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Medical Abbreviations Starting With "X"

This page lists 11 medical abbreviations starting with "X", each with its full form and a plain-English meaning. Where one abbreviation has more than one common meaning, each meaning has its own row — context in the chart is what tells them apart. Terms flagged ⚠ Error-prone are on recognised error-prone lists and should be written out in full. Use the filter box to narrow this list, the search on the main guide to search all 5,715 entries, or jump to another letter:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N 0–9 O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

AbbreviationFull formWhat it meansUsed in
xanthochromiaxanthochromia (CSF finding)Yellow spinal fluid after bleeding — findingNeurology Laboratory
XDRextensively drug-resistantOrganism resistant to nearly all standard antibioticsInfectious Disease Laboratory
XDR-TBextensively drug-resistant tuberculosisTB resistant to most of the main TB medicinesRespiratory Infectious Disease
XELOXcapecitabine oxaliplatin (XELOX naming)Colon cancer combination named from brand XelodaHematology & Oncology Prescription & Medication Orders Gastroenterology
XENXEN gel stent (glaucoma)Tiny gelatin drain implanted for glaucomaSurgery
XLIFextreme lateral interbody fusionBack fusion from the sideSurgery Musculoskeletal
XMcrossmatchMatching test between donor blood and recipientLaboratory Hematology & Oncology
XRextended releaseMedicine released slowly over timePrescription & Medication Orders
XRX-rayImaging using radiation to picture bones and organsRadiology & Imaging
XRTradiation therapyCancer treatment using targeted radiationHematology & Oncology Radiology & Imaging
XTexotropiaOutward turning of an eyeGeneral Medical Pediatrics
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.