.

A fracture caused by a level of trauma that would not normally break healthy bone, often indicating osteoporosis.

Inflammation of the skin, commonly causing redness, itching and irritation.

A group of inflammatory skin conditions causing itch, dryness and rash.

A chronic immune-mediated skin disease causing well-defined scaly plaques and sometimes joint inflammation.

A bacterial infection of deeper skin and subcutaneous tissue causing redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness.

A collection of pus within tissue caused by infection.

A painful pus-filled infection of a hair follicle and surrounding tissue.

A usually benign collection of pigment-producing cells in the skin.

A malignant tumour of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of skin and other tissues.

A common skin cancer arising from basal cells. It usually grows locally and rarely metastasises.

A skin cancer arising from squamous cells that can invade and, in some cases, spread.

A rough sun-damaged skin lesion that can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

A chronic inflammatory skin disease causing painful nodules, abscesses and tunnels, mainly in skin folds.

Hair loss from the scalp or body.

An autoimmune condition causing well-defined patches of hair loss.

Loss of the surface layer of skin or mucosa creating an open sore.

Tiny non-blanching red or purple spots caused by small amounts of bleeding under the skin.

Purple or red skin discoloration caused by bleeding into the skin.

A larger area of bleeding under the skin, commonly called a bruise.

Itching.

Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow.

A medicine that legally requires authorisation from an appropriately licensed prescriber.

A medicine available without an individual prescription when used according to authorised conditions.

The standard non-brand name of a medicine based on its active ingredient.

The commercial name under which a medicine is marketed.

The substance in a medicine responsible for its therapeutic effect.

The amount of medicine taken or administered at one time.

The planned amount, timing, route and frequency of a medicine.

The time required for the amount of a medicine in the body or blood to fall by approximately half.

The proportion of a medicine dose that reaches systemic circulation in active form.

Describes a treatment that should not be used in a particular situation because risk outweighs expected benefit.

A change in a medicine's effect caused by another medicine, food, supplement, alcohol or substance.

An unwanted effect occurring at normal therapeutic doses.

A harmful or unintended response to a medicine used at normal doses.

An immune-mediated reaction to a medicine, ranging from rash to anaphylaxis.

A medicine used to treat susceptible bacterial infections.

A medicine that inhibits replication or effects of a virus.

A medicine used to treat fungal infection.

A medicine used to treat infections caused by parasites.

A medicine used to reduce pain.

A common analgesic and fever-reducing medicine. Excessive doses can cause serious liver injury.

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

A medicine related to adrenal steroid hormones that strongly reduces inflammation and immune activity.

An oral corticosteroid used to treat many inflammatory and immune conditions.

A medicine blocking histamine effects, commonly used for allergies and itching.

A medicine that reduces the blood's ability to form clots. It does not literally thin the blood.

A medicine that reduces platelet activation and clot formation, such as aspirin or clopidogrel.

An oral anticoagulant monitored using INR.

A direct oral anticoagulant such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban or dabigatran.

A medicine that lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces cardiovascular risk in appropriate patients.

A medicine used in hypertension, heart failure and kidney protection by blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme.

A medicine blocking the angiotensin II receptor, used in hypertension and selected heart and kidney conditions.

A medicine that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors, slowing heart rate and reducing cardiac workload.

A class used for hypertension, angina and some heart-rhythm conditions.

A medicine that increases kidney excretion of sodium and water.

A medicine that strongly reduces stomach-acid production.

A common type 2 diabetes medicine that reduces liver glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.

A medicine that mimics GLP-1 signalling to improve glucose regulation, reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying.

A medicine that increases urinary glucose excretion and can provide heart and kidney benefits in selected patients.

A modified form of insulin designed to have a particular onset and duration of action.

A common antidepressant class that increases serotonin signalling by blocking serotonin reuptake.

An antidepressant class inhibiting serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake.

A medicine used to prevent seizures; some are also used for pain or mood disorders.

A pain medicine acting on opioid receptors. It can cause sedation, constipation, dependence and respiratory suppression.

A medicine used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.

A medicine used to treat constipation by changing stool consistency, bowel movement or both.

A medicine made using living systems, often a protein or antibody designed to act on a specific biological target.

A biological medicine shown to be highly similar to an authorised reference biologic without clinically meaningful differences.

A planned gradual reduction in medicine dose rather than stopping suddenly.

Symptoms that can occur when certain medicines, especially some antidepressants, are stopped abruptly or reduced too quickly.

Measuring blood concentrations of selected medicines to help keep exposure within a useful and safe range.

Use of multiple medicines at the same time, especially when the number or complexity increases risk.

Beginning suddenly or lasting a relatively short period. Acute does not necessarily mean severe.

Persisting for a long period, often months or years.

Developing or lasting over an intermediate period between acute and chronic.

A condition for which no specific cause has been identified.

Caused unintentionally by medical treatment or a healthcare intervention.

Present from birth, whether caused by genetics, development or another prenatal factor.

Developed after birth rather than present from birth.

Passed through genetic inheritance from parent to child.

A characteristic or exposure associated with a higher probability of developing a disease.

The expected course or likely outcome of a disease.

Identification of a disease or condition based on symptoms, examination and tests.

The list of possible conditions that could explain a patient's symptoms or findings.

Testing people without symptoms to identify disease or increased risk earlier.

In diagnostic testing, the ability of a test to correctly identify people who truly have the condition.

In diagnostic testing, the ability of a test to correctly identify people who do not have the condition.

A test result suggesting disease when the disease is actually absent.

A test result suggesting disease is absent when it is actually present.

The probability that a person with a positive test result truly has the condition.

The probability that a person with a negative test result truly does not have the condition.

A problem experienced and reported by the patient, such as pain or nausea.

An objective finding observed or measured by a clinician, such as fever, rash or high blood pressure.

A body temperature above the normal range, commonly related to infection or inflammation.

Another medical term for fever.

A persistent sense of tiredness, low energy or reduced physical or mental capacity.

A general feeling of being unwell or lacking normal well-being.

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue injury.

Pain developing over a short period, often related to injury, inflammation or surgery.

Pain that persists or recurs for longer than expected for normal healing.

Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

The body's response to injury, infection or immune activation. Inflammation is not the same as infection.

A deficit of body water, with or without loss of electrolytes.

The unpleasant sensation of feeling that vomiting may occur.

Forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.

Loss of appetite. In clinical notes this term can mean reduced appetite and does not automatically mean anorexia nervosa.

Complex loss of weight, muscle and strength associated with chronic disease.

Bluish or grey discoloration of skin or mucous membranes caused by abnormal oxygenation or circulation.

Bulbous enlargement of the ends of fingers or toes, associated with several chronic conditions.

Abnormal enlargement or change in lymph nodes.

Abnormal enlargement of an internal organ.

Breathing faster than expected.

Shrinkage or wasting of a tissue or organ.

Increase in cell size causing enlargement of a tissue or organ.

Increase in the number of cells within a tissue.

Uncontrolled death of cells or tissue due to injury, loss of blood supply, toxins or severe inflammation.

Insufficient blood supply to a tissue, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery.

Death of tissue caused by prolonged loss of blood supply.

Present on both sides of the body.

Present on one side only.

Closer to the centre of the body or point of origin.

Farther from the centre of the body or point of origin.

Toward the front of the body.

Toward the back of the body.

Toward the midline of the body.

Away from the midline of the body.

A common medical word part meaning “heart”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “nervous system or nerves”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “liver”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “kidney”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “stomach”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “intestine”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “colon”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “skin”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “bone”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “joint”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “muscle”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “blood”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “tumour or cancer”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “lung or air”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “thyroid”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “sugar or glucose”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “blood vessel”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “urinary tract”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “female reproductive system”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “uterus”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “head”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “brain”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “nose”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “ear”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “eye”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “inflammation”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “a condition or process”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “a tumour or mass”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “pain”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “disease or disorder”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “enlargement”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “too few or a reduced amount”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “an increased number of cells”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “surgical removal”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “cutting into or creating an incision”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “surgically creating an opening”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “visual examination using a scope”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “a record or image”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “the process of recording or imaging”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “a condition involving the blood”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “above normal or excessive”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “below normal or reduced”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “fast”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “slow”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “abnormal, difficult or painful”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “without or absence of”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “around”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “inside or within”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “on, upon or above”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “under or below”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “within”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “between”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “across or through”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “many”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “few or reduced”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “small”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “large”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

A common medical word part meaning “new”. It can help decode unfamiliar terminology.

Blood pressure.

Heart rate.

Respiratory rate, meaning breaths per minute.

Body temperature.

Peripheral oxygen saturation estimated by pulse oximetry.

A medicine or treatment to be used when needed rather than on a fixed schedule.

Nothing by mouth; no food or drink for a specified period.

Nil by mouth.

History.

Past medical history.

Family history.

Social history.

Diagnosis.

Treatment.

Prescription or treatment, depending on context.

Biopsy.

Ultrasound.

Chest X-ray.

Computed tomography.

Full blood count.

Liver function tests.

Urea and electrolytes, a common kidney/electrolyte blood-test panel.

Haemoglobin.

White blood cell count.

Red blood cell count.

Platelet count.

Absolute neutrophil count.

Glasgow Coma Scale, a structured measure of consciousness.

Body mass index.

Subcutaneous.

By mouth, from the Latin per os.

Shortness of breath in many medical notes; context matters because abbreviations can be ambiguous.

No abnormality detected in many clinical notes, though abbreviation usage varies.

Within normal limits.

No known drug allergies.