# Veterinary Laboratory Abbreviations: CBC, PCV, BUN, ALT, ALP, USG, ELISA, PCR and More

> Veterinary laboratory abbreviations — haematology (CBC, PCV, HCT, Hgb, RBC, WBC, Plt), biochemistry (BUN, CREA, ALT, ALP, AST, GGT, CK, TBIL), urine (USG) and lab methods (ELISA, PCR, EDTA, H&E) — each with its source.

- Source page: https://wevet.in/vet-abbreviations/laboratory-abbreviations/
- Type: Abbreviations
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-01
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Abbreviations for haematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, endocrine tests and laboratory methods, from the University of Michigan list of accepted veterinary shorthand [2], the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Library guide [1] and the Merck Veterinary Manual abbreviation list [3].

## Haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis

The table lists each abbreviation with the list that contains it; where two lists use different abbreviations for the same test (ALKP and ALP, CK and CPK), both are shown.

## Laboratory abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CBC | Complete blood count [1][2][3] |  |
| PCV | Packed cell volume [1][2][3] |  |
| HCT | Hematocrit [2] |  |
| Hgb | Hemoglobin [2][3] |  |
| RBC | Red blood cell count [2][3] |  |
| WBC | White blood cell count [2][3] |  |
| Plt | Platelet count [2] |  |
| TP | Total protein [2] |  |
| Chem | Chemistry panel [2] |  |
| BUN | Blood urea nitrogen [1][2][3] |  |
| CREA | Creatinine [2] |  |
| ALT | Alanine aminotransferase / alanine transaminase (see also GPT, SGPT) [1][2] |  |
| ALP / ALKP | Alkaline phosphatase [1][2] | ALP in the Illinois guide [1], ALKP in the Michigan list [2]. |
| AST | Aspartate aminotransferase [2][3] |  |
| GGT | Gamma-glutamyltransferase [3] |  |
| LDH | Lactate dehydrogenase [3] |  |
| CK / CPK | Creatine kinase / creatine phosphokinase [2][3] |  |
| TBIL | Total bilirubin [2] |  |
| Ca | Calcium [2] |  |
| PHOS | Phosphorus [2] |  |
| Na | Sodium [2] |  |
| K | Potassium [2] |  |
| Cl | Chloride [2] |  |
| USG | Urine specific gravity [2] |  |
| T4 | Thyroxine [1] |  |
| ACTH | Adrenocorticotropic hormone [1][3] |  |
| EDTA | Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [3] |  |
| ELISA | Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [3] |  |
| PCR | Polymerase chain reaction [3] |  |
| RT-PCR | Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction [3] |  |
| H&E | Hematoxylin and eosin (stain) [3] |  |
| CFU | Colony-forming unit(s) [3] |  |
| EPG | Eggs per gram (of feces) [3] |  |
| DIC | Disseminated intravascular coagulation [3] |  |

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between PCV and HCT?

PCV is packed cell volume [1][2] and HCT is hematocrit [2] — two separate abbreviations in the Michigan list.

### Are ALP and ALKP the same?

Yes — both abbreviate alkaline phosphatase; the Illinois guide uses ALP [1] and the Michigan list ALKP [2].

### What does USG mean?

Urine specific gravity [2].

## References

[1] Veterinary Abbreviations & Acronyms Guide — University of Illinois — Veterinary Medicine Library. https://www.library.illinois.edu/vex/vetabbrev
[2] Accepted Veterinary Medical Shorthand and Acronyms — University of Michigan research website (az.research.umich.edu) (last updated 2016). https://az.research.umich.edu/sites/default/files/media/embedded/Accepted%20Veterinary%20Medical%20Shorthand%20and%20Acronyms.pdf
[3] Abbreviations — Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/resourcespages/abbreviations

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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