Alert
This site has not been optimised for Internet Explorer due to Microsoft no longer providing support for the browser. Please view this site using another browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Te Pū rauemi KOWHEORI-19 COVID-19 resource hub

Support for people working in health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find information about how you can support yourselves and others, including consumers, teams and colleagues which complements and aligns with Ministry of Health resources.

Kia āta kōwhiri Choosing Wisely

The Choosing Wisely campaign seeks to reduce harm from unnecessary and low-value tests and treatment.

Back to previous page

Error-prone abbreviations, symbols and dose designations not to use

1 Jul 2022

This poster and quick reference card list abbreviations, symbols and dose designations that have been reported internationally as being frequently misinterpreted and involved in harmful medication errors. They should NEVER be used when communicating medicine-related information verbally, handwritten, pre-printed or electronically.

The poster may be printed for display purposes in A4 or A3 size and in colour or black and white. You can print your preferred option by changing the settings on your printer.

The smaller card may be printed and laminated and used as a quick reference point. The card has been designed with a punch hole for use on a lanyard or may be kept to hand in a wallet or pocket. The attached file may be printed double sided and the individual cards cut out and laminated. (Note, if your printer does not line up perfectly then you may need to print single sided and laminate together.)

For more information on this topic please see Alert 4: Abbreviations when prescribing medicines

Related Resources

Click here for information on the FDA/ISMP Campaign to Eliminate Dangerous Abbreviations in the United States.


Published: 1 Jul 2022 Modified: 1 Jul 2022