ASC-US
Medical abbreviation · Obstetrics & Gynecology
| Stands for | Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ASC-US stands for Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, an obstetrics & gynecology abbreviation.
The most common abnormal Pap result, meaning some cervical cells look slightly abnormal but not clearly precancerous. Management depends on HPV testing: a negative HPV result is reassuring, while a positive one usually leads to colposcopy.
Example: Pap ASC-US, reflex HPV positive (type 16); colposcopy scheduled.
Usage notes
The category comes from the Bethesda System for reporting cervical cytology, first published in 1988. Since 2019, ASCCP risk-based guidelines decide management from a patient's current result plus history. A related category, ASC-H, means a high-grade lesion cannot be excluded and always warrants colposcopy.
Related abbreviations
More obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations
- AFI – Amniotic fluid index
- AGA – Appropriate for gestational age
- AMA – Advanced maternal age
- AMH – Anti-Müllerian hormone
- AROM – Artificial rupture of membranes
- ART – Assisted reproductive technology
- AUB – Abnormal uterine bleeding
- BCP – Birth control pill
- BPD – Biparietal diameter
- BPP – Biophysical profile
- BSO – Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- BTL – Bilateral tubal ligation
See all 89 obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.