Sig code: route
SUBQ medical abbreviation
SUBQ means "subcutaneous".
On the ISMP List of Error-Prone Abbreviations. ISMP suggests: Write "SUBQ" or "subcutaneous".
Each meaning matched at least two public references (5 in all for SUBQ), checked October 23, 2026. The table lists them.
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What SUBQ means
| Meaning | Latin origin | Where used | Checked against |
|---|---|---|---|
| subcutaneous | None | Prescriptions, Medication labels |
|
Also written: SQ, SC, subq, sub q.
Example
Sample order text: "inject SUBQ."
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 SUBQ mean in medical terms?
SUBQ means "subcutaneous".
Where is SUBQ used?
SUBQ shows up in prescriptions and medication labels. Its category here is sig code: route.
Is SUBQ on the Joint Commission Do Not Use list?
No, but ISMP lists SUBQ as an error-prone abbreviation. ISMP's suggested practice: Write "SUBQ" or "subcutaneous".