Sig code: route
OD medical abbreviation
OD has 2 common meanings: "right eye", "once daily". The context of the note or order decides which one is meant.
On the ISMP List of Error-Prone Abbreviations. ISMP suggests: Write "right eye" or "daily".
Each meaning matched at least two public references (5 in all for OD), checked October 23, 2026. The table lists them.
Run it in Rivvi
Expand every abbreviation in a sig line
Paste a sig line, a note, or a claim and Rivvi spells out each abbreviation and flags the ones on the Do Not Use list.
Ask RivviFree to start. No card. Opens Rivvi, the AI workspace for healthcare teams.
2 meanings of OD
| Meaning | Latin origin | Where used | Checked against |
|---|---|---|---|
| right eye | oculus dexter | Prescriptions, Medication labels | |
| once daily | None | Prescriptions, Medication labels |
Example
Training example of an error-prone entry: "OD" on an eye-drop label.
A made-up line that shows the abbreviation in place. It is not about any patient and is not an instruction.
Related abbreviations
Elsewhere on Rivvi
Questions
What does OD mean in medical terms?
OD has 2 common meanings: "right eye", "once daily". The context of the note or order decides which one is meant.
What does OD stand for in Latin?
OD comes from "oculus dexter", meaning "right eye".
Where is OD used?
OD shows up in prescriptions and medication labels. Its category here is sig code: route.
Is OD on the Joint Commission Do Not Use list?
No, but ISMP lists OD as an error-prone abbreviation. ISMP's suggested practice: Write "right eye" or "daily".