Glossary of Medical Terms – I

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IAB

Intra-Abdominal

Iatrogenic

Unintended and unwanted result of treatment

IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ibuprofen

An ingredient in certain over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications that reduce swelling, pain, and fever

IBW

Ideal Body Weight

ICD

International Classification of Disease

Iceland Moss

Cetraria Islandica–This herb is considered demulcent, tonic, and nutritive when deprived of its bitter principle. Recommended in chronic pulmonary troubles, catarrh, digestive disturbances, dysentery, and advanced tuberculosis

ICF

Intracellular Fluid

Icing Liver

Perihepatitis chronica hyperplastica

Icterus

Jaundice, Jaundiced

ID

Intraduodenal

IDST

Intraductal Secretion Test

IDU

-Injection Drug Use

IEL

Intraepithelial Leukocyte

IFN

Abbreviation for Interferon

IG

Immune Globulin

IG

Intragastric

IgA

ont>, etc–Immunoglobulin

IgM – IgG

Immunoglobulin type M, type G. Vulgarisation name: antibodies

IJ

Intrajejunal

IL

Ileum

ILDL

Intermediate Low Density Lipoprotein

Ileoanal Anastomosis

Surgical procedure where the entire colon together with the diseased inner lining of the rectum is removed, leaving the outer muscle coats of the rectum intact. The end of the ileum is tunneled through the remaining rectum and joined to the anus. Because the rectal muscles and anal valve are left intact, stools can be passed normally

Ileocolitis

Inflammation of the ileum and colon

Ileostomy

Surgical creation of an opening from the ileum to the surface of the body

Ileum

Lowest part or end of the small intestine

IM

Abbreviation for intramuscular (pertaining to injections)

Immune Adherence Reaction

Method for the detection of very small quantities of antibody in which the antigen-antibody-complement complex adheres to indicator cells, usually primate erythrocytes or nonprimate blood platelets. The reaction is dependent on the number of bound C3 molecules on the C3b receptor sites of the indicator cell

Immune Complex Diseases

Diseases caused by the formation of immune complexes in tissues or by the deposition of circulating immune complexes in tissues resulting in acute or chronic inflammation. Deposition of circulating immune complexes is generally associated with glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, synovitis, endocarditis, neuritis, and dermatitis. Locally formed complexes are involved in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases. Circulating complexes may result from administration of heterologous antigens (as in serum sickness) or from the immune response to microbial antigens or tumor antigens

Immune Globulin

Hyperimmune globulin is prepared from the plasma of individuals who have high titers of antibody against a specific organism or antigen. It is derived from artificially hyperimmunized donors or from persons convalescing from natural infections. Specific immune globulins available include those for hepatitis B, rabies, tetanus, and varicella-zoster

Immune Response

The body’s to specific invading antigens. The body’s protective reaction to an invasion by any disease-causing organisms or “foreign” substances

Immune Sera

Serum that contains antibody or antibodies; it may be obtained from an animal that has been immunized either by injection of antigen into the body or by infection with microorganisms containing the antigen. Antisera may be monovalent (specific for one antigen) or polyvalent (specific for more than one antigen)

Immune System

System which the body defends itself against invasion by viruses, fungi, bacteria, malignant cells and parasites. Cellular and molecular components having the primary function of distinguishing self from non-self and defense against foreign organisms or substances. The primary cellular components are lymphocytes and macrophages, and the primary molecular components are antibodies and lymphokines

Immune Tolerance

Specific failure of a normally responsive individual to make an immune response to a known antigen. It results from previous contact with the antigen by an immunologically immature individual (fetus or neonate) or by an adult exposed to extreme high-dose or low-dose antigen, or by exposure to radiation, antimetabolites, antilymphocytic serum, etc

Immunity

Physiologic state which makes the body able to recognize materials as foreign to itself and neutralize, eliminate, or metabolize them with or without injury to its own tissues

Immunity, Mucosal

Nonsusceptibility to the pathogenic effects of foreign microorganisms or antigenic substances as a result of antibody secretions of the mucous membranes. Mucosal epithelia in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive tracts produce a form of IgA (IGA, Secretory) that serves to protect these ports of entry into the body

Immunoblastic Lymphadenopathy

A disease characterized by fever, itching, rash, sweating spells, weight loss, proliferation of small blood vessels and of immunoblasts, generalized lymphadenopathy, and enlargement of the liver and spleen

Immunocompromised Host

Human or animal whose immunologic mechanism is deficient because of an immunodeficiency disorder or other disease or as the result of the administration of immunosuppressive drugs or radiation

Immunogenicity

The ability of a vaccine to stimulate the immune system, as measured by the proportion of individuals who produce specific antibody or T cells, or the amount of antibody produced

Immunoglobulin

Protein molecule functioning as a specific antibody, it  will bring about the humoral phase of immunity. Five possible types of Immunoglobulin include, IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE, IgD

Immunology

Branch of medicine that focuses on the immune system, allergies and induced sensitivity. Scientific study of the bodies response to antigens

Immunomodulating

Capable of altering immunity

Immunopathology

Damage to the host caused by its own immune response against a pathogen

Immunosuppression

Prevention or diminution of the immune response, as by irradiation or by administration of antimetabolites, antilymphocyte serum, or specific antibody; also known as Immunodepression. A reduction in the capacity of the immune system. Caused by infection (eg HIV), drug treatment, pregnancy and malnutrition among others. Immunosuppressed individuals are commonly referred to as immunocompromised

Immunosuppressive Agents

Agents that suppress immune function by one of several mechanisms of action. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Others may act through activation of suppressor T-cell populations or by inhibiting the activation of helper cells. While immunosuppression has been brought about in the past primarily to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, new applications involving mediation of the effects of interleukins and other cytokines are emerging

Immunotherapy, Active

Active immunization where vaccine is administered for therapeutic or preventive purposes. This can include administration of immunopotentiating agents such as BCG vaccine and Corynebacterium parvum as well as biological response modifiers such as interferons, interleukins, and colony stimulating factors in order to directly stimulate the immune system

Imuran^®

Immunosuppressive drug used with other immunosuppressive drugs to help prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ. Also known by its chemical name, azathioprine

Impaction

Hardened mass of stool difficult to pass from the body

Incidence

The number of new infections that occurs in a given period of time. The frequency of occurrence of a condition, disease, symptom, or injury

Incision

Cut, or a wound produced by cutting with a sharp instrument

Inclusion Bodies

Strange and unusual structures found inside a host cell during virus replication

Incubation Period

The time that elapses between infection and the appearance of symptoms of a disease

IND

Investigational New Drug

Indigestion

Term used to indicate any disruption in the digestive process. Symptoms commonly include heartburn, nausea, bloating, and gas. Physicians often call it Dyspepsia

Indirect Life Cycle

A life cycle which requires one or more intermediate hosts before the definitive host species is reinfected

Indirect Transmission

Transmission of a parasite through an indirect life cycle

Indocyanine Green

A green dye used especially in testing liver blood flow and cardiac output

Infantile Liver

Biliary Cirrhosis of children

Infarction

Permanent damage to tissue or organ from interruption of its blood supply

Infected

A host who has an infection

Infection

Disease that results from the presence of harmful microorganisms in the body. The presence of a parasite within a host where it may or may not cause disease

Infectious Diarrhea

Also called Traveler’s Diarrhea. Diarrheal illness caused by an infectious agent: bacterial, protozoan or viral

Infectious Disease Subspecialist

These subspecialists deal with infectious disease of all types and in all organs. Conditions requiring selective use of antibiotics call for this special skill. AIDs patients and patients with fevers which have not been explained are often diagnosed and treated by these subspecialists. Infectious disease subspecialists are experts in preventive medicine and conditions associated with travel

Infectious Period

The time period during which infecteds are able to transmit an infection to any susceptible host or vector they contact. The infectious period may not necessarily be associated with symptoms of the disease

Infiltrate

Introduce medication, typically local anesthetic, into an area of tissue

Inflammation

Localized protective response elicited by injury or destruction of tissues. Symptoms: pain, heat, swelling and redness, loss of function, involves a complex series of events, including dilatation of arterioles, capillaries, and venules, with increased permeability and blood flow; exudation of fluids, including plasma proteins; and leukocytic migration into the inflammatory focus. Condition in which the body is trying to respond to localized injury or destruction of tissues

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Name for a group of disorders in which various parts of the intestinal tract are inflamed. Most common disorders are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Debris

Damaged tissue and tissue-products resulting from inflammation (usually infection) rather than other pathological processes

Influenza A

Contagious infectious disease attributed to a filterable virus and causing fheadache, fever, pain in the limbs and back. Inflammation of the respiratory tract

Infotherapy

Information Therapy

Infusion

Extraction of the active properties of a substance by soaking or steeping it, usually in water

Ingestion

To consume orally

Inhalation

Act of drawing air into the lungs. Method of treating illness by inhaling medicinals rather than injecting or drinking them

Initial Treatment

The first time you are treated for a specific disease or ailment. Treatment after this is called Subsequent Treatment

Injection

Introduction of nutritional or medicinal materials through a needle into the body

Injection Site

Particular place on the body where the injection is made

Inlet Sinusoid

The entry channel from a portal venule into the sinusoidal network

Innervation

Distribution or supply of nerves to a part

Inoculum

The amount of parasite to which an individual host is exposed at transmission

Inorganic Phosphorus

Hyperphosphatemia may occur in myeloma, Paget’s disease of bone, osseous metastases, Addison’s disease, leukemia, sarcoidosis, milk-alkali syndrome, vitamin D excess, healing fractures, renal failure, hypoparathyroidism, diabetic ketoacidosis, acromegaly, and malignant hyperpyrexia. Drugs causing serum phosphorous elevation include androgens, furosemide, growth hormone, hydrochlorthiazide, oral contraceptives, parathormone, and phosphates. Hypophosphatemia can be seen in a variety of biochemical derangements, incl. acute alcohol intoxication, sepsis, hypokalemia, malabsorption syndromes, hyperinsulinism, hyperparathyroidism, and as result of drugs, e.g., acetazolamide, aluminum-containing antacids, anesthetic agents, anticonvulsants, and estrogens (incl. oral contraceptives). Citrates, mannitol, oxalate, tartrate, and phenothiazines may produce spuriously low phosphorous by interference with the assay

Inositol

Usually considered part of the vitamin B complex. Thought that along with choline, inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin within the body. Involved in calcium mobilization. Inositol aids in the breakdown of fats, helps reduce blood cholesterol, and even helps prevent thinning hair. A deficiency of Inositol may result in high blood cholesterol, constipation, eczema, and/or hair loss

In Situ Hybridization

A technique that localizes specific nucleic acid sequences within intact chromosomes, eukaryotic cells, or bacterial cells through the use of specific nucleic acid-labeled probes

Insoluble

An adjective that describes a substance that is incapable of being dissolved in a liquid

Insulin

Protein pancreatic hormone that is essential especially for the metabolism of carbohydrates and is used in the treatment and control of diabetes mellitus. Hormone produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, concerned with the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism by controlling glucose levels in the blood. Extracted from the pancreas of pork or  beef for use in treatment of diabetes

Insulin-Like Growth Factor

Either of two somatomedins that are produced in the liver and in fibroblasts, the adrenal glands, and the gonads, that are produced esp. in response to growth hormone, and that mediate growth hormone activity

Insulinase

An enzyme found especially in liver that inactivates insulin

Inter

Prefix meaning between or among

Intercostal

Between ribs

Interductal

Between ducts

Interferon

A naturally occurring chemical (protein) in the body that helps the immune system to clear viruses such as hepatitis B or C. Our livers produce at least 26 types of natural interferon. Produced by body cells in response to invasion by viruses and other intracellular parasites; it interferes with the synthesis of new virus and is effective against certain protozoal parasitic infections. Any of a group of heat-stable soluble basic antiviral glycoproteins of low molecular weight that are produced usually by cells exposed to the action of a virus, sometimes to the action of another intracellular parasite (such as bacterium), or experimentally to the action of some chemicals, and that include some used medically as antiviral or antineoplastic agents

Interferon-Alpha

One of the type I interferons (Interferon Type I) produced by peripheral blood leukocytes or lymphoblastoid cells when exposed to live or inactivated virus, double-stranded RNA, or bacterial products. It is the major interferon produced by virus-induced leukocyte cultures and, in addition to its pronounced antiviral activity, causes activation of NK cells. It is used experimentally in the treatment of hairy-cell leukemia

Interferon Alfa-2a

Interferon A (human leukocyte protein moiety reduced). A type I interferon consisting of 165 amino acid residues with lysine in position 23. This protein is produced by recombinant DNA technology and resembles interferon secreted by leukocytes. It is used extensively as an antiviral or antineoplastic agent

Interferon Alfa-2b

Interferon alpha 2b (human leukocyte clone Hif-SN 206 protein moiety reduced). Type I interferon consisting of 165 amino acid residues with arginine in position 23. This protein is produced by recombinant DNA technology and resembles interferon secreted by leukocytes. Used extensively as an antiviral or antineoplastic agent

Interferon Alfa, Recombinant

A type I interferon with antiviral and antineoplastic activity produced by recombinant DNA technology. Can be a mixture of the kind of interferon secreted by leukocytes or lymphoblasts

Interferon, Beta

The major interferon produced by double-stranded RNA-induced fibroblast cultures; the primary producer cells are fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and macrophages, and the major activity is antiviral activity. Called also epithelial, fibroblast, or fibroepithelial. One of the type I interferons produced by fibroblasts in response to stimulation by live or inactivated virus or by double-stranded RNA. It is a cytokine with antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulating activity

Interferon-Gamma, Recombinant

A type II interferon produced by recombinant DNA technology. It is similar to the interferon secreted by lymphocytes and has antiviral and antineoplastic activity

Interferon Inducers

Agents that promote the production and release of interferons. They include mitogens, lipopolysaccharides, and the synthetic polymers Poly A-U and Poly I-C. Viruses, bacteria, and protozoa have been also known to induce interferons

Interferons

Any of a family of glycoproteins that exert virus-nonspecific but host-specific antiviral activity by inducing the transcription of cellular genes coding for antiviral proteins that selectively inhibit the synthesis of viral RNA and proteins. Interferons also have immunoregulatory functions (inhibition of B cell activation and antibody production enhancement of T cell activity, and enhancement of NK cell cytotoxic activity) and can inhibit the growth of nonviral intracellular parasites. Production of interferon can be stimulated by viral infection, especially by the presence of double-stranded RNA, by intracellular parasites (chlamidiae, rickettsiae), by protozoa (Toxoplasma) and by bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci) and bacterial products (endotoxins). Interferons have been divided into three distinct types associated with specific producer cells and functions, but all animal cells are able to produce interferons, and certain producer cells (leukocytes and fibroblasts) produce more than one type (both interferon- and interferon). Abbreviated IFN

Interferon Type I

Interferon secreted by leukocytes, fibroblasts, or lymphoblasts in response to viruses or interferon inducers other than mitogens, antigens, or allo-antigens. They include alpha- and beta-interferons (Interferon-Alpha and Interferon-Beta)

Interferon Type II

Major interferon produced by immunologically stimulated (by mitogens or antigens) lymphocyte cultures; the primary producer cells are T lymphocytes, and the major activity is immunoregulation. IFN- has been implicated in aberrant expression of class II histocompatibility antigens by tissue cells (such as thyroid cells) that do not normally express them, leading to autoimmune disease

Interleukin-1

Macrophage-produced interleukin that induces the production of interleukin-2 by T cells that have been stimulated by antigen or mitogen; at least two types exist, designated and IL-1 or a similar protein is also produced by epithelial cells and stimulates fibroblast proliferation and release of proteolytic enzymes (e.g., collagenase) and prostaglandins in inflammatory processes. IL-1 also appears to be identical to endogenous pyrogen. Formerly called lymphocyte-activating factor (LAF)

Interleukin-2

Interleukin produced by T cells in response to antigenic or mitogenic stimulation and the signal carried by interleukin-1. It stimulates the proliferation of T cells bearing specific receptors for IL-2, which are only expressed by antigenically stimulated T cells. IL-2 also seems to induce production of interferon. It is used as an anticancer drug in the treatment of a wide variety of solid malignant tumors. Also called T-cell growth factor (TCGF)

Interleukin-3

Lymphokine produced by antigen- or mitogen-activated T lymphocytes, which stimulates proliferation of hematopoietic as well as lymphoid stem cells; a colony-stimulating factor for all bone marrow progenitor cells. IL-3 supports the growth and differentiation of early hematopoietic and lymphoid stem cells as well as that of more mature hematopoietic cells, including granulocytes, macrophages, and mast cells

Interleukin-4

Soluble factor produced by activated T-lymphocytes that causes proliferation and differentiation of B-cells. Interleukin-4 induces the expression of class II major histocompatibility complex and Fc receptors on B-cells. It also acts on T-lymphocytes, mast cell lines, and several other hematopoietic lineage cells including granulocyte, megakaryocyte, and erythroid precursors, as well as macrophages

Interleukin-5

Factor promoting eosinophil differentiation and activation in hematopoiesis. It also triggers activated B-cells for a terminal differentiation into Ig-secreting cells

Interleukin-6

Factor that stimulates the growth and differentiation of human B-cells and is also a growth factor for hybridomas and plasmacytomas. It is produced by many different cells including T-cells, monocytes, and fibroblasts

Interleukin-7

Hematopoietic growth factor that promotes growth of B-cell precursors and also is co-mitogenic with Interleukin-2 for mature T-cell activation. It is produced by bone marrow stromal cells

Interleukin-8

Cytokine that activates neutrophils and attracts neutrophils and T-lymphocytes. It is released by several cell types including macrophages, monocytes, T-lymphocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and keratinocytes by an inflammatory stimulus. IL-8 is a member of the beta-thromboglobulin superfamily. Structurally related to platelet factor 4

Interleukin-9

Factor that is thought to be a regulator of hematopoiesis. It has been shown to enhance the growth of human mast cells and megakaryoblastic leukemic cells as well as murine helper t-cell clones. IL-9 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 32-39 that is derived from T-cells, and maps to human chromosome 5

Interleukin-10

Factor that is a coregulator of mast cell growth. It is produced by T-cells and B-cells and shows extensive homology with the Epstein-Barr virus BCRFI gene

Interleukin-11

Lymphohematopoietic cytokine that has the ability to modulate antigen-specific antibody responses, potentiate megakaryocytes, and regulate bone marrow adipogenesis

Interleukin-12

Heterodimeric cytokine that stimulates the production of interferon gamma from T-cells and natural killer cells and also induces differentiation of TH1 cells. Consequently, it is the initiator of cell-mediated immunity

Interleukin-13

T-lymphocyte-derived cytokine that produces proliferation, immunoglobulin isotype switching, and immunoglobulin production by immature B-lymphocytes. It appears to play a role in regulating inflammatory and immune responses

Interleukin-14

Cytokine that induces B-cell proliferation, inhibits immunoglobulin secretion, and selectively expands certain B-cell subpopulations

Interleukin-15

Cytokine that stimulates the proliferation of T-lymphocytes and shares biological activities with IL-2. IL-15 also can induce B-lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation

Interleukin-16

Cytokine produced by activated T-lymphocytes that stimulates the migration of CD4-positive lymphocytes and monocytes. It has been reported to suppress HIV replication

Interleukin Receptors

Cell surface proteins that bind interleukins and trigger intracellular changes influencing the behavior of cells

Interleukins

Generic term for a group of protein factors produced by macrophages and T cells in response to antigenic or mitogenic stimulation and affecting primarily T cells

Internal Medicine

Branch of medicine dealing especially with the diagnosis and medical treatment of disorders and diseases of the internal structures of the human body

International Unit–IU

Quantity of a biologically active substance required to produce a specific response. This unit is often used to express a dosage amount

Intestinal Flora

Name for the bacteria, fungi and yeasts, that normally grow in the intestinal tract

Intestinal Mucosa

Intestinal lining. Surface lining of the intestines in which the process of absorption occurs

Interstitial

Situated within but not restricted to or characteristic of a particular organ or tissue, Affecting the interstitial tissues of an organ or part, Occuring in the part of a fallopian tube in the wall of the uterus

Intra

Prefix meaning within, into or during

Intrahepatic

Situated or occurring within or originating in the liver

Intravenous

Injected into a vein. Also called IV

Intravenous Drugs

Drugs that are injected by a needle directly into a vein

Intravenous Feeding

Procedure in which necessary fluids, nutrients and salts, are supplied to the body by way of the veins

Intubation

Insertion of an endotracheal tube to help an unconscious patient breathe

Investigational Drug

New drug that is undergoing clinical trials to try and prove its safety and effectiveness

Inversion

Turning inward, inside out, upside down, or other reversal of normal relation of a part

In Vitro

Latin term meaning “in glass”  or “in body”. The term is applied to biological processes studied experimentally in isolation from the organism

In Vivo

From the Latin meaning “in living” The term is applied the study of processes in the living organism

Iodine

Essential mineral that is an integral part of the thyroid hormones, thyroxin and triodothyronine which have important metabolic roles and govern basal metabolism. Iodine aids in the development and functioning of the thyroid gland, regulates the body’s production of energy, and helps burn excess fat by stimulating the rate of metabolism. The best known iodine deficiency symptom is goiter. Other iodine deficiency problems are reduced vitality, hypothyrodism, inability to think clearly, low resistance to infection, loss of control of the muscles of the mouth resulting in mouth contortion and drooling, defective teeth, tendency to obesity and cretinism which is a congenital abnormal condition marked by physical stunting and mental deficiency

Ion

Atom or group of atoms that has acquired an electric charge through the gain or loss of an electron or electrons

IPPB

Iintermittent Positive Pressure Breathing

Iridin

An oleoresin prepared from the common blue flag for use as a purgative and liver stimulant

Irish Moss

Also known as Carrageen and pearl moss. Used effectively as a demulcent and mucilaginous. Irish moss is considered an excellent remedy for bronchitis, coughs, tuberculosis, and intestinal problems. In its raw form, it is used as a bulk laxative, which coats and soothes the entire gastrointestinal tract. In various forms, it relieves peptic and duodenal ulcers in humans without having any adverse effects on the colon

Iron

Essential mineral. Iron’s major function is to combine with protein and copper in making hemoglobin. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Serum iron may be increased in hemolytic, megaloblastic, and aplastic anemias, and in hemochromatosis, acute leukemia, lead poisoning, pyridoxine deficiency, thalassemia, excessive iron therapy, and after repeated transfusions. Drugs causing increased serum iron include chloramphenicol, cisplatin, estrogens (including oral contraceptives), ethanol, iron dextran, and methotrexate. Iron can be decreased in iron deficiency anemia, acute and chronic infections, carcinoma, nephrotic syndrome, hypothyroidism, in protein- calorie malnutrition, and after surgery. The iron assay is one of the less reliable tests on screening panels, so any abnormalities should be followed with other inquiry concerning iron metabolism (history of blood loss, alcohol consumption, lab tests for TIBC, ferritin, etc) before undertaking therapeutic interventions. A deficiency of iron may result in general weakness, paleness of skin, constipation, and/or anemia

Iron Liver

The condition of the liver in hepatic siderosis

Irrigate

Wash out a wound or operative field with a cleansing fluid

Irrigation

Washing out of a wounded surface or cavity with a stream of fluid

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Also called IBS, Mucous Colitis, Spastic Colon. Common functional disorder characterized by  abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea or constipation or alternately by both

Irritant

Substance that produces irritation or inflammation of the skin or internal tissue

IS

Immune System

Ischemia

When the heart is starving for oxygen

Islets of Langerhans

Irregular microscopic structures, varying from a few to hundreds of cells, scattered throughout the pancreas and comprising its endocrine portion. There are three cell types: alpha, secreting glucagon; beta, secreting insulin; and delta, secreting somatostatin

Isoantigens

Antigens that exist in alternative (allelic) forms in a species, and thus induce an immature response when one form is transferred (as by blood transfusion or tissue graft) to members of the species who lack it. Typical isoantigens are the blood group antigens

Isoleucin

Essential amino acid. Essential for proper growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults

IU

International Units

IV

Intravenous

IV Catheter

Small needle with a hollow tube inserted into a vein and used to give medicines or fluids

IVDA

Intravenous Drug Abuse

IVDU

Intravenous Drug User

IVH

Intravenous Hyperalimentation

IVIG

Intravenous gamma globulin

IVN

Intravenous Nutrition

IV Push

Injecting medication rapidly into a vein to hit the blood system all at once

IVU

Intravenous Urography

 

© Vikki Shaw