Engraving

Medical abbreviations for your ID, and the ones to avoid

Abbreviations save space, but only the ones responders recognize. Search the list below, then check the ones we recommend spelling out instead.

7 min read Written by the MiaMia studio in FloridaUpdated October 2026

Laser engraving a medical ID tag in the MiaMia studio

The short version

Use an abbreviation only when it is widely known (ICE, NKDA, T1D, AFIB, COPD).
Spell out anything that could be read two ways. "EPI" can mean epilepsy or epinephrine.
Write medicines by name: "ON ELIQUIS", not "BT".
When space runs out, move details to a wallet card or a QR profile instead of shortening more.

Search the abbreviations

These are abbreviations emergency teams commonly recognize. They are grouped by type; type a word to filter.

Abbreviation	Meaning	Good to know
ICE	In case of emergency	Put it before a contact: ICE: MOM 407-555-0123
NKDA	No known drug allergies	Only if it is true. It tells them all medicines are an option
NKA	No known allergies	Covers food and environment too
T1D	Type 1 diabetes	Widely recognized; add INSULIN or INSULIN PUMP
T2D	Type 2 diabetes	Add your medicine if you take insulin
IDDM	Insulin-dependent diabetes	Older term, still understood
HTN	Hypertension (high blood pressure)	Usually not urgent alone; add it if space allows
AFIB	Atrial fibrillation	Pair it with your blood thinner
CAD	Coronary artery disease	Add STENTS if you have them
CHF	Congestive heart failure	Add any device: ICD, PACEMAKER
ICD	Implanted cardioverter defibrillator	Spell PACEMAKER out, it is short enough
COPD	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease	Add O2 if you use oxygen
O2	Oxygen	e.g. COPD ON HOME O2
CKD	Chronic kidney disease	Add DIALYSIS if it applies
ESRD	End-stage renal disease	Often paired with DIALYSIS
AI	Adrenal insufficiency	Spell it out if you can: ADRENAL INSUFF.
MS	Multiple sclerosis	Can be confused with morphine sulfate; spell out when possible
PD	Parkinson's disease	PARKINSONS is clearer
TBI	Traumatic brain injury	Add how it affects you (MEMORY LOSS)
ASD	Autism spectrum disorder	AUTISM is shorter and clearer
ADHD	Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder	Widely known
SCD	Sickle cell disease	SICKLE CELL is clearer
VWD	Von Willebrand disease	Bleeding disorder; add your treatment center if needed
G6PD	G6PD deficiency	Some medicines must be avoided
CF	Cystic fibrosis	Widely known by doctors
OSA	Obstructive sleep apnea	Add CPAP if you use one
CPAP	Breathing machine for sleep apnea	Important if you need anesthesia
CGM	Continuous glucose monitor	Tells them a sensor is on your body
PCN	Penicillin	Use with ALLERGY: ALLERGY PCN
ASA	Aspirin	Use with ALLERGY or ON
NSAIDS	Ibuprofen, naproxen and similar	e.g. NO NSAIDS
SULFA	Sulfa antibiotics	e.g. ALLERGY SULFA
DNR	Do not resuscitate	Only with your doctor's paperwork; rules vary by state
HX	History of	e.g. HX STROKE
DX	Diagnosis	Rarely needed on an ID
RX	Prescription	e.g. RX LIST IN WALLET
W/	With	Saves 2 characters: T1D W/ PUMP

Recognition can vary. If you are unsure about an abbreviation, spell it out or ask your doctor.

Spell these out instead

These short forms appear online but can be misread in an emergency. The full word usually fits on one line.

Avoid	Why	Write instead
EPI	Epilepsy or epinephrine (EpiPen)?	EPILEPSY · EPIPEN IN BAG
BT	Not a standard term	ON BLOOD THINNERS · ON ELIQUIS
DM	Can be read many ways	DIABETES · T1D · T2D
ALG / ALL	Not standard for allergy	ALLERGY: PEANUTS
SEIZ	Not standard	SEIZURES · EPILEPSY
ASTH / ASM	Not standard	ASTHMA
MS (for medicines)	Morphine sulfate or multiple sclerosis?	MORPHINE · MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Symbols you will see on medical IDs

Symbols help an ID get noticed. They work alongside your engraving, not instead of it.

The red medical symbol (Star of Life or caduceus): tells everyone this is medical information. Every MiaMia medical ID carries one.
Heart: often used for heart conditions and devices.
Drop: often used for diabetes.
QR code: means there is a digital profile with more details. Learn more in our QR & NFC guide.

Responders rely on words, not icons. Keep your most important line in plain text.

Bar necklaces engraved with the medical symbol and Type 1 Diabetes

Abbreviations at work

Three tags that stay clear while saving space.

Diabetes with a pumpT1D and W/ save room for the name.

Heart and blood thinnerAFIB is widely known; the medicine is spelled out.

LungsCOPD and O2 say a lot in one line.

Questions

How many characters fit on a line?

Most MiaMia pieces fit about 20 characters per line, including spaces. Each product shows its own limit, and the planner counts for you.

Should I write ALLERGY or ALLERGIC TO?

"ALLERGY:" or "ALLERGY" followed by the item is shorter and widely understood: ALLERGY PCN, ALLERGY PEANUTS.

Is NKDA worth engraving?

Only if you have no drug allergies and space allows. It is useful information, but your condition and contacts come first.

This guide shares general information to help you plan your medical ID. It is not medical advice. Ask your doctor what is most important to show for your condition.

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