From the Guidelines
GTT stands for "guttae," which is Latin for "drops" and is commonly used in medical prescriptions to indicate eye drops, ear drops, or other liquid medications administered in drop form. When you see "gtt" on a prescription, it typically specifies how many drops should be administered. For example, "2 gtt OS tid" means "2 drops in the left eye three times a day." The abbreviation is part of the traditional medical shorthand system that helps healthcare providers communicate precise dosing instructions. According to a study published in the American Family Physician in 2001 1, a small volume is defined as a few drops, which is consistent with the use of "gtt" in medical prescriptions. Some key points to consider when administering drops include:
- Following the exact number prescribed as each drop contains a specific amount of medication
- Proper administration technique involves tilting the head back, pulling down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and placing the drops in this pocket without touching the dropper to the eye to prevent contamination. This abbreviation system helps standardize medication instructions across healthcare settings. In the context of medical prescriptions, gtt is a crucial abbreviation that ensures accurate and safe administration of liquid medications. Healthcare providers should be familiar with this abbreviation and its implications for patient care. Key aspects of using "gtt" in prescriptions include:
- Specifying the number of drops to be administered
- Ensuring proper administration technique to prevent contamination and ensure effective medication delivery.
From the Research
Definition of Gtt
Uses of Gtt
- Gtt is commonly used to refer to eye drops, which are used to administer medication or other substances directly to the eyes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Eye drops can be used for a variety of purposes, including to treat eye infections, reduce inflammation, or to lubricate the eyes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.