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Abbreviations

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

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 (34)

AbbreviationMeaningNote
CBCComplete blood count [1][2][3]
PCVPacked cell volume [1][2][3]
HCTHematocrit [2]
HgbHemoglobin [2][3]
RBCRed blood cell count [2][3]
WBCWhite blood cell count [2][3]
PltPlatelet count [2]
TPTotal protein [2]
ChemChemistry panel [2]
BUNBlood urea nitrogen [1][2][3]
CREACreatinine [2]
ALTAlanine aminotransferase / alanine transaminase (see also GPT, SGPT) [1][2]
ALP / ALKPAlkaline phosphatase [1][2]ALP in the Illinois guide [1], ALKP in the Michigan list [2].
ASTAspartate aminotransferase [2][3]
GGTGamma-glutamyltransferase [3]
LDHLactate dehydrogenase [3]
CK / CPKCreatine kinase / creatine phosphokinase [2][3]
TBILTotal bilirubin [2]
CaCalcium [2]
PHOSPhosphorus [2]
NaSodium [2]
KPotassium [2]
ClChloride [2]
USGUrine specific gravity [2]
T4Thyroxine [1]
ACTHAdrenocorticotropic hormone [1][3]
EDTAEthylenediaminetetraacetic acid [3]
ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [3]
PCRPolymerase chain reaction [3]
RT-PCRReverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction [3]
H&EHematoxylin and eosin (stain) [3]
CFUColony-forming unit(s) [3]
EPGEggs per gram (of feces) [3]
DICDisseminated 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].

Related tools and references

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References

  1. Veterinary Abbreviations & Acronyms GuideUniversity of Illinois — Veterinary Medicine Library
  2. Accepted Veterinary Medical Shorthand and AcronymsUniversity of Michigan research website (az.research.umich.edu) · last updated 2016
  3. AbbreviationsMerck Veterinary Manual

For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.

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