Asterisk

Asterisk (medicine)

Asterisk (pronounced: /ˈæstərɪsk/) is a term used in various fields of medicine to denote a significant or noteworthy feature. The term is derived from the Greek word 'asteriskos', meaning 'little star'.

In the context of medicine, an asterisk is often used to highlight abnormal findings in medical reports or to denote a footnote explaining a particular aspect of a patient's medical history or condition.

Usage in Medical Reports

In medical reports, an asterisk is often used to denote abnormal findings. For example, in a complete blood count (CBC) report, an asterisk might be used to highlight a high or low value that is outside the normal range. This allows healthcare professionals to quickly identify potential issues that may require further investigation or treatment.

Usage in Medical History

In a patient's medical history, an asterisk might be used to denote a significant event or condition. For example, a doctor might use an asterisk to highlight a previous heart attack or a chronic condition like diabetes. This allows healthcare professionals to quickly identify key aspects of a patient's medical history that may impact their current health or treatment plan.

Related Terms

Footnote: A note at the bottom of a page in a book or document that provides additional information or clarification about something mentioned in the main text.
Annotation: A note added to a text or diagram to provide explanation or comment.
Abnormal Findings: Results that are outside the normal range in a medical test or examination.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Asterisk
Wikipedia's article - Asterisk

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