- Physical Examination
- Surgical Examination
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Skills
- Orthopedics
- Surgery Videos
- Laparoscopy
- Pediatrics
- Funny Videos
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Nursing Videos
- Plastic Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Histology and Histopathology
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Dentistry
- Oncology and Cancers
- Anatomy Videos
- Health and Fitness
- Radiology
- Anaesthesia
- Physical Therapy
- Pharmacology
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Childbirth Videos
- General Medical Videos
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Diet and Food Health
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Neurology
- Women Health
- Osteoporosis
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Toxicology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Disease
- Reproductive Health
- Burns and Wound Healing
- Kidney Zone Podcast
- Other
What Does DTR Mean in Medical Terms?
DTR stands for deep tendon reflex. Reflex tested by tapping a tendon.
deep tendon reflex
Reflex tested by tapping a tendon.
Where you will see DTR
You will most often see DTR in neurology notes and assessments, observation charts and bedside assessments.
Example
A chart note might use “DTR” as shorthand for deep tendon reflex when documenting a patient's care.
Related abbreviations
- 14-3-3 — 14-3-3 protein (CSF)
- 3% saline — three percent saline (hypertonic)
- 3D-CAM — 3-minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method
- 4AT — 4 A's test
- 9HPT — Nine-Hole Peg Test
- A&O — alert and oriented
- A&O x4 — alert and oriented times four (person place time situation)
- A&P — auscultation and percussion
Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.
Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.