Subcutaneous is abbreviated as what?

• A. s.l.
• B. sig.
• C. s.o.s
• D. s.c.

Answer: (D)

Subcutaneous injections are given into the tissue just beneath the skin, so the shorthand for this route is s.c. (often written SC). That makes it the best answer because s.c. is the standard abbreviation used to indicate subcutaneous administration on orders and labels. Other abbreviations refer to different concepts: s.l. means sublingual (under the tongue), sig. indicates directions to the patient, and s.o.s. isn’t a standard route designation. Knowing these helps ensure the drug is given by the intended route and reduces misreadings.