Book Review

Medical Abbreviations: 14,000 Conveniences at the Expense of Communications and Safety

Neil M. Davis, MS, PharmD, FASHP
Neil M. Davis Associates

“....72 YO WDWNWM BIBA admitted to CPETU c/o PND & DOE. TBNA in EDTU last wk for CP relieved by NTG. Prev Adm for PTCA 1986, LC 1996, & TUMT 1998. ATSO Dr. Kraft” So begins this latest edition of Medical Abbreviations, a paperback handbook that should be in the library of health practitioners. This easy-to-use book contains chapters related to abbreviations, acronyms, symbols and numbers. It also contains a cross-referenced listing of 2900 drug generic and trade names, as well as normal laboratory values. Tables of “dangerous” abbreviations and alternatives are provided, as well as abbreviations that have contradictory or ambiguous meanings. It also contains a page for readers to submit additional abbreviations and their meanings to the author for the next edition. This very complete text contains 14,000 conveniences listing 20,000 meanings and is highly recommended.