LOA
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Leave of absence |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Business & Finance, Medical, Transportation & Travel |
LOA has three meanings. The most common are Leave of absence (human resources) and Lysis of adhesions (surgical); it can also stand for Length overall.
Meanings of LOA at a glance
| # | LOA stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leave of absence | Business & Finance › Human Resources |
| 2 | Lysis of adhesions | Medical › Surgical |
| 3 | Length overall | Transportation & Travel › Maritime |
1. Leave of absence
Business & Finance · Human Resources Abbreviations
Approved extended period away from work while remaining employed, for reasons such as medical treatment, family care, military service, education or personal matters. A leave may be paid or unpaid and may be protected by law or granted under company policy.
Example: He's on LOA until March, so route his accounts to the backup rep.
Legally protected leaves in the US include FMLA leave, military leave under USERRA (up to five years cumulative), and leave as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. Benefits continuation and job reinstatement rights differ by leave type, so HR tracks each one carefully.
2. Lysis of adhesions
Medical · Surgical Abbreviations
Surgical division of internal scar tissue bands (adhesions) that form after previous operations or inflammation and can cause bowel obstruction, chronic pain or infertility. It can be done laparoscopically or through open surgery.
Example: Laparoscopic LOA for adhesive small bowel obstruction; no bowel resection required.
Adhesions form in most patients after abdominal surgery, but only some cause problems. Many adhesive small bowel obstructions resolve with bowel rest and a nasogastric tube, and water-soluble contrast studies help predict which will. Every operation risks forming new adhesions. In psychiatric and military records LOA means leave of absence.
3. Length overall
Transportation & Travel · Maritime Abbreviations
Maximum length of a vessel from the foremost to the aftmost point of the hull, including fixed bow sprits or overhangs. Marinas, ports and canals charge fees and set limits by LOA.
Example: The marina charges by LOA, so the anchor platform added two feet to our bill.
Naval architects also use length at waterline (LWL) and length between perpendiculars (LBP), which affect speed and tonnage calculations. LOA appears in yacht listings and ship specifications. Port entry rules for large ships often set maximum LOA.
Related abbreviations
More human resources abbreviations
- JD – Job description
- KSA – Knowledge, skills and abilities
- L&D – Learning and development
- LMS – Learning management system
- LTI – Long-term incentive
- MSP – Managed service provider
- NCNS – No call, no show
- NSO – Nonqualified stock option
See all 86 human resources abbreviations →
More surgical abbreviations
- Lap – Laparoscopic (laparoscopy)
- Lap chole – Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- LAR – Low anterior resection
- LASIK – Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
- M&M – Morbidity and mortality (conference)
- MIS – Minimally invasive surgery
- MRM – Modified radical mastectomy
- NSQIP – National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
See all 51 surgical abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.