What does that word on my report mean?

5-alpha reductase

5-alpha reductase is an enzyme that turns testosterone into a stronger hormone, DHT. Some medicines block it to treat prostate growth and hair loss.

Acute Otitis Media

Acute otitis media is a sudden infection of the middle ear, behind the eardrum, common in young children.

Acute vs chronic

Acute means something started recently or suddenly. Chronic means it has lasted a long time or keeps coming back.

Adjunctive therapy

Adjunctive therapy is a medicine or treatment added to another main treatment to help it work better.

Adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency means the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol. A sudden severe form, adrenal crisis, is an emergency.

Agranulocytosis

Agranulocytosis is a serious drop in a type of white blood cell that fights infection, leaving the body much less able to fight germs.

Alkaloid

An alkaloid is a natural nitrogen-containing chemical, usually from plants, such as morphine, caffeine, quinine or colchicine.

Allergic reaction

An allergic reaction is when the immune system overreacts to something harmless, such as a medicine or food, causing symptoms from a rash to swelling.

Allergy alert

An allergy alert is a warning on an over-the-counter medicine label about allergic reactions the ingredient can cause, and what to do if one happens.

Alpha-blocker

An alpha-blocker is a medicine that relaxes certain muscles, used to ease urine flow in an enlarged prostate and sometimes to lower blood pressure.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)

ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver; when liver cells are irritated or damaged, more ALT leaks into the blood.

Anaphylactic-like reaction

An anaphylactic-like reaction is a sudden, severe allergy-type reaction that looks like anaphylaxis and needs emergency help in the same way.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that comes on fast and is a medical emergency needing urgent help.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is common, inherited hair loss, seen as male pattern baldness or thinning on the top of the head in women.

Anemia

Anemia means the blood has fewer healthy red blood cells or less hemoglobin than the reference range printed on the report.

Angina

Angina is chest pain or tightness caused by the heart muscle not getting enough blood and oxygen, usually from narrowed heart arteries.

Angioedema

Angioedema is swelling deep under the skin, often of the lips, face, tongue or throat. Swelling of the throat or tongue needs emergency help.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker

An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) is a blood pressure medicine that relaxes blood vessels. Names usually end in '-sartan', like losartan.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

An ACE inhibitor is a type of medicine for high blood pressure and heart failure that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a hormone system.

Angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is a sudden rise in eye pressure when fluid cannot drain from the eye. A sudden attack is an emergency.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and the joints where the spine meets the pelvis.

Antacid

An antacid is a medicine that neutralises stomach acid to give quick relief from heartburn and indigestion.

Anterior and posterior

Anterior means toward the front of the body and posterior means toward the back, so both words describe where something is.

Anthelmintic

An anthelmintic is a medicine that kills or removes parasitic worms, such as roundworms, tapeworms and pinworms, from the body.

Antibacterial

An antibacterial is a medicine or product that kills bacteria or stops them from growing. Antibacterial medicines do not work on viruses.

Antibiotic

An antibiotic is a medicine that kills bacteria or stops them growing; it treats bacterial infections, not viral ones like colds or flu.

Anticholinergic

Anticholinergic describes medicines that block acetylcholine, a nerve messenger, which can cause dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and confusion.

Anticoagulant

An anticoagulant is a medicine that slows blood clotting, used to prevent or treat harmful clots. It raises the risk of bleeding.

Anticonvulsant

An anticonvulsant is a medicine that helps prevent or control seizures. Some are also used for nerve pain, migraine or mood conditions.

Antidepressant

An antidepressant is a medicine used to treat depression, and often anxiety, pain and other conditions, by acting on chemical messengers in the brain.

Antifungal

An antifungal is a medicine that treats or prevents infections caused by fungi, such as yeast infections, athlete's foot and ringworm.

Antihistamine

An antihistamine is a medicine that blocks histamine, used for allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and hives. Some cause drowsiness.

Antihypertensive

An antihypertensive is any medicine used to lower high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers or diuretics.

Antimalarial

An antimalarial is a medicine used to prevent or treat malaria, and some are also used for conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Antiparasitic

An antiparasitic is a medicine that treats infections caused by parasites, such as worms, malaria parasites, lice or scabies mites.

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system makes antibodies that make the blood more likely to clot.

Antiplatelet

An antiplatelet is a medicine, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, that stops platelets clumping together to form clots in arteries.

Antipsychotic

An antipsychotic is a medicine used for psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and sometimes for other conditions.

Antiretroviral

An antiretroviral is a medicine that stops HIV from multiplying. Combinations of them, called ART, keep HIV under control long-term.

Antirheumatic

An antirheumatic is a medicine used to treat rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis; DMARDs aim to slow the disease, not only ease pain.

Antiviral

An antiviral is a medicine that works against viruses, stopping them from multiplying. Different antivirals work against different viruses.

Anuria

Anuria means the body is making no urine, or almost none. It is a serious sign, usually of kidney failure or a blockage, and needs urgent medical help.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis means the aortic valve of the heart is narrowed, so the heart must work harder to push blood out to the body.

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare, serious condition in which the bone marrow stops making enough of all types of blood cells.

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or irregular, because the heart's electrical signals are not working in their usual pattern.

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)

AST is an enzyme found in the liver, muscles, heart and other tissues; raised levels can signal stress or damage in one of these.

Ataxia

Ataxia means poor coordination or unsteadiness, such as a wobbly walk, clumsy hands or slurred speech, because the brain is not controlling movement smoothly.

Atelectasis

Atelectasis means part of a lung is not fully expanded, so the small air sacs there are partly or completely deflated.

Atypical

Atypical means cells look different from normal under the microscope, but not clearly enough to be called cancer.

Atypical antipsychotic

An atypical antipsychotic is a newer type of antipsychotic medicine used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and sometimes depression or other conditions.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance of the usual bacteria, often with a thin discharge and fishy smell.

Benign

Benign means not cancer. A benign growth does not spread to other parts of the body.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, common with age, which can make passing urine harder.

Benzodiazepine

A benzodiazepine is a type of calming medicine used for anxiety, sleep problems, seizures or muscle spasm. It can cause drowsiness and dependence.

Beta-blocker

A beta-blocker is a medicine that slows the heart and lowers its workload, used for blood pressure, angina, heart failure and some rhythm problems.

Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor

A beta-lactamase inhibitor is added to some antibiotics, such as clavulanate in amoxicillin-clavulanate, to stop bacteria destroying the antibiotic.

BI-RADS

BI-RADS is a scoring system from 0 to 6 used on mammogram, breast ultrasound and breast MRI reports to describe findings and next steps.

BID, TID and QID

BID, TID and QID are abbreviations on prescriptions meaning twice a day, three times a day and four times a day.

Bilateral and unilateral

Bilateral means on both sides of the body and unilateral means on one side only, and reports usually also name the side.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellow substance made when old red blood cells break down; the liver processes it so it can leave the body.

Bioequivalent

Bioequivalent means two versions of a medicine deliver the same active ingredient into the blood at about the same rate and amount.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure to take a small sample of tissue so it can be looked at under a microscope.

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder is a long-term mood condition in which a person has had at least one episode of mania, often with periods of depression too.

Bisphosphonate

A bisphosphonate is a type of medicine that slows the breakdown of bone, used to help strengthen bones in osteoporosis and some other conditions.

Blood Schizontocide

A blood schizontocide is an antimalarial that kills the malaria parasites in the blood stage, which is the stage that causes symptoms.

Borderline

Borderline means a result sits close to the edge between normal and abnormal, so it is not clearly in either group.

Boxed warning

A boxed warning is the strongest safety warning on a US medicine label, printed in a box, about a serious or life-threatening risk.

Bradycardia

Bradycardia means a slower-than-usual heart rate. It can be normal in fit people, or a side effect of some medicines.

Bronchodilator

A bronchodilator is a medicine that relaxes the muscles around the airways so they open wider and breathing becomes easier.

Bronchospasm

Bronchospasm is a sudden tightening of the muscles around the airways, making it hard to breathe. Severe bronchospasm needs urgent help.

Bronchospastic Disease

Bronchospastic disease means a lung condition, such as asthma, in which the airways tend to tighten suddenly (bronchospasm).

Calcium Channel Blocker

A calcium channel blocker is a type of medicine, such as amlodipine, that relaxes blood vessels and is used for high blood pressure and angina.

Candida

Candida is a type of yeast (a fungus) that normally lives on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina, and can sometimes overgrow and cause infection.

Candida infection

A candida infection (candidiasis or thrush) is an overgrowth of candida yeast, often in the mouth, vagina, penis or skin folds.

Caplet

A caplet is a tablet shaped like a capsule: smooth, oblong and often coated, so it is easier to swallow. It is still a solid tablet.

Carcinoma in situ

Carcinoma in situ means abnormal cells that look like cancer are found, but they have not grown beyond the layer where they started.

Cardiomegaly

Cardiomegaly means the heart looks larger than expected, usually on a chest X-ray, and it is a description rather than a diagnosis.

Cardiovascular mortality

Cardiovascular mortality means deaths caused by heart and blood vessel disease, such as heart attacks, heart failure and strokes.

Cataract

A cataract is clouding of the normally clear lens inside the eye, causing blurred or dim vision.

Cephalosporin

A cephalosporin is a type of antibiotic related to penicillin, used for many bacterial infections. Names often begin with 'cef' or 'ceph'.

Cholestatic jaundice

Cholestatic jaundice is yellowing of the skin or eyes caused by a slowed or blocked flow of bile from the liver.

Chronic hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B is a long-lasting liver infection with the hepatitis B virus, defined as infection lasting more than six months.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means the kidneys have been damaged or working less well for at least three months.

Chronic Urticaria

Chronic urticaria means itchy hives (raised welts) that keep coming back for more than six weeks.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is long-term scarring of the liver, where healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue so the liver cannot work as well.

Clinical correlation

Clinical correlation means the radiologist is asking your doctor to compare the scan with your symptoms, examination and other tests.

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea is a bowel infection, often after antibiotics, in which this germ overgrows and inflames the colon.

CNS depressant

A CNS depressant is any medicine or substance that slows down brain and nerve activity, causing drowsiness, relaxation or slower breathing.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of a covered health care cost you pay after meeting your deductible, such as 20 percent of the allowed amount.

Colitis

Colitis means inflammation of the colon (large bowel), which can cause diarrhea, tummy pain and sometimes blood in the stool.

Comorbidity

A comorbidity is another health condition a person has at the same time as the main condition being treated.

Concomitant

Concomitant means 'at the same time'; on a medicine label, concomitant use means taking two medicines during the same period.

Congenital malformations

Congenital malformations are differences in the structure of the body that are present at birth, such as heart, spine or lip and palate defects.

Consolidation

Consolidation on a chest scan means part of the lung that is normally filled with air is filled with something else, such as fluid or pus.

Contraception

Contraception means methods used to prevent pregnancy, such as pills, implants, injections, coils (IUDs) and condoms.

Contraindication

A contraindication is a reason not to use a particular medicine, test or procedure for a person because it could cause harm.

Contrast

Contrast is a dye given before or during a scan to make blood vessels and certain tissues show up more clearly.

Controlled substance

A controlled substance is a medicine or drug whose making, prescribing and supply are tightly regulated by law because it can be misused or cause dependence.

Copay

A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a covered health service or prescription, such as a set fee for each doctor visit.

Corticosteroid

A corticosteroid is a medicine similar to the body's own hormone cortisol, used to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.

Course of treatment

A course of treatment is the full planned period of taking a medicine, such as a set number of days of antibiotics.

CPT Code

A CPT code is a five-character code that describes a medical service or procedure, used on bills and insurance claims in the United States.

Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product from normal muscle activity that the kidneys filter out, so its blood level helps show how well the kidneys work.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

CRP is a protein made by the liver that rises quickly when there is inflammation or infection in the body.

Cryptococcal meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious fungal infection of the lining around the brain, mostly in people with weakened immune systems.

Culture and Sensitivity

A culture and sensitivity test grows germs from a sample to identify them, then checks which antibiotics can stop them.

CYP2C19

CYP2C19 is a liver enzyme that processes several medicines, including clopidogrel; how active it is depends partly on your genes.

CYP3A

CYP3A is a family of enzymes, mainly in the liver and gut, that break down a large share of commonly used medicines.

CYP3A Inhibitor

A CYP3A inhibitor is a medicine or food that slows the liver enzyme CYP3A, which can make other medicines build up in the body.

CYP3A4

CYP3A4 is a liver and gut enzyme that breaks down many medicines. Drugs or foods that block or boost it can change medicine levels.

CYP3A4 and CYP2D6

CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are two liver enzymes that break down many medicines; labels name them to warn about drug interactions and gene differences.

Cyst

A cyst is a closed sac with a thin wall that usually holds fluid, and simple cysts seen on scans are very common and usually harmless.

Cytology

Cytology is the study of individual cells, usually from fluid, a smear or a fine needle sample, looked at under a microscope.

Deductible

A deductible is the amount you pay for covered health care each year before your insurance starts paying its share.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, which can cause swelling and pain and needs prompt medical care.

Degenerative changes

Degenerative changes means wear-and-tear changes in joints or the spine that commonly happen with age and use.

Dehydration

Dehydration means the body has lost more fluid than it has taken in, so it does not have enough water to work normally.

Dementia-related psychosis

Dementia-related psychosis means hallucinations or false beliefs in a person with dementia. Many antipsychotic labels carry a boxed warning about it.

DHT

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a strong male hormone made from testosterone. It affects the prostate, body hair and scalp hair.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes where ketone acids build up in the blood. It is a medical emergency.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do this well enough.

Differential diagnosis

A differential diagnosis is a list of possible conditions that could explain a finding or symptoms, before the cause is confirmed.

Directly observed therapy

Directly observed therapy (DOT) means a health worker watches you take each dose of a medicine, most often for tuberculosis treatment.

Disc bulge

A disc bulge means a spinal disc extends a little beyond its normal edge, usually evenly around a wide area. It is very common.

Discharge summary

A discharge summary is a document written when you leave hospital that explains why you were there, what was done, and what happens next.

Discontinuation syndrome

Discontinuation syndrome is a set of symptoms that can appear when a medicine, often an antidepressant, is stopped suddenly or reduced too fast.

Diuretic

A diuretic is a medicine that helps the kidneys remove extra salt and water from the body, so you pass more urine.

Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Drug-resistant bacteria are bacteria that have changed so certain antibiotics no longer kill them or stop them growing.

Duodenal ulcer

A duodenal ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine just after the stomach.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the medical word for painful periods, usually cramping pain in the lower tummy before or during menstruation.

Dysplasia

Dysplasia means cells look abnormal under the microscope in a way that is not cancer, but in some tissues may lead toward cancer if left alone.

Edema

Edema is swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues, often in the feet, ankles and legs.

Effusion

An effusion is extra fluid that has collected in a space in the body, such as around the lungs, in a joint or around the heart.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

eGFR is an estimate of how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood, calculated from a creatinine blood test plus details like age.

Ejaculate volume

Ejaculate volume is the amount of semen released during ejaculation. Some prostate and hair loss medicines can reduce it.

Ejection fraction

Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood the heart's main pumping chamber pushes out with each beat. It is one measure of heart pumping.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals in the blood, such as sodium, potassium and chloride, that carry an electric charge and help the body work.

Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the endometrium, the inner lining of the womb (uterus).

Enhancement

Enhancement means an area becomes brighter on a scan after contrast dye is given, which shows it has a blood supply.

Epidural or Spinal Hematoma

An epidural or spinal hematoma is bleeding around the spinal cord that can press on it; it is a medical emergency needing urgent help.

Epistaxis

Epistaxis is the medical word for a nosebleed, bleeding from the inside of the nose.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It is common and often treatable.

Erosive esophagitis

Erosive esophagitis means the lining of the food pipe is inflamed and has small breaks (erosions), usually from stomach acid reflux.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus, the food pipe, which can cause heartburn, pain on swallowing or a feeling of food sticking.

Esophagus

The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and drink from the throat down to the stomach.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

ESR measures how fast red blood cells sink in a tube of blood over an hour; a faster rate can be a general sign of inflammation.

Exacerbation

An exacerbation is a flare-up: a period when a long-term condition, such as asthma, COPD or hepatitis, suddenly gets worse.

Excessive moisture

On a medicine label, 'protect from excessive moisture' is a storage instruction: keep the product dry so it does not break down or lose strength.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

An explanation of benefits (EOB) is a statement from your insurer showing what was billed, what the plan paid and what you may owe for a claim.

Extended-Release

Extended-release means a medicine is designed to release its active ingredient slowly over many hours, so it is often taken less often.

False Positive

A false positive is a test result that says something is present when it is actually not; a false negative is the opposite.

Fasting Sample

A fasting sample is blood taken after you have had nothing to eat or drink except water for a set number of hours.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron; its blood level gives a good idea of how much iron the body has in reserve.

Fetal toxicity

Fetal toxicity means a medicine or substance can harm an unborn baby during pregnancy. Some medicine labels carry this warning in a box.

Fever reducer

A fever reducer (antipyretic) is a medicine that lowers a high temperature, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen or aspirin.

Film-coated

Film-coated means a tablet has a thin outer layer that makes it easier to swallow, masks taste, or protects the medicine inside.

Fluoroquinolone

A fluoroquinolone is a type of antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, whose label carries warnings about tendons, nerves and mood.

Follow-up appointment

A follow-up appointment is a planned visit after a test, treatment or hospital stay to check progress and decide next steps.

Follow-up imaging

Follow-up imaging means having another scan later to see whether something has changed over time.

Fournier's gangrene

Fournier's gangrene is a rare, very serious infection of the skin and tissue around the genitals and anus that needs emergency treatment.

G6PD deficiency

G6PD deficiency is an inherited shortage of an enzyme that protects red blood cells, so some medicines, foods or infections can break them down.

Gastric ulcer

A gastric ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach, often caused by H. pylori infection or anti-inflammatory painkillers.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal (GI) means relating to the digestive tract: the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis means the stomach empties into the gut more slowly than it should, without a blockage, causing nausea, fullness and bloating.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition with ongoing, hard-to-control worry about many everyday things.

Generic vs Brand-Name Medicine

A generic medicine contains the same active ingredient as a brand-name medicine and must meet the same standards, but is sold under its chemical name.

GERD

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) means stomach acid often flows back up into the food pipe, causing heartburn or an acid taste.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve is damaged, often linked to raised pressure inside the eye, which can affect sight.

GLP-1 receptor agonist

A GLP-1 receptor agonist is a medicine that copies a gut hormone to help control blood sugar, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite.

Glucocorticoid

A glucocorticoid is a steroid hormone or medicine, like prednisolone or hydrocortisone, that calms inflammation and the immune system.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals in a joint, leading to sudden attacks of pain, swelling and redness.

Gout Flare

A gout flare is a sudden attack of intense pain, swelling, warmth and redness in a joint, caused by uric acid crystals.

Grade and stage

Grade describes how abnormal cancer cells look under a microscope. Stage describes how large a cancer is and how far it has spread.

Hay fever

Hay fever is an allergy to pollen or similar triggers, causing sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes. It does not cause a fever.

HbA1c

HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over roughly the past two to three months by measuring how much sugar is attached to red blood cells.

HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol away from the arteries back to the liver, which is why it is often called "good" cholesterol.

Heart failure

Heart failure means the heart is not pumping or filling as well as it should, so it struggles to meet the body's needs. It does not mean the heart has stopped.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid coming back up into the food pipe.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is the share of your blood volume made up of red blood cells, shown as a percentage or a fraction on a blood count.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a treatment where a machine filters the blood to remove waste and extra fluid when the kidneys cannot do it well enough.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body; its level is a key part of a full blood count.

Hemolytic anemia

Hemolytic anemia is a low red blood cell count caused by red cells being destroyed faster than the body can replace them.

Hemolyzed Sample

A hemolyzed sample is a blood sample in which red blood cells have burst, which can make some test results inaccurate.

Hepatic

Hepatic simply means 'to do with the liver', as in hepatic impairment (reduced liver function) or hepatic enzymes.

Hepatic dysfunction

Hepatic dysfunction means the liver is not working as well as it should, which can affect how the body handles many medicines.

Hepatic Enzymes

Hepatic enzymes are liver enzymes measured in a blood test; raised levels can signal that liver cells are irritated or stressed.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses, alcohol, some medicines or the immune system.

Hepatitis B Reactivation

Hepatitis B reactivation is when a past or quiet hepatitis B infection becomes active again, often due to medicines that weaken the immune system.

Hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity means damage to the liver caused by a medicine, chemical or supplement.

Herniation

A herniation is when part of something pushes out through a weak spot. On spine scans it usually means disc material pushing out of place.

Herpesviruses

Herpesviruses are a family of viruses that stay in the body for life after infection, including those that cause cold sores, genital herpes and chickenpox.

High and Low Flags (H and L)

An H or L next to a lab result means the value is above (high) or below (low) the reference range the lab printed on your report.

Histamine-2 receptor antagonist

An H2 blocker (histamine-2 receptor antagonist) is a type of medicine that reduces stomach acid by blocking histamine in the stomach lining.

HIV-1

HIV-1 is the most common type of human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks immune cells and is treated with antiretroviral medicines.

HLA-B*1502

HLA-B*1502 is a gene variant that greatly raises the risk of serious skin reactions to carbamazepine and some related medicines.

HMG-CoA Reductase

HMG-CoA reductase is the liver enzyme that controls how much cholesterol the body makes; statins work by blocking it.

Hydatid Disease

Hydatid disease is an infection with a tiny tapeworm (Echinococcus) that can form slow-growing fluid-filled cysts, most often in the liver or lungs.

Hyperdense

Hyperdense is a CT scan word for an area that looks brighter than the tissue around it because it blocks more X-rays.

Hyperechoic

Hyperechoic is an ultrasound word for an area that reflects more sound and looks brighter than the tissue around it.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia means high blood sugar (glucose). It is a key feature of diabetes and can also be caused by illness or some medicines.

Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia means the level of potassium in the blood is higher than expected. Some medicines and kidney problems can cause it.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity means the immune system overreacts to something, such as a medicine. It covers allergic reactions from mild rash to severe reactions.

Hypertension

Hypertension means high blood pressure: the force of blood against artery walls stays higher than it should over time.

Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia means the level of calcium in the blood is lower than the reference range printed on the report.

Hypodense

Hypodense is a CT scan word for an area that looks darker than the tissue around it because it blocks fewer X-rays.

Hypoechoic

Hypoechoic is an ultrasound word for an area that reflects less sound and looks darker than the tissue around it.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means blood sugar (glucose) has dropped too low. It can cause shakiness, sweating and confusion, and severe cases need urgent help.

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism means the testes or ovaries make too little of their sex hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia means the level of potassium in the blood is lower than expected. Some medicines, like many diuretics, can cause it.

Hypomania

Hypomania is a milder form of mania: a few days of unusually high or irritable mood and energy that others notice, without severe disruption.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia means the level of sodium (salt) in the blood is lower than expected. Some medicines can cause it.

Hypotension

Hypotension means low blood pressure. It can cause dizziness or fainting, and some medicines can lower blood pressure too far.

ICD-10 Code

An ICD-10 code is a letter-and-number code that describes a diagnosis, symptom or reason for care on medical records and bills.

Idiopathic

Idiopathic means the cause of a condition is not known. It describes the cause, not how serious the condition is.

Immune reconstitution syndrome

Immune reconstitution syndrome is when a recovering immune system reacts strongly to an existing infection, causing new or worse symptoms.

Immunocompromised

Immunocompromised describes a person whose immune system is weaker than usual, from illness or medicines, so they get infections more easily.

Immunosuppression

Immunosuppression means the immune system is working less strongly than usual, either because of a medicine or an illness, so infections are more likely.

Immunosuppressive

Immunosuppressive medicines lower the activity of the immune system, used to prevent transplant rejection and treat autoimmune diseases.

Impression

The impression is the summary at the end of a scan report, where the radiologist gives the main conclusions.

In-Network

In-network means a doctor, hospital or pharmacy has a contract with your insurance plan to provide care at agreed prices.

Inactive ingredients

Inactive ingredients are the parts of a medicine that are not the drug itself, such as fillers, colours, coatings and preservatives.

Incidental finding

An incidental finding is something seen on a scan or test that was not what the test was looking for.

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection, causing redness, heat, swelling and pain as the immune system works to protect and repair.

INR (International Normalized Ratio)

INR is a standardised measure of how long your blood takes to clot, often used to check blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitor

An integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) is a type of HIV medicine that stops the virus inserting its genetic material into human cells.

Interaction

A drug interaction is when one medicine, food, drink or supplement changes how another medicine works or how strong its effects are.

Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intracranial hemorrhage means bleeding inside the skull, in or around the brain; it is a medical emergency.

Intracranial hypertension

Intracranial hypertension means raised pressure of the fluid around the brain, which can cause headaches and vision problems.

Intramuscular

Intramuscular (IM) means a medicine is injected into a muscle, usually the upper arm, thigh or buttock, from where it is absorbed into the blood.

Intravenous

Intravenous (IV) means given directly into a vein, usually through a small plastic tube (cannula) or a drip.

Jaundice

Jaundice is yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood.

Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis is a dangerous build-up of acids called ketones in the blood. It is a medical emergency, most often linked to diabetes.

Ketones

Ketones are substances the body makes when it burns fat for energy instead of sugar; they can be measured in urine or blood.

Kidney disease

Kidney disease is any condition that damages the kidneys or reduces how well they filter waste and extra fluid from the blood.

Lactic acidosis

Lactic acidosis is a build-up of lactic acid in the blood that makes it too acidic. It is rare but serious and needs urgent care.

LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is the type of cholesterol that can build up in artery walls, which is why it is often called "bad" cholesterol.

Lesion

A lesion is a general word for any area of tissue that looks different from normal. It can be harmless or need further checking.

LI-RADS

LI-RADS is a scoring system used on liver scans in people at higher risk of liver cancer to describe how likely a spot is to be cancer.

Libido

Libido means sex drive, a person's level of interest in or desire for sexual activity.

Lincosamide

A lincosamide is a type of antibiotic, mainly clindamycin, used for some skin, bone, dental and other infections.

Lipodystrophy

Lipodystrophy means abnormal loss, build-up or redistribution of body fat, either in one area or across the body.

Liver damage

Liver damage means injury to liver cells. On medicine labels it is a warning that taking too much, or mixing with alcohol, can harm the liver.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help the body recognise and remember germs, especially viruses; they include B cells and T cells.

Macrolide

A macrolide is a type of antibiotic, such as azithromycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin, often used for chest and throat infections.

Maintenance Therapy

Maintenance therapy is ongoing treatment taken to keep a condition under control or stop it coming back, rather than to treat a sudden flare.

Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder is a common medical condition with low mood or loss of interest that lasts at least two weeks and affects daily life.

Malaria

Malaria is a serious infection caused by Plasmodium parasites spread by mosquito bites; fever after travel to a malaria area needs urgent testing.

Malignant

Malignant means cancerous. A malignant growth can grow into nearby tissue and may spread to other parts of the body.

Mania

Mania is a period of abnormally high or irritable mood with lots of energy, little need for sleep and racing thoughts, lasting days or longer.

Manic episode

A manic episode is a period of unusually high or irritable mood with high energy, little need for sleep and racing thoughts, lasting days or longer.

MAOI

An MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) is a type of medicine, mainly an older antidepressant, with important food and drug interaction warnings.

Margins

Margins are the edges of tissue removed in surgery. The pathologist checks whether abnormal cells reach those edges.

Mass

A mass is a lump or area of tissue, usually larger than a nodule, that takes up space. The word does not say whether it is harmless or not.

Mazzotti reaction

The Mazzotti reaction is an inflammatory reaction after treatment for river blindness or similar worm infections, as many worm larvae die at once.

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)

MCV is the average size of your red blood cells; it helps doctors narrow down the possible reasons for anaemia.

MDE (major depressive episode)

In medical notes, MDE usually stands for major depressive episode: a period of at least two weeks of depression symptoms.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma

Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare type of thyroid cancer that starts in the thyroid's C-cells, which make the hormone calcitonin.

Menopause

Menopause is when menstrual periods stop for good because the ovaries make much less estrogen, confirmed after 12 months without a period.

Metastasis

Metastasis means cancer cells have spread from where they started to another part of the body. The plural is metastases.

Microalbumin

Microalbumin is a test for small amounts of a protein called albumin in urine, an early sign that the kidneys may be leaking protein.

Microfilariae

Microfilariae are the tiny, early-stage larvae of certain parasitic worms, such as those that cause river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.

Monotherapy

Monotherapy means treating a condition with one medicine on its own, rather than a combination of medicines.

Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a long-term condition where the immune system blocks nerve signals to muscles, causing weakness that worsens with use.

Myelosuppression

Myelosuppression means the bone marrow is making fewer blood cells than usual, often as a side effect of some medicines.

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is the medical name for a heart attack: part of the heart muscle is damaged because its blood supply is blocked.

Myopathy

Myopathy means a problem with the muscles themselves, often causing weakness, aches or cramps. Some medicines, like statins, can cause it.

NAION

NAION is sudden loss of vision in one eye caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Sudden vision loss needs urgent medical help.

Necrosis

Necrosis means death of body tissue or cells in a particular area, caused by injury, infection, lack of blood supply or certain substances.

Neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis is an infection of the brain with larval cysts of the pork tapeworm, and is a common cause of seizures in some parts of the world.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, serious reaction to antipsychotics and some other medicines, with fever, stiff muscles and confusion. It is urgent.

Neurological

Neurological means to do with the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Neuromuscular blocking agents are medicines used during anesthesia to relax all the muscles, given only with full breathing support.

Neurotoxicity

Neurotoxicity means damage or disturbance to the brain, spinal cord or nerves caused by a medicine, chemical or other toxic substance.

Neutropenia

Neutropenia means a lower than normal number of neutrophils, the white blood cells that are the body's first defence against bacterial infection.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell and are usually the first to respond to bacterial infections.

Nil by mouth

Nil by mouth means a person should not eat or drink anything, usually before surgery, a procedure or certain tests.

Nitrates

Nitrates are medicines that widen blood vessels to ease or prevent chest pain (angina). They include nitroglycerin and isosorbide.

Nodule

A nodule is a small, rounded lump or spot seen on a scan or felt on examination. Most are harmless, but some need follow-up.

Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm (AF) that is not caused by certain serious heart valve problems or a mechanical valve.

NSAID

An NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) is a pain and swelling medicine such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin.

Nucleoside analogue

A nucleoside analogue is a medicine that looks like a building block of DNA or RNA, so a virus uses it by mistake and cannot copy itself properly.

Obstructive Airway Disease

Obstructive airway disease is a group of lung conditions, such as asthma and COPD, in which the airways narrow and it is harder to breathe out.

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a parasitic worm infection spread by blackfly bites that affects the skin and eyes.

Opioid

An opioid is a strong pain-relieving medicine, such as morphine, oxycodone or codeine. Opioids can slow breathing and cause dependence.

Oral Contraceptive

An oral contraceptive is a birth control pill taken by mouth that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy.

Oral suspension

An oral suspension is a liquid medicine in which tiny particles of the drug are spread through the liquid, so it must be shaken before each dose.

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure when you stand up, which can make you dizzy, light-headed or faint.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, where the smooth cartilage in a joint wears and the joint becomes painful and stiff.

Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis means an area of bone has died because it lost its blood supply; labels often mention it in the jaw or hip.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become thinner and weaker, so they break more easily, often after a minor fall or bump.

Ototoxicity

Ototoxicity is damage to the inner ear caused by a medicine or chemical, which can lead to hearing loss, ringing in the ears or balance problems.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you pay for covered, in-network care in a plan year; after that, the plan pays 100 percent of covered services.

Over-the-counter

Over-the-counter (OTC) means a medicine you can buy without a prescription, from a pharmacy, shop or supermarket.

Overdose

An overdose means taking more of a medicine or substance than the body can safely handle, which can cause harmful or life-threatening effects.

Overt

Overt means clearly visible or obvious, with signs or symptoms present, as opposed to hidden or found only by a test.

P-Glycoprotein

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a pump protein in the gut, kidneys and brain that pushes some medicines out of cells, affecting how much reaches the blood.

Paget's Disease of Bone

Paget's disease of bone is a long-term condition in which bone is broken down and rebuilt too fast, so it can become enlarged and weak.

Palliative

Palliative means care or treatment focused on easing symptoms and improving quality of life, rather than on removing the illness itself.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis causes severe belly pain and needs urgent medical care.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a mental health condition with repeated, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing worry about having more.

Paradoxical Bronchospasm

Paradoxical bronchospasm is a sudden tightening of the airways right after using an inhaler meant to open them; it needs urgent medical help.

Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism is a group of movement symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease: slowness, stiffness, tremor and unsteady walking.

Pediatric

Pediatric means relating to children. On medicine labels it refers to babies, children and teenagers, usually under 18 years old.

Penicillin Class

The penicillin class is a family of antibiotics, including penicillin, amoxicillin and flucloxacillin, that work by damaging bacterial cell walls.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Perennial allergic rhinitis is a year-round runny, blocked or itchy nose caused by allergies to indoor triggers like dust mites or pets.

Perennial nonallergic rhinitis

Perennial nonallergic rhinitis is a year-round runny or blocked nose that is not caused by an allergy.

Perforation

A perforation is a hole through the wall of an organ, such as the stomach or bowel. It is a medical emergency that needs urgent help.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is narrowing of the arteries to the legs or arms, reducing blood flow and often causing leg pain on walking.

Peripheral edema

Peripheral edema is swelling caused by fluid building up in the tissues, usually in the feet, ankles and legs, and sometimes the hands.

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet.

Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited condition in which the body cannot properly break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein and aspartame.

Pheochromocytoma

A pheochromocytoma is a rare, usually non-cancerous tumour of the adrenal gland that releases too much adrenaline-like hormone.

Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity means the skin reacts more strongly to sunlight, often burning or getting a rash much more easily than usual.

Physical dependence

Physical dependence means the body has adapted to a medicine, so stopping it suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms. It is not the same as addiction.

Placebo

A placebo is a dummy treatment with no active medicine, used in studies to compare against the real medicine.

Plasmodium Falciparum

Plasmodium falciparum is the malaria parasite species most likely to cause severe, life-threatening malaria; suspected cases need urgent care.

Platelets

Platelets are tiny cell fragments in the blood that help it clot and stop bleeding; the count shows how many are in your sample.

PO (by mouth)

PO on a prescription or chart means the medicine is taken by mouth, from the Latin per os.

Poison control center

A poison control center is an expert phone service that gives urgent advice if someone may have swallowed or been exposed to too much of something.

Poor Metabolizer

A poor metabolizer is a person whose genes make a particular drug-processing enzyme work very slowly, which can change how some medicines act.

Porphyria cutanea tarda

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a condition where a liver enzyme works poorly, causing fragile, blistering skin on sun-exposed areas.

Positive and Negative Results

On most tests, positive means the thing being tested for was found, and negative means it was not found; neither word means good or bad.

Postmenopausal

Postmenopausal describes a woman who has gone through menopause, usually meaning 12 months in a row without a menstrual period.

Premenstrual and menstrual cramps

Premenstrual and menstrual cramps are aching or cramping pains in the lower belly just before and during a period, caused by the womb contracting.

Priapism

Priapism is a painful or long-lasting erection that does not go away. It is a medical emergency needing urgent treatment.

Priming

Priming means getting a device such as an inhaler, nasal spray or injection pen ready by releasing a test spray or dose so the next dose is full.

Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is approval your insurer must give before certain treatments, tests or medicines are covered.

PRN

PRN on a prescription means "as needed": take the medicine only when you need it, within the limits your prescriber set.

Prodrug

A prodrug is a medicine taken in an inactive form that the body changes into its active form, usually in the liver or gut.

Progestin

A progestin is a man-made hormone that acts like progesterone, used in contraception, hormone therapy and some gynaecology treatments.

Prognosis

Prognosis is a doctor's view of how a condition is likely to develop over time, including the chance of recovery.

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis means treatment given to prevent a disease or problem, rather than to treat one you already have.

Proton pump inhibitor

A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is a medicine that greatly reduces stomach acid. Names usually end in '-prazole', like omeprazole.

Pruritus

Pruritus is the medical word for itching of the skin.

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland; its blood level can rise for several reasons, including enlargement, inflammation or cancer.

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks an artery in the lungs, usually after travelling from a leg vein. It is an emergency.

QT prolongation

QT prolongation means a part of the heart's electrical cycle, seen on an ECG, takes longer than expected. Some medicines can cause it.

Reference Range

A reference range is the span of results the lab expects to see in most healthy people, printed next to your result for comparison.

Referral

A referral is when one health professional asks another, usually a specialist or service, to see you or carry out a test.

Renal impairment

Renal impairment means the kidneys are not working as well as usual, so they clear waste and some medicines from the blood more slowly.

Respiratory depression

Respiratory depression means breathing becomes too slow or too shallow. It is an emergency when severe and is a key opioid warning.

Retinal toxicity

Retinal toxicity is damage to the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye, caused by a medicine.

Reye's Syndrome

Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious illness causing swelling of the brain and liver, mostly in children; it needs urgent medical help.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious breakdown of muscle tissue that releases substances into the blood which can harm the kidneys. It needs urgent care.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, perceives reality and behaves. It is treatable.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that comes back at the same time each year, most often in autumn and winter.

Secondary failure

Secondary failure is when a medicine that worked well at first becomes less effective over time, for example a diabetes tablet after months or years.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially serious reaction caused by too much serotonin activity, often from combining certain medicines. It needs urgent care.

SGLT2 Inhibitor

An SGLT2 inhibitor is a type of medicine, such as dapagliflozin or empagliflozin, that makes the kidneys pass extra sugar out in the urine.

Side Effect vs Adverse Reaction

A side effect is any effect of a medicine beyond the one intended; an adverse reaction is an unwanted, harmful response to a medicine.

SNRI

An SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) is a type of antidepressant that raises serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Somnolence

Somnolence means drowsiness or strong sleepiness. It is a common side effect listed on many medicine labels.

SSRI

An SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) is a common type of antidepressant, such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram.

Statin

A statin is a medicine that lowers LDL ('bad') cholesterol by slowing cholesterol production in the liver. Names end in '-statin'.

Status epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a seizure that lasts too long, or seizures that follow each other without recovery in between. It is a medical emergency.

Stenosis

Stenosis means a narrowing of a passage in the body, such as the spinal canal, a blood vessel or a heart valve.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious reaction, usually to a medicine, that blisters and peels the skin and mouth. It needs urgent care.

Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloidiasis is an infection with a tiny roundworm, Strongyloides, that can live in the gut for years and become serious if immunity is weakened.

Subcutaneous

Subcutaneous means under the skin. A subcutaneous injection is given into the fatty layer just below the skin.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors means thinking about ending your life, planning it or acting on it. It is serious and help should be sought right away.

Suicidality

Suicidality means thoughts about suicide, or behaviour linked to it. Some medicine labels warn to watch closely for it.

Sulfonamide

A sulfonamide (sulfa drug) is a medicine containing a sulfonamide chemical group. The best-known are antibiotics like sulfamethoxazole.

Sulfonylurea

A sulfonylurea is a type of type 2 diabetes medicine, such as gliclazide or glipizide, that makes the pancreas release more insulin.

Suppressive therapy

Suppressive therapy means taking a medicine regularly to keep a long-term infection or condition quiet, so flare-ups happen less often.

Susceptible bacteria

Susceptible bacteria are bacteria that a particular antibiotic can kill or stop from growing at usual treatment levels.

Syncope

Syncope is the medical word for fainting: a short loss of consciousness because not enough blood reaches the brain, with recovery on its own.

Systemic Fungal Infection

A systemic fungal infection is a fungal infection that has spread into the blood or internal organs, rather than staying on the skin or nails.

Taper

To taper a medicine means to lower the dose slowly over time, instead of stopping it all at once.

Tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement problem with repeated, uncontrolled movements, often of the face, linked to long-term use of some medicines.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the tough cord that joins muscle to bone, causing pain and stiffness near a joint.

Tendon rupture

A tendon rupture is a tear in a tendon, the cord joining muscle to bone. It often causes sudden pain and trouble moving, and needs prompt medical care.

Teratogenic

Teratogenic describes something, such as a medicine, that can harm a developing baby and cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Tetracycline class

The tetracycline class is a group of antibiotics, including doxycycline and minocycline, that stop bacteria from making proteins.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs or glitazones) are type 2 diabetes medicines that help the body respond better to its own insulin.

Thrombotic Event

A thrombotic event is a blood clot forming inside a blood vessel, such as a deep vein clot, lung clot, stroke or heart attack; it can be an emergency.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, serious blood disorder where tiny clots form throughout the body; it is a medical emergency.

TI-RADS

TI-RADS is a scoring system for thyroid nodules on ultrasound that helps decide whether a nodule needs a needle biopsy or follow-up.

Tophi

Tophi are firm lumps of uric acid crystals that can build up under the skin or around joints in long-standing gout.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, life-threatening skin reaction, usually to a medicine, in which skin blisters and peels; it is an emergency.

Toxicity

Toxicity means harm caused by a substance, often from too much of a medicine building up or a harmful effect on a particular organ.

Transaminase

Transaminases are liver enzymes, mainly ALT and AST, measured in blood tests. Raised levels can be a sign the liver is irritated or injured.

Triage

Triage is the process of sorting patients by how urgently they need care, so the most urgent are seen first.

Tricyclic Antidepressant

A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) is an older type of antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, also used at low doses for nerve pain.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve condition causing sudden, severe, electric-shock-like pain in one side of the face.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the blood; the body stores extra energy from food as triglycerides.

Troponin

Troponin is a protein released into the blood when heart muscle is damaged; it is a main blood test used to check for heart attacks.

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)

TSH is a hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the thyroid how much thyroid hormone to make; it is the usual first test of thyroid function.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by a bacterium that usually affects the lungs. It can be active (causing illness) or latent (dormant).

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the body does not use insulin well, so blood sugar levels run too high.

Tyramine

Tyramine is a natural substance in aged, fermented and preserved foods that can dangerously raise blood pressure in people taking MAOI medicines.

Unremarkable

On a scan report, unremarkable means the radiologist saw nothing that needed comment in that part of the body.

Upper respiratory allergies

Upper respiratory allergies are allergic reactions affecting the nose, sinuses and throat, from pollen, dust mites, mould or pet dander.

Uric Acid

Uric acid is a waste product made when the body breaks down purines; high levels can lead to gout and some kidney stones.

Urinary glucose excretion

Urinary glucose excretion means sugar (glucose) leaving the body in the urine, which is how SGLT2 inhibitor diabetes medicines lower blood sugar.

Urine Protein

Urine protein measures how much protein is passing into your urine; healthy kidneys normally let very little through.

Varicella

Varicella is the medical name for chickenpox, an infection with the varicella-zoster virus causing an itchy, blistering rash.

Vasomotor symptoms

Vasomotor symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats, most often linked to menopause, caused by changes in how blood vessels widen.

Venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot in a vein, covering deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Vital signs

Vital signs are basic body measurements, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, temperature and oxygen level.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a vaginal yeast infection (thrush), usually caused by Candida, with itching, soreness and thick white discharge.

WBC (White Blood Cell Count)

WBC is the number of white blood cells in a sample of your blood; these cells are part of the immune system that fights infection.

Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, usually caused by narrowed or inflamed airways.

Within Normal Limits

Within normal limits (WNL) means a result or exam finding falls inside the range expected for most healthy people.

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor

A xanthine oxidase inhibitor is a medicine, such as allopurinol or febuxostat, that lowers uric acid by reducing how much the body makes.