What Does ICU Mean in Medical Terms?

ICU stands for intensive care unit. Unit for critically ill patients needing close monitoring.

Where you will see ICU

You will most often see ICU in emergency department and intensive care records.

Example

A chart note might use “ICU” as shorthand for intensive care unit when documenting a patient's care.

Related abbreviations

• 3% saline — three percent saline (hypertonic)
• 3D-CAM — 3-minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method
• 4-point restraints — four-point restraints
• 4F-PCC — four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate
• 5150 — 5150 hold (California)
• 5150 hold eval — 72-hour hold evaluation
• A-line — A-line (arterial line shorthand)
• ABC — airway, breathing, circulation

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.