LPM
Medical abbreviation · Respiratory
| Stands for | Liters per minute |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
LPM stands for Liters per minute, a respiratory abbreviation.
Unit of flow rate used for supplemental oxygen and ventilator gas delivery, as set on a flowmeter or oxygen concentrator. Orders and nursing notes record oxygen therapy as a flow in LPM along with the device used.
Example: Home oxygen 3 LPM via nasal cannula at rest, 4 LPM with exertion.
Usage notes
Also written L/min, which most style guides and SI conventions prefer. The same flow gives very different oxygen concentrations depending on the device: 6 LPM through a nasal cannula delivers far less oxygen than 15 LPM through a nonrebreather. Home concentrators typically provide up to 5 to 10 LPM.
Related abbreviations
More respiratory abbreviations
- ILD – Interstitial lung disease
- iNO – Inhaled nitric oxide
- IPF – Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- LABA – Long-acting beta2-agonist
- LAMA – Long-acting muscarinic antagonist
- LLL – Left lower lobe
- LRTI – Lower respiratory tract infection
- LTOT – Long-term oxygen therapy
- LUL – Left upper lobe
- MART – Maintenance and reliever therapy
- MV – Mechanical ventilation
- NC – Nasal cannula
See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.