Additional Abbreviations to Avoid

Question 1

μg

Answer 1

Intended: Microgram

Mistaken: for mg (milligram) resulting in one-thousand-fold overdose

Correction: Use “mcg” or “micrograms”

Question 2

@

Answer 2

Intended: At

Mistaken: for “2” (two)

Correction: use “at”

Question 3

cc

Answer 3

Intended: Cubic Centimeter

Mistaken: U (units) or zeros when poorly written

Correction: Use “mL”

Question 4

D/C DC

Answer 4

Intended: Discharge or Discontinue

Mistaken: Premature discontinuation of medication if D/C (intended to mean “discharge”) has been misinterpreted as “discontinued” when followed by a list of discharge medications

Correction: Use “discharge” and “discontinue”

Question 5

hs

HS

Answer 5

Intended: Half-strength or at bedtime (hour of sleep)

Mistaken: as SL (sublingual); SQ mistaken for “5 every;” the “q” in “Sub q” has been mistaken as “every” (e.g., a heparin dose ordered “sub q 2 hours before surgery” misunderstood as every 2 hours before surgery”

Correct: Use “submit” or “subcutaneously”