Clinical documents and guidelines are packed with abbreviations that can seem like a secret code at first. Whether you’re a health worker, a pharmacy student, or a patient trying to understand your care, this guide breaks down common abbreviations used in Uganda’s clinical settings, based on the Uganda Clinical Guidelines 2023.
Knowing these will help you read medical notes, prescriptions, and reports more confidently.
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Antiretroviral and HIV-Related Terms
3TC (Lamivudine)
A core medicine used to treat HIV, often part of combination therapy.
ABC (Abacavir)
Another important antiretroviral drug used in managing HIV infection.
ART (Antiretroviral Therapy)
The treatment regimen that uses antiretroviral drugs to control HIV.
ARV (Antiretroviral)
Refers to the medicines used in ART.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
The advanced stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely weakened.
AFB ((Alcohol) Acid-Fast Bacillus)
The bacteria looked for in tuberculosis (TB) testing.
CrAg (Cryptococcal Antigen)
Used in tests to detect cryptococcal meningitis, a common infection in advanced HIV.
Laboratory and Diagnostic Terms
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
A blood test that measures red and white blood cells, platelets, and other components.
CD4 (Cluster of Differentiation 4)
A type of white blood cell counted to monitor immune system health in HIV patients.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
A laboratory test commonly used to detect antibodies in infections such as HIV.
CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)
Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, tested when infections like meningitis are suspected.
ALT / AST (Alanine / Aspartate Aminotransferase)
Liver enzymes measured to assess liver health.
Clinical and Vital Signs Abbreviations
BP (Blood Pressure)
The force exerted by blood on artery walls, measured in mmHg.
BMI (Body Mass Index)
A number calculated from weight and height to assess body fat.
HR (Heart Rate)
The number of heartbeats per minute.
PE (Pulmonary Embolism)
A blockage in a lung artery that can be life-threatening.
STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)
Infections passed through sexual contact, such as syphilis or gonorrhoea.
Maternal and Child Health Terms
ANC (Antenatal Care)
Healthcare services given to pregnant women before delivery.
PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission)
Interventions to prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
LBW (Low Birth Weight)
Refers to babies weighing less than 2.5 kilograms at birth.
EDD (Estimated Delivery Date)
The expected date for a baby to be born.
FP (Family Planning)
Services and methods for preventing or spacing pregnancies.
Pharmacy and Medication Terms
FDC (Fixed Dose Combination)
Tablets combining two or more medicines into one pill for easier treatment.
IM (Intramuscular)
Injection given directly into a muscle.
IV (Intravenous)
Injection or infusion administered into a vein.
NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
Medicines like ibuprofen used to reduce pain and inflammation.
Other Common Terms
HCW (Health Care Worker)
Anyone providing health services, including doctors, nurses, and clinical officers.
TB (Tuberculosis)
A contagious bacterial infection, often affecting the lungs.
VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing)
A service where people voluntarily get tested for HIV and receive counselling.
VL (Viral Load)
The amount of HIV virus in the blood; used to monitor treatment effectiveness.
WHO (World Health Organisation)
The United Nations agency responsible for international public health guidelines.
How to Use This Guide
For health workers and students, keep it nearby when reading or writing clinical notes to ensure accuracy and clear understanding.
For patients and caregivers, ask your healthcare provider if you come across abbreviations you don’t understand. Knowing what these mean helps you take an active role in your health.
Why Understanding Abbreviations Matters
Medical abbreviations help healthcare workers save time and space but can be confusing. Clear communication ensures better care, fewer mistakes, and more trust between patients and providers.
If you’re a healthcare worker, try to explain abbreviations clearly when talking to patients. If you’re a patient or caregiver, never hesitate to ask for clarification.
