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What Does HC Mean in Medical Terms?
HC stands for head circumference. Measurement around the largest part of the head.
head circumference
Measurement around the largest part of the head.
Where you will see HC
You will most often see HC in children’s health records, observation charts and bedside assessments.
Example
A chart note might use “HC” as shorthand for head circumference when documenting a patient's care.
Related abbreviations
- 1-3-6 — EHDI 1-3-6 benchmarks (screen diagnose intervene)
- 17-OHP — 17-hydroxyprogesterone
- 21-hydroxylase — 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH)
- 3 Cs measles — three Cs of measles (cough coryza conjunctivitis)
- 4AT — 4 A's test
- 90-90 traction — ninety-ninety traction (femur)
- A&O — alert and oriented
- 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.