A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

ABO - Blood Type - Proteins present in our blood cells (and most other cells) which are inherited from our parents and may present a barrier to receiving blood transfusions or organ transplantation. Your ABO - Blood Type is taken into consideration when you are waiting for a donor. (top)

ABO Testing - Blood tests that classify human blood into one of four groups: O, A, B, or AB. (top)

ac - Before meals. (top)

Acute Rejection - The body's attempt to destroy the transplanted organ. Acute rejection usually occurs in the first year after transplant. (top)

ad lib - To the amount desired or as frequently as desired. (top)

ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (top)

Adverse Reaction - An unintended side effect from a drug. (top)

Advocacy Organization - A group that helps someone get what they need or want, promotes a certain point of view, or pleads the case of another. (top)

AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (top)

Albumin - Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance in the body. (top)

Allocation - The process of determining how organs are distributed. Allocation includes the system of policies and guidelines that are followed to ensure that organs and tissues are distributed fairly to those waiting for them. (top)

Allograft - An organ or tissue transplanted from one individual to another of the same species i.e., human to human.
Example: a transplanted kidney.(top)

Anemia - A decreased amount of circulating red blood cells in the body. Anemia may result from blood loss, destruction of red blood cells or a decrease in the production of red blood cells. The hemoglobin level (hgb) is decreased in patients with anemia. (top)

Antibody - A protein substance made by the human body in response to a foreign substance, for example, a previous transplant, blood transfusion, virus or pregnancy. Because antibodies attack the transplanted organ, transplant patients must take drugs to prevent organ rejection. (top)

Antigen - A foreign substance, such as a transplanted organ, that triggers an immune system response. This response may be the production of antibodies, which try to destroy the antigen. (top)

Anti-rejection Drugs (Immunosuppressive Drugs) - Medicines developed to suppress the immune response so that the body will accept, rather than reject, a transplanted organ or tissue. These medicines are also called immunosuppressants. (top)

apmt, appt - Appointment (top)

Arteriogram - An arteriogram is a radiologic study (x-ray) or picture of the arteries in an organ system that is visualized through a special dye that is infused in the blood stream. (top)

Ascites - An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. (top)

B Cells - B cells are a type of lymphocyte or white blood cell, that develop in the spleen and are responsible for the body's immunity. B cells produce antibodies which help fight infection and foreign substances. (top)

Beneficiary - The person or other party designated to receive life insurance policy proceeds. (top)

Benefits - Services that are paid for by an insurance policy. (top)

bid - 2 times per day. (top)

Bile - Fluid made by hepatocytes, the liver cells, that is secreted into the bile ducts and then into the small intestine to help absorb fats. (top)

Bile Duct - A vessel in the liver that carries bile from the liver cells to the common bile duct. The common bile duct then carries bile into the intestine. (top)

Bilirubin - A substance made from the break down of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to body tissues. Red blood cells are trapped and destroyed in the spleen as they wear out. When these cells are destroyed, bilirubin is released into the blood (unconjugated bilirubin). The liver then processes this type of bilirubin, combines it with another substance and excretes the bilirubin (called conjugated bilirubin) through bile. Bile flows from the individual liver cells, through the bile ducts, and into the intestine where it leaves the body in the feces. The characteristic brown color of feces is due to bile. Patients with liver disease often have clay-colored or tan feces since the liver may not be producing bile due to missing or blocked bile ducts. (An elevated bilirubin level may also be a sign of liver rejection.) (top)

Biopsy - A biopsy is a procedure that provides a small amount of tissue from an organ, tumor, bone, or other body tissue to find out more information about that organ or tissue. A core needle biopsy is usually performed to examine liver tissue. A tiny cylinder of tissue, showing liver cells and how they are arranged, is removed through puncture with this needle. This tissue is examined under the microscope by a pathologist to determine the cause of liver disease, or to look for any evidence of rejection or infection. (top)

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - A test that indicates kidney function. The BUN is a product of protein breakdown, or waste product, normally excreted by the kidney. (top)

Blood Vessels - The veins, arteries and capillaries through which blood flows. Blood vessels can be donated and transplanted. (top)

BM - Bowel movement (top)

BP - Blood pressure (top)

BR - Bathroom or bed rest (top)

Brain Death - When the brain has permanently stopped working, as determined by the physician. Artificial support systems may maintain functions such as heartbeat and respiration for a few days, but not permanently. (top)

BS - Blood sugar (top)

BUN - Blood urea nitrogen (top)

C

C&S - Culture and sensitivity (top)

Cadaver - A dead body. (top)

Cadaver Donor - Someone who has died and before death agreed to donate his or her organs. (top)

Cadaveric - Refers to things about or relating to a dead body. (top)

Calcium - A mineral measured in the blood that is required for bone growth and for blood clotting. It is also needed for the heart and nerves to function. (top)

Cardiac - Having to do with the heart. (top)

CAT - Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT scan) (top)

Catheter - A flexible tube that enters or exits the body. Catheters may be used to drain body fluids (a Foley catheter drains urine) or to administer fluids or medications through a vein (a Broviac catheter). (top)

CBC - complete blood count (top)

CCU - Coronary or Cardiac Care Unit (top)

CHAMPUS - Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, now known as Tricare (top)

Charitable Organization - A group that does not charge a fee for its services. (top)

Chimerism - The existence of more than one genetic background within one person. Transplant recipients show chimerism through genetic markers since they have cells from the donor organ in their bodies. (top)

Cholangitis - A bacterial infection in the bile ducts of the liver. Cholangitis can occur if bile flow is obstructed due to scarring of the duct or an obstruction in the duct. It can also occur in patients who had bile duct reconstruction or the Kasai procedure when bacteria from the intestine can invade the liver. Symptoms of cholangitis may include fever, an elevated bilirubin level, jaundice and low blood pressure. Antibiotics are used to treat cholangitis. Patients with recurrent cholangitis may be prescribed a preventative dose of antibiotic daily. Treatment of the obstruction through surgery or transplantation will ultimately resolve cholangitis. (top)

Cholestasis - An accumulation of bile in the liver. This can be caused by medications, an injury to the liver, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or gallstones and may resolve over time or when medications or TPN are discontinued. Cholestasis may also occur as a symptom of many liver diseases. (top)

Cholangiogram - A test that examines the bile ducts in the liver for any leaks or blockages. A dye is injected into the bile ducts and then the liver is examined through an x-ray. (top)

Chronic - Having a disease for a long period of time. Chronic disease may worsen slowly over time. (top)

Chronic Rejection - Slow failure of the transplanted organ. (top)

Cirrhosis - Cirrhosis occurs when something destroys the liver cells causing the cells to die. When many cells die, there is scarring throughout the liver. A cirrhotic liver becomes very firm, unlike its normal spongy texture, and can be shrunken in size or enlarged. (top)

cm - centimeter (top)

CMS - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (previously known as the Health Care Financing Administration or HCFA) (top)

Coagulation - The process of blood clotting. A variety of factors are necessary for the blood to have a normal clotting ability. Clotting ability is assessed by several blood tests including the prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and platelet count. An abnormal clotting time is often see in patients with liver disease. (top)

Coagulopathy - Decreased ability of the blood to clot which increases the risk of bleeding, particularly with surgery or any invasive procedures such as biopsies. (top)

COBRA - Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (top)

Co-insurance - A percentage of money you must pay toward a service your insurance will cover. (top)

Cold Ischemia Time - The time an organ is without blood circulation -- from the time of removal of the organ from the donor to the time the organ is transplanted into the recipient. (top)

Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A blood test that measures many parts of your blood including the hemoglobin (hgb), hematocrit (hct), platelets (plt) and many types of white blood cells (WBC). (top)

Compliance - The act of following orders, adhering to rules and policies. Cooperation with the instructions, prescriptions and directions from your health care team; taking responsibility for your own health by following the advice of your doctors, nurses, and therapists. (top)

Co-payment (co-pay) - A flat fee that a person pays for healthcare services in addition to what the insurance company pays. (top)

Corticosteroid - A hormone produced by the body but given as a synthetic (manufactured) medicine to suppress your body's normal reaction (immune response) to infection and foreign tissue, such as a transplanted organ. Prednisone is an example of a synthetic hormone. (top)

Coverage Date - The day your insurance benefits begin. (top)

Covered Benefit - A service that an insurance company will provide payment toward. (top)

Covered Service - See Covered Benefit. (top)

CPR - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (top)

Cr - Creatinine (top)

Creatinine - The creatinine level is an indication of kidney function. It is a waste product produced by the muscles and released into the blood stream. Creatinine levels may be increased with kidney disease. Abnormal creatinine levels are also seen in patients with kidney dysfunction caused by liver disease or medications. (top)

Criteria (Medical Criteria) - A set of standards or conditions that must be met. (top)

Critical Care Unit - See Intensive Care Unit. (top)

Crossmatch - A blood test for patient antibodies against donor antigens. A positive crossmatch shows that the donor and patient do not match. A negative crossmatch means there is no reaction between donor and patient and that the transplant may proceed. (top)

Ctr - Center (Medical Center) (top)

CT Scan - Computer Tomography Scan - A noninvasive radiologic study that shows a detailed cross-section of organ and tissue structure. (top)

Cyclosporine - A drug used to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ by suppressing, or shutting down, the body's defense system (immune response). (top)

Cytomegalovirus - CMV - A virus commonly seen following transplantation that can cause an infection in the gastrointestinal tract, blood, liver, lungs and/or eyes. CMV is a type of herpes virus. (top)

DC, D/C - Discharge, discontinue (top)

DDS - Doctor of dental surgery (top)

Deceased Donor - A person who has been declared dead and whose family has offered one or more organs or tissues to be used for transplantation. The deceased donor contrasts with the living donor, someone who has agreed to donate a kidney or part of an organ while still alive. (top)

Deductible - A fixed amount of money you must pay for covered healthcare expenses before the insurance company starts to pay. This is usually a yearly amount of $250, $500, $1000, or more. (top)

Delayed Function - A condition in which the transplanted organ does not work well right after the transplant. (top)

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - The department of the Federal Government responsible for health-related programs and issues, including overseeing the OPTN and SRTR contracts and developing organ, tissue and bone marrow donation programs. (top)

Dependents - Those persons who also receive insurance benefits on your policy, for example, a spouse and/or children. (top)

Depilatory - A cream or spray put on the skin to dissolve and remove excess hair. (top)

Diabetes - A disease originating in the pancreas related to insulin production that causes high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. (top)

Dialysis - A procedure to remove waste products from the blood in patients with kidney disease. Patients with severe liver disease who develop kidney dysfunction may require dialysis until normal kidney function returns. (top)

Diastolic - This is the "bottom number" of blood pressure measurement when the heart muscle is at rest, expanding and filling with blood. (top)

Diastolic Blood Pressure - The bottom number in your blood pressure (80 in a blood pressure of 120/80), which indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest. (top)

Disability (Disabled) - A considerable limitation in major life activity that cannot be helped with the use of a corrective device or medication. A disabled person is someone who is unable to perform the necessary functions of a job with or without a reasonable modification. (top)

Disability Determination Service - A state agency that reviews your eligibility for vocational rehabilitation. (top)

Disability Insurance - A type of insurance that provides you with an income if illness or injury prevents you from being able to work for an extended period of time. (top)

Diuretic - A medicine that helps remove excess fluid from the body tissue by causing the body to excrete sodium. Furosemide (Lasix^®) and spironolactone (Aldactone^®) are diuretics . These medications will increase urine output. (top)

DO - Doctor of Osteopathy (top)

Donor - An individual who donates part or all of an organ to one in need of a transplant. (top)

Donor Card - A document that indicates your wish to be an organ donor. (top)

Donor Pool - A group of people eligible to donate an organ. (top)

Durable Power of Attorney - A document in which individuals may designate someone to make medical decisions for them when they are unable to speak for themselves. (top)

Dx - diagnosis (top)

ECG, EKG - Electrocardiogram (top)

ED - Emergency Department (top)

Edema - Swelling of tissue, particularly in the face, hands, legs and ankles. (top)

EEG - Electroencephalogram (top)

EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (top)

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) - A noninvasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. (top)

Electrolytes - The dissolved form of a mineral found in the blood that helps maintain bodily functions and fluid balance. Sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus and some of the electrolytes found in your body. (top)

Encephalopathy - Confusion or an altered mental status. Encephalopathy may be seen in patients with end-stage liver disease. Due to liver dysfunction ammonia cannot be metabolized by the liver. Ammonia builds up in the brain and interferes with oxygen getting to the tissue, causing confusion and tiredness. Medications such as lactulose, and a low protein diet can help decrease the ammonia level so that the patient does not develop encephalopathy. (top)

End Stage Organ Disease - A disease that leads to permanent failure of an organ. (top)

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)/Chronic Kidney Failure - End-Stage Renal Disease/chronic kidney failure. A condition in which the kidneys no longer function and for which patients need dialysis or a transplant. (top)

ENT - Ears, nose, throat (top)

ER - Emergency Room (top)

ESRD - End-stage renal disease (top)

Enzyme - A protein made in the body that is capable of changing a substance from one form to another. The ALT and AST are enzymes found in liver cells. (top)

ERCP - Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram - A test that examines the drainage system or ducts of the gall bladder, pancreas and liver (the biliary tree). (top)

Evidence of Insurability - Proof that you are healthy enough for a particular insurance company to insure you. (top)

Ex - Examination or exercise (top)

Exclusion - Medical services that are not paid for by an insurance policy. (top)

Experimental - New treatments, procedures or drugs that are being tested. (top)

F

FDA - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (top)

Federally Mandated - Required by Federal law. (top)

Fibrosis - The presence of fibrous tissue in the liver that causes scarring and liver dysfunction. Fibrosis develops into cirrhosis. (top)

Foreign Body - An entity that enters the body that is not supposed to be there, such as a germ, a piece of glass, a splinter or a transplanted organ or tissue. Your immune system normally attacks or tries to reject a foreign body to prevent further injury. (top)

Foundation - An institution that provides funds for causes, issues, groups, people, etc. (top)

Full Blood Count (FBC) - A blood test that measures many parts of your blood count including the hemoglobin (hgb), hematocrit (hct), platelets (plt) and many types of white blood cells (WBC). (top)

Fulminant - Happening very quickly and with intensity, for example, fulminant liver failure or fulminant infection. (top)

Fulminant Liver Failure - A severe from of liver disease that starts, then progresses very rapidly. (top)

Fungal Disease - An infection. Examples of fungal infections include candida, aspergillus, and histoplasmosis, which tend to be systemic infections. (top)

FUO - Fever of unknown origin (top)

Gall Bladder - A small sac-like object attached to the liver that stores bile. (top)

Gastroenterologist - An internal medicine physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the intestinal tracts and its associated organs such as the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. (top)

Gastroesophageal Varices - A disease which causes enlarged veins of the esophagus and stomach due to scarring in the liver that obstructs the normal flow of blood through the liver. (top)

Gender - The particular sex of an individual; male or female.(top)

Genetic - Referring to heredity, birth or origin. (top)

Genetic Matching - See tissue typing. (top)

GI - Gastro-intestinal (top)

Gingival Hypertrophy - Enlargement of the gums. It can be controlled by good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. (top)

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) - A measurement of kidney function used to determine the severity of kidney disease. (top)

Glucose - A type of sugar in the blood that supplies energy to the cell. Glucose levels may vary with diet, medications, stress and organ dysfunction. (top)

GP - General practitioner (top)

Graft - An organ or tissue that is taken from one person and placed into another (transplantation). A graft between humans or the same species with different genetic material is called an allograft. (top)

Graft Survival Rate - The percentage of patients who have functioning transplanted organs (grafts) at a certain point in time. The data is usually measured in one, three and five year time periods. (top)

Grant - An amount of money given as a gift, usually for a specific use. (top)

Group Health Plan - See Group Insurance. (top)

Group Insurance - Typically offered through employers, although unions professional associations and other organizations also offer group insurance. Most, of not all, of the premium is paid by the employer. (top)

gtt, gtts - Drop (top)

HCFA - See CMS (top)

hct - Hematocrit (top)

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - An insurance plan where you or your employer pay a fixed monthly fee for services, regardless of the level of care. You must usually see your primary care physician and then be referred to a specialist. (top)

Hematocrit (HCT) - A measurement of the amount of red blood cells in the blood. (top)

Hematoma - A bruise; Swelling caused by the accumulation of blood tissue. (top)

Hemodialysis - A treatment for kidney failure whereby the patient's blood is passed through a machine to remove excess fluid and wastes. The procedure usually takes about three to four hours per session and is usually done about three times per week. (top)

Hemoglobin (HGB) - A substance in red blood cells that gives blood its characteristic red color and contains iron and protein. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. (top)

Hemorrhage - A rapid loss of a large amount of blood; excessive bleeding. (top)

Hepatic - A term that refers to the liver or having to do with the liver. (top)

Hepatic Artery - The blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood to the liver from the heart. (top)

Hepatic Vein - The blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the liver to the heart. (top)

Hepatitis - An inflammation of the liver, usually caused by infection. (top)

Hepatologist - A doctor who specializes in caring for patients with liver disease. (top)

Hepatomegaly - A term that describes an enlarged liver. (top)

Herpes - A family of viruses that causes infection in humans. (top)

hgb - Hemoglobin (top)

HHS - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (top)

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) -High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels is higher than normal because the blood vessels have either become less able to stretch or have gotten smaller. High blood pressure causes the heart to pump harder to move blood through the body. High blood pressure can cause kidney failure and heart disease if not treated. (top)

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (top)

Hirsutism - Excessive hair growth. Hirsutism is a common side effect of cyclosporine(medication). (top)

Histology - The study of living tissue. The histology of a liver disease, for example, would be determined by examining a piece of liver tissue from a biopsy under a microscope. (top)

Histocompatibility (HLA System) - The examination of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in a patient, often referred to as "tissue typing" or "genetic matching." Tissue typing is routinely performed for all donors and recipients to help match the donor with the most suitable recipients to help decrease the likelihood of rejection of the transplanted organ. (top)

Human Leukocyte Antigens - Markers found on cells in the body that distinguish each individual as unique. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are inherited from one's parents. In donor-recipient matching, HLA determines whether an organ from one individual will be accepted by another. (top)

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) System - There are three major genetically controlled groups: HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR. In transplantation, the HLA tissue types of the donor and recipient are important in deciding whether the transplant will be accepted or rejected. Genetic matching is generally performed on kidneys and pancreata only. (top)

HMO - Health maintenance organization that provices insurance. (top)

HRSA - Health Resources and Services Administration (top)

hs - hour of sleep (top)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - A virus that destroys cells in the immune system, resulting in the eventual inability of the body to fight off infections, toxins, poisons, or diseases. HIV causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). (top)

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) - Molecules found on cells in the body that characterize each person as unique. These antigens are inherited from your parents. In donor-recipient matching, HLA determines whether or not someone will accept an organ from a donor. (top)

Hyperlipidemia - A high level of fats (triglycerides or cholesterol) in the blood. This can be caused by diet, genetic disorders or medications. (top)

Hypertension - High blood pressure. (top)

ICU - Intensive Care Unit (top)

IM - intramuscular (injection) (top)

Immune Response - The body's natural defense against foreign objects or organisms such as bacteria, viruses or transplanted organs or tissue. (top)

Immune System - A number of defenses, both cells and substances (such as antibodies) in your body which are designed to protect you from infections, but can also recognize and attack transplanted organs. (top)

Immunity - The ability of the body to resist a specific disease. (top)

Immunization - Providing the body with protection from certain diseases through vaccinations. (top)

Immunosuppressant - A drug used following transplantation to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ by suppressing the body's defense system. Drugs commonly used include tacromilus (Prograf, FK506), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf), prednisone (Deltasone, generics), azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), daclizumab (Zenapax), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), sirolimus (Rapamune, Rapamycin), and antithymocyte globulin (ATGAM, Thymoglobulin). (top)

Immunosuppressed - Describes the immune system of a transplant recipient which is weakened or inhibited by certain medications. Specific medications (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and prednisone) are used to lower the ability of the immune system to attack foreign cells (the transplanted tissue). Immunosuppression will help decrease the body's ability to reject the transplanted organ. (top)

Immunosuppression - The artificial suppression of the immune response, usually through drugs, so that the body will not reject a transplanted organ or tissue. (top)

Immunosuppressive - Relating to the weakening or reducing of your immune system's responses to foreign material Immunosuppressive drugs reduce your immune system's ability to reject a transplanted organ. (top)

Infection - Organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses that invade the body and reproduce causing a variety of symptoms. (top)

Inflammation - The swelling, heat and redness your body produces when it has an injury or infection. (top)

Informed Consent - A process of reaching an agreement based on a full understanding of what will take place. Informed consent has components of information sharing, understanding and freely make a choice. (top)

Inpatient Treatment - Treatment in the hospital involving at least one overnight stay. (top)

Insulin - A hormone secreted in the pancreas by the Islets of Langerhans that regulates sugar metabolism. Insulin helps the body use sugar and other carbohydrates. As insulin is released in the body, the blood glucose level decreases. (top)

Insurance Benefits - Service paid for by an insurance company. (top)

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - A unit in the hospital that has highly technical and sophisticated monitoring devices and equipment for seriously ill patients. The staff is specially trained to take care of these patients who are often critically ill or recovering from surgery. (top)

Intravenous (IV) - Within the blood stream - Fluids and medications may be given through your veins as well as by mouth. (top)

Investigational - A drug or procedure that is in a research phase and has not yet been approved for patient use by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Insurance companies normally do not pay for investigational drugs or procedures. (top)

IV - Intranvenous (top)

IVP - intranvenous pyelogram an x-ray of urinary structures with dye. (top)

Jaundice - Term used to describe a yellow appearance of the skin and eyes commonly seen in patients with liver disease. Jaundice results from an increased amount of bilirubin in the body. (top)

K - Potassium (top)

kg - kilogram (1 kg = 2.2 lbs) (top)

Kidneys - A pair of organs that remove wastes from your body through the production of urine. The blood in your body passes through the kidneys about 20 times every hour. (top)

L - liter (top)

lb - pound (top)

Legislation - A law or group of laws proposed or enacted that have the force or authority of a government or other organization. (top)

Leukocyte - A white blood cell. (top)

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) - Blood tests used to determine how well the liver is functioning. These include the ALT, AST, GGTP, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. (top)

LifeCenter (formerly OVLC) - The organ procurrement agency here in Cincinnati and the surrounding area that provides the specially trained personnel who handle the organ donation process. (top)

Lifetime Cap - See Lifetime Maximum. (top)

Lifetime Maximum - The total amount of money your insurance company will pay out for your covered expenses during your lifetime. Typical amounts are $150,000, up to $5,000,000. Once you have reached your lifetime maximum, you will no longer have insurance benefits. It is very important for you to know how your insurance dollars are being spent. (top)

Liver - A large glandular organ attached to your digestive tract by the bile duct, responsible for multiple important metabolic functions. (top)

Liver Transplant - Surgical treatment for individuals with end stage liver disease. (top)

Living Related Donor (LRD) - An individual who is a relative of the recipient who undergoes an operation to remove a part of his/her liver so it can be donated to the patient. (top)

Living Unrelated Donor - A person who is not related by blood who donates a kidney or part of a lung, liver or pancreas to another person, such as a husband who donates to a wife. (top)

LPN - Licensed practical nurse (top)

Lymphocytes - Cells produced by the lymph glands that are responsible for immunity. They defend the body against infection and foreign substances by producing antibodies and other substances. (top)

Magnesium - A mineral required for normal bodily function. Magnesium is involved in nerve, skeletal muscle, heart and cell function. It is also involved in blood clotting and the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins. (top)

Mail-Order Pharmacy - A pharmacy that provides medicines and medical supplies via the mail. (top)

Managed Care - A term used to describe insurance programs. Health maintenance organization (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and point-of-service (POS) plans and utilization review are all forms of managed care. (top)

Match - The degree of compatibility, or likeness, between the donor and the recipient. (top)

mcg - Microgram (top)

MD - Medical doctor (top)

Mg - Magnesium (top)

mg - milligram (top)

Medicaid - A partnership between the federal government and individual states to share the cost of medical coverage for welfare recipients and to allow states to provide the same coverage to low-income workers not eligible for welfare. Programs vary greatly from state to state. (top)

Medically Necessary - A specific healthcare service or supply that your insurance company has determined is required for your medical treatment and is also the most efficient and economical way to provide that service. (top)

Medicare - The federal government program that may provide hospital and medical insurance through social security taxes to people age 65 and over, those who have permanent kidney failure, and certain people with disabilities. (top)

Medicare-Approved Facility - A facility that meets Medicare standards for the number of transplants they do and the quality of patient outcomes. (top)

Medigap Policy (MedSupp, Medicare Supplementary) - Private insurance that helps cover some of the gaps in Medicare coverage. (top)

MELD/PELD Score - MELD - The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is a numerical scale, ranging from 6 (less ill) to 40 (gravely ill), that is used for adult liver transplant candidates. It gives each individual a 'score' (number) based on how urgently he or she needs a liver transplant within the next three months. The number is calculated by a formula using three routine lab test results.

PELD - Candidates under the age of 18 are placed in categories according to the Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) scoring system. PELD replaced the previous Status 2B or 3 for pediatric patients; Status 1 remains in place and is not affected by PELD.

PELD is similar to MELD but uses some different criteria to recognize the specific growth and development needs of children. PELD scores may also range higher or lower than the range of MELD scores. (top)

MI - Myocardial infarction (heart attack) (top)

min - Minute (top)

Mortality - Death (mortality rate = death rate). (top)

MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging. A type of radiaology procedure. (top)

ms - Morphine sulfate (top)

Multiple Listing - Being on the organ transplant waiting list at more than one transplant center. (top)

Na - Sodium (top)

National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) - Passed by Congress in 1984, NOTA initiated the development of a national system for organ sharing and a scientific registry to collect and report transplant data. It also outlawed the sale of human organs. (top)

Nephrotoxicity - Kidney damage, usually as a result of medications or other substances. (top)

Nephrologist - A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnoses, treatment and management of kidney diseases. (top)

NG -Nasogastric (top)

NGT - Nasogastric tube (top)

Nonadherence/Noncompliance - Failure to follow instructions for medical care after transplantation. This may include not taking medications as prescribed, not obtaining labs as instructed or missing clinic appointments and tests. Nonadherence is a significant post-transplant issue that often results in rejection, infection, an ultimately loss of the graft. (top)

Nonfunction - A condition in which a transplanted organ fails to "wake up" (work) after being transplanted into a recipient. (top)

NPO - Nothing by mouth (no food or fluids) (top)

NSAID - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (top)

O₂ - Oxygen (top)

OD - Doctor of optometry, right eye (top)

od - every day, daily (top)

OLT - Orthotopic Liver Transplant

Organ Procurement Organization Area - Each OPO provides organ procurement services for transplant centers throughout the United States. An OPO service area can include a portion of a city, a portion of a state or an entire state. OPOs distribute organs according to established allocation policy. (top)

OR - Operating Room (top)

Organ - A part of the body, made up of various types of tissues, that performs a particular function. Transplantable organs are the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. (top)

Organ Donation - To give an organ, such as your kidney, to someone in need of that organ, or to have your organs removed for transplantation after your death. (top)

Organ Preservation - Donated organs require special methods of preservation to keep them viable between removal and transplantation. Without preservation, the organs will deteriorate. The length of time organs and tissues can be kept outside the body vary depending on the organ, the preservation solution and the preservation method. Common preservation times vary from two to four hours for lungs to 48 hours for kidneys. (top)

Organ and Tissue Procurement - Recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation. (top)

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) - In 1984, Congress passed the National Organ Transplant Act that mandated the establishment and operation of a national organ procurement and transplantation network (the OPTN). It also called for the establishment of a scientific registry of patients receiving organ transplants. The purpose of the OPTN is to manage the nation's organ procurement, donation and transplantation system and to increase the availability of and access to donor organs for patients with end-stage organ failure. Members of the OPTN include all U.S. transplant centers, organ procurement organizations (OPOs), histocompatibility laboratories, voluntary healthcare organizations, medical and scientific organizations and members of the general public. The United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) established the OPTN in 1986 under contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and has operated it continually since that time under contracts with HRSA. (top)

Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) - OPOs are responsible for the recovery, preservation and transportation of organs for transplantation. As a resource to their communities, OPOs educate the public about the critical need for organ donation. Currently, there are 59 OPOs around the country and all are United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) members. (top)

Organ Procurement or Organ Recovery - The act of surgically removing an organ from a donor for transplantation. (top)

OS - Left eye (top)

OSOTC - Ohio Solid Organ Transplant Consortium - A group of people from all Ohio hospitals that provide liver transplant as a treatment for adults. They have agreed to share the precious resource of donated livers across the state and to judge together which patients are listed for transplant within the state. (top)

OS - Left eye (top)

OT - Occupational therapy (top)

OTC - Over-the-counter (medications) (top)

OU - Each eye (top)

Out-of-Pocket Expenses - The portion of health costs that must be paid by the insured person per year, including deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance. (top)

Outpatient Care (Ambulatory Care) - Medical testing or treatment done without an overnight hospital stay, performed in a hospital setting or at a doctor's office. (top)

oz - ounce (top) >

PAC - OPTN Patient Affairs Committee (top)

PAKTX - Pancreas after kidney transplant (top)

Pancreas - A long, irregularly shaped gland that lies behind the stomach and secretes enzymes into the small intestines to aid in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Islet cells within the pancreas consist of four types. The alpha cells secrete glucagons, which raise blood sugar levels. The beta cells secrete insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. If the beta cells fail, the individual becomes diabetic and may need to take insulin. The pancreas and the islet cells can be donated and transplanted. (top)

Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA) - This is a blood test used to find out how a potential organ recipient will react to a donor organ. A patient with a PRA of 80 percent will likely reject 80 percent of donor kidneys. Patients with a high PRA have priority on the waiting list. The more antibodies in the recipient's blood, the more likely the recipient will react against the donor organ. For example, patients who have received multiple blood transfusions are likely to have more antibodies in their blood and a higher PRA. (top)

pc - after meals (top)

PCA - Patient controlled analgesia (top)

PharmD - Doctor of pharmacy (top)

Pneumocystis (PCP) - A bacterial infection of the lungs that is more common in immunosuppressed patients. Transplant recipients are usually prescribed an antibiotic (Bactrium^®/Septra^®) to prevent this type of pneumonia. (top)

Platelet - A type of blood cell that is involved in the clotting process. Platelets help stop bleeding at the site of the injury by clumping and forming a clot. If the platelet count is low, there is an increased risk of bleeding. (top)

po - Orally, by mouth (top)

Portal Hypertension - This term describes increased pressure in the veins that collect blood from the stomach, spleen, pancreas and intestines (the portal system). The blood from all the veins of these organs is collected into the portal vein, which drains into the liver. In a diseased liver that has fibrosis or cirrhosis, the blood from the portal vein may not be able to flow easily through the liver. Increased pressure then develops in the portal vein and can cause an enlarged spleen, fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and/or enlarged veins in the stomach or esophagus ( varices). (top)

Pool - A group of people or objects with a similar characteristic or function. (top)

Portal Vein - The vein that collects blood from the stomach, spleen, pancreas and intestines and carries that blood to the liver. (top)

Potassium - A mineral required for normal body functioning. Potassium is important in helping the heart, nerves and muscles function properly. Potassium also helps change carbohydrates into energy and in forming proteins. The kidneys excrete any extra potassium in the body. It is important to follow potassium levels after transplant because some antirejection medications can cause an increase in the potassium level. (top)

Potential Transplant Recipient - A transplant candidate who has been ranked by the OPTN computer match program as the person to whom an organ from a specific deceased organ donor is to be offered.(top)

Pre-authorization (Pre-certification) - The process of notifying and getting approval from your insurance company before you proceed with an elective (non-emergency) medical procedure. If your insurance plan requires pre-certification and you do not obtain it, your share of the cost will be higher.(top)

Pre-existing condition - Any disease, illness, sickness or condition that was diagnosed or treated by a provider (insurance company) in the 12 months before the start date of your insurance coverage; also, anything that caused symptoms in those 12 months that would cause you to seek medical care.(top)

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) - A group of hospitals or physicians who have signed a contract with a particular insurance company to provide care to their members, usually at a discount. If you have a PPO insurance plan, your share of the cost is usually lower if you use one of the designated providers.(top)

Premium - Amount paid to an insurance company for providing medical or disability coverage under a contract.(top)

Private Health Plan - An insurance policy obtained by an individual, not through an employer.(top)

prn - As needed; part-time. (top)

Procurement - The surgical procedure of removing a donated organ or tissue.(top)

Prophylactic Antibiotics - Medications that are prescribed to prevent certain infections in a specific group of patients who are at a higher risk for these infections. (top)

Pruritis - Itching - Patients with liver disease may have increased itching due to liver dysfunction since there is an accumulation of bile salts in their skin. (top)

PT - Physical therapy (top)

PTLD - Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease - A wide spectrum of viral disorders associated with the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) that may range from a self-limiting mononucleosis ("mono", glandular fever) to a type of lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph nodes. PTLD is a complication of a suppressed immune system and occurs in only a small percentage of patients. Treatment includes lowering immunosuppression and administering antiviral medications. (top)

Pulmonary - Having to do with, or referring to, the lungs.(top)

q - every (top)

qd - every day (top)

qid - Four times per day (top)

qod - every other day (top)

R&B - (hospital) room and board (top)

RBC - Red blood cell (top)

Recipient - The patient who receives the organ from the donor during an operation (liver transplantation). (top)

Recovery or Retrieval - The surgical procedure of removing an organ or tissue from a donor. (top)

Rejection - Rejection occurs when the body tries to destroy a transplanted organ or tissue because it is a foreign object. Immunosuppresive (anti-rejection) drugs help prevent rejection. (top)

Renal - A term that refers to the kidney or having to do with the kidney. (top)

Retransplantation - Due to organ rejection or transplant failure, some patients need another transplant and return to the waiting list to be retransplanted. (top)

Required Request - Hospitals must tell the families of suitable donors that their loved one's organs and tissues can be used for transplant. This law is intended to increase the number of donated organs and tissues for transplantation by giving more people the opportunity to donate. (top)

Routine Referral - Hospitals are required on or before each death to call the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) in order to determine suitability for organ, eye and tissue donation. The OPO, in consultation with the patient's attending physician or his or her designee, will determine the suitability for donation. (top)

RN - Registered nurse (top)

ROM - Range of motion (as in exercise) (top)

RPT - Registered physical therapist (top)

RR - Recovery Room (top)

RST - Registered speech therapist (top)

Rx - Prescription (top)

SC, sc - Subcutaneous (injection) (top)

Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) - In 1987, Congress passed the National Organ Transplant Act that mandated the establishment of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and SRTR. The purpose of the SRTR is to provide ongoing research to evaluate information about donors, transplant candidates and recipients, as well as patient and graft survival rates. The SRTR contains historical data from October 1, 1987 to the present. The registry tracks all transplant patients from the time of transplant through hospital discharge, and then annually for up to 3 years or until graft failure or death. URREA, University Renal Research and Education Association, operates the SRTR under contract with the Federal Government. (top)

Second Opinion - A medical opinion provided by a second physician or medical expert after one physician has provided a diagnosis or recommended treatment to an individual. (top)

Sensitization - Patients become sensitized when there are antibodies in the blood, usually because of pregnancy, blood transfusions or previous rejection of an organ transplant. Sensitization is measured by panel reactive antibody (PRA). Highly sensitized patients are less likely to match with a suitable donor and more likely to reject an organ than unsensitized patients. (top)

Sensitized - Having antibodies in the blood, which means a potential recipient will react against a greater number of potential organs. Sensitization usually occurs because of pregnancy, blood transfusions or previous rejection of an organ transplant. Sensitization is measured by panel reactive antibody (PRA). a highly sensitized patient is more likely to react against an organ and, therefore, has a smaller pool of potential organs that he/she may receive. (top)

Shingles - A viral infection caused by the herpes zoster virus that usually affects an area by a nerve, resulting in fluid-filled blisters and pain. Shingles are most commonly seen on the neck, abdomen and legs. The virus can also affect the nerves of the eye. (top)

Side Effect - An unintended reaction to a drug. (top)

Social Security Administration - A federal government program best known for its retirement benefits. The Social Security Administration also administers disability benefits. (top)

Sodium- A type of salt found in the blood and required by the body to maintain the balance between electrolytes and water. (top)

soln - Solution (top)

Spend Down - For disabled people who have higher incomes but cannot pay their medical bills. Under this program, a person pays part of his or her monthly medical expenses (the spend down), then Medicaid steps in and pays the rest. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. (top)

SPKTX - Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (top)

Spleen - An organ located under the rib cage on the left side of the abdomen. The spleen removes old or deformed red blood cells white blood cells, and platelets. It also makes lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that help produce antibodies. The spleen may enlarge (splenomegaly) in patients with liver disease. (top)

Splenomegaly - Splenomegaly is a term used to describe an enlarged spleen. In patients with liver disease, splenomegaly results from portal hypertension. Splenomegaly can cause a low platelet count that may increase the risk of bleeding. (top)

Split Liver - A liver obtained from a cadaveric donor which is divided into two usable portions and then given to two different recipients. (top)

SSA - Social Security Administration (top)

SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance (top)

SSI - Social Security Income (top)

ST - Speech therapy (top)

Status - A code used to indicate the degree of medical urgency for patients awaiting heart or liver transplants. (top)

Steroids - Naturally occurring substances, such as hormones, found in your body that help control important functions. Synthetic or manmade steroids can be used to suppress your immune system. (top)

subcu, subq - Subcutaneous (injection) (top)

Supplemental Policy (Medigap Policy) - An insurance policy offered by private insurance companies, not the government, designed to pay for some of the costs that Medicare does not cover. These policies have limited coverage for medicines. (top)

Survival Rates - Survival rates indicate what percentage of patients are alive or organs (grafts) are still functioning after a certain amount of time. Survival rates are used in developing organ allocation policy. Since survival rates improve with technological and scientific advances, developing policies that reflect and respond to these advances will also improve survival rates. (top)

SW - Social worker (top)

Sx - Symptoms (top)

syr - Syrup or syringe (top)

Systolic - This is the "top number" of blood pressure measurement. The systolic pressure measures the pressure as the heart muscle contracts to pump blood around the body. (top)

Systolic Blood Pressure - The top number in your blood pressure (the 120 in a blood pressure of 120/80). It measures the maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts. (top)

T Cells - T cells are a type of lymphocyte, or white blood cell, that develop in the thymus gland which is located in the upper chest in front of the heart. T cells are associated with acquired immunity, or the ability of the body to fight an infection or foreign substance that it was exposed to in the past. T cells play a major role in the rejection process. (top)

T Tube - A "T" shaped stent sometimes placed in the bile duct after transplantation or other forms of surgery. The top of the "T" keeps the junction of your bile duct to the new liver's bile duct open, while the stem of the "T" exists through your skin and is kept under a bandage during the limited time (several months) the tube is needed. (top)

Termination of Benefits - Health insurance benefits stop when an individual has reached the lifetime maximum amount or when an individual is no longer eligible for the plan due to nonpayment of premiums or leaving his or her job. (top)

Thoracic - Referring to the heart, lungs or chest. (top)

Thrush - A fungal infection that looks like white plaques or spots in the mouth (oral mucosa), throat and on the tongue. Patients who are immunosuppressed are more at risk for developing thrush. (top)

tid - Three times per day (top)

Tissue - An organization of similar cells that perform a special function. Examples of tissues that can be transplanted are blood, bones, corneas, heart valves, ligaments, veins and tendons. (top)

Tissue Typing - The examination of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in a patient, tissue typing (genetic matching), is done for all donors and candidates in kidney transplantation to help match the donor to the most suitable recipient. (top)

TPR - Temperature, pulse, and respiration (top)

Transplant, Transplantation - To transfer a section of tissue or complete organ from its original position to a new position, for example, to transfer a healthy organ from one person's body to the body of a person in need of a new organ. (top)

Transplant Candidate - An individual who has been identified as medically suited to benefit from an organ transplant and has been placed on the waiting list by the transplant program. (top)

Transplant Physician - A physician who provides nonsurgical care and treatment to transplant patients before and after transplant. (top)

Transplant Program - A component within a transplant hospital which provides transplantation of a particular type of organ. (top)

Transplant Recipient - A person who has received an organ transplant. (top)

Transplant Surgeon - A surgeon who specializes in the transplantation of organs. Typically a general surgeon who has training in liver, kidney and pancreas transplantation or a cardiothoracic surgeon who has special training in heart or lung transplantation. (top)

TX - Transplantation (top)

Tx - Treatment (top)

u - unit (top)

U&C Fee - Usual and customary fee (top)

Ultrasound - A test that displays internal bodily organs, blood vessels, and ducts using sound waves. An ultrasound of the liver may be obtained to examine the size of the liver and spleen, the size and blood flow in the hepatic artery and portal vein and the size and patency of the bile ducts. (top)

UNOS - United Network for Organ Sharing - A nationwide umbrella for the transplant community; a non-profit organization that administers and maintains the Nation's organ transplant waiting list under contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Located in Richmond, Virginia, UNOS also brings together medical professionals, transplant recipients and donor families to develop organ transplantation policy. (top)

URI - Upper respiratory infection (top)

URREA - University Renal Research and Education Association - A non-profit organization established for the purpose of conducting clinical and economic studies. It administers the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) under contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, URREA is made up of researchers, biostatisticians, programmer analysts and research assistants who have experience in studying health-related issues. (top)

U.S. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients - A database of post-transplant information. Follow-up data on every transplant are used to track transplant center performance, transplant success rates and medical issues impacting transplant recipients. (top)

Varices - Enlarged blood vessels, particularly in the stomach and esophagus. (top)

Vascular - Referring to blood vessels and circulation. (top)

Ventilator - A machine that forces air into the patient's respiratory system when the patient is not able to breathe properly. (top)

Virus - A group of tiny infectious organisms that can only grow and reproduce themselves while living within cells of the body. After reproduction, the new viruses look for new cells to enter. (top)

Vital Signs (VS) - The measurement of temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory (breathing) rate. (top)

Waiting List - After evaluation by the transplant team a patient is added to the national waiting list by the transplant center. Lists are specific to organ type: heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, intestine, heart-lung and kidney-pancreas.

Each time a donor organ becomes available, the UNOS computer generates a list of candidates based on factors that include genetic similarity, organ size, medical urgency, proximity of the donor to potential recipients and time on the waiting list. Through this process, a match run list is generated each time an organ becomes available that best "matches" possible patients to a donated organ. (top)

Waiting Period - A period of time when you are not covered by insurance for a particular problem, such as a pre-existing condition. (top)

WBC - White blood cell (top)

Wean - To slowly withdraw or reduce; Immunosuppression, particularly steroids, may be weaned slowly over time in patients who do not reject the transplanted liver. (top)

White Blood Cell - This is a type of blood cell that fights infection. (top)

wk - week (top)

wt - weight (top)

yr - Year (top)