SDS
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Safety data sheet |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Medical |
SDS has three meanings. The most common are Safety data sheet (chemistry) and Same-day surgery (hospital); it can also stand for Sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Meanings of SDS at a glance
| # | SDS stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safety data sheet | Science & Engineering › Chemistry |
| 2 | Same-day surgery | Medical › Hospital |
| 3 | Sodium dodecyl sulfate | Science & Engineering › Chemistry |
1. Safety data sheet
Science & Engineering · Chemistry Abbreviations · also used in medicine and government
Standardized document that suppliers must provide with hazardous chemicals, describing hazards, safe handling, first aid, firefighting, storage and exposure limits in 16 numbered sections. Under the GHS and national rules such as OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, employers must keep SDSs accessible to workers.
Example: Before using the new degreaser, review Section 8 of the SDS for required gloves and ventilation.
SDS replaced the older material safety data sheet (MSDS) as countries adopted the Globally Harmonized System; the 16-section format became mandatory in the United States in 2015. Section 2 lists hazards and pictograms, and Section 11 covers toxicology. In biochemistry SDS also abbreviates sodium dodecyl sulfate, a detergent.
2. Same-day surgery
Medical · Hospital Abbreviations
Hospital department or service where patients have planned surgery and go home on the same day, without an overnight stay. It covers preoperative preparation and phase II recovery.
Example: Arrive at SDS at 0600, NPO after midnight, bring a driver.
Also called ambulatory surgery or day surgery; free-standing centers are called ASCs. Patients must usually have a responsible adult to drive them home after anesthesia or sedation. A nurse phone call the next day checks for pain, nausea and bleeding.
3. Sodium dodecyl sulfate
Science & Engineering · Chemistry Abbreviations
Anionic detergent, CH3(CH2)11OSO3Na, that unfolds proteins and coats them with negative charge, which is why it is the key ingredient of SDS-PAGE protein electrophoresis. Laboratories also use it to break open cells, and under the name sodium lauryl sulfate it makes toothpaste and shampoo foam.
Example: Lysis buffer: 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl, 1% SDS.
Sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are the same compound; "dodecyl" is the systematic name for the 12-carbon chain, while "lauryl" derives from lauric acid. SDS is a strong denaturant and irritant, so the fine powder should be weighed carefully to avoid inhaling dust.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- Rf – Retention factor
- RT – Room temperature
- RTP – Room temperature and pressure
- SATP – Standard ambient temperature and pressure
- SLS – Sodium lauryl sulfate
- SN1 – Unimolecular nucleophilic substitution
- SN2 – Bimolecular nucleophilic substitution
- STP – Standard temperature and pressure
See all 106 chemistry abbreviations →
More hospital abbreviations
- RACE – Rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish
- RHC – Rural health clinic
- RRT – Rapid response team
- SCN – Special care nursery
- SDU – Step-down unit
- SICU – Surgical intensive care unit
- SNF – Skilled nursing facility
- SPD – Sterile processing department
See all 89 hospital abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.