DPL
Medical abbreviation · Emergency Medicine
| Stands for | Diagnostic peritoneal lavage |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DPL stands for Diagnostic peritoneal lavage, an emergency medicine abbreviation.
Procedure in which fluid is instilled into and drained from the abdominal cavity to detect blood or intestinal contents after trauma. It was once standard for unstable trauma patients.
Example: DPL grossly positive with 15 mL blood aspirated; to OR.
Usage notes
Largely replaced by FAST ultrasound and CT, which are noninvasive. Some centers still use diagnostic peritoneal aspiration when ultrasound is unclear and the patient cannot go to CT. It was introduced in the 1960s.
Related abbreviations
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- DCAP-BTLS – Deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures/penetrations, burns…
- DNACPR – Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- DNAR – Do not attempt resuscitation
- DNI – Do not intubate
- DNR – Do not resuscitate
- DOA – Dead on arrival
- eFAST – Extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma
- EMD – Emergency medical dispatcher
- EMS – Emergency medical services
- EMTALA – Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act
- ENA – Emergency Nurses Association
- ENPC – Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.