Anatomy & TerminologyQuestion 97 of 100
A requisition is marked NPO. What does this abbreviation mean?
a.The specimen is needed post-operatively
b.Nothing by mouth
c.No preservative ordered
d.Notify provider only
Explanation
NPO comes from the Latin nil per os and means the patient is to take nothing by mouth, a status the phlebotomist must respect by not offering food or fluids. It is distinct from a fasting order, though the two often overlap. Postoperative status, preservative choice and notification instructions are all conveyed by different notations.
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