What’s the Origin of ‘Stat’ Meaning ‘Right Now’?

While stat as shorthand for statistics is self-explanatory, it also serves as an abbreviation for another term. Discover its origins and why it’s commonly used in medical settings.

The Definition of Stat

Stat translates to “right away.” It’s often used to emphasize urgency, such as in requests like Get that report to me stat or Grab me a coffee stat. Sometimes, it’s written in uppercase as STAT, either for emphasis or due to the misconception that it’s an acronym. This practice might be influenced by the similar acronym ASAP, which stands for as soon as possible.

However, stat isn’t an acronym; it’s derived from the Latin term statim, which also means “immediately.” Its widespread use began in the medical field, leading us to the next question … 

Why Is “Stat” Commonly Used by Doctors?

When stat was introduced into English in the early 1800s, doctors used it to indicate that a drug or treatment needed to be given right away. Latin medical terminology was (and remains) prevalent because Latin served as a universal language for medical professionals worldwide, as highlighted in a 2018 article from the Journal of Medical Case Reports. “Additionally, Latin and latinized Greek are effective for creating new medical terms.”

Today, stat is still used by healthcare providers to distinguish medications that require immediate administration from other types of orders. Scheduled medications, as explained in a 2016 article from Pharmacy Practice, are “typically used for drugs intended to provide a sustained effect over a specific duration (e.g., antibiotics).” PRN orders, on the other hand, are “for medications administered in response to particular symptoms or conditions (e.g., pain relievers for discomfort or fever reducers for high temperatures).” The term PRN also has Latin roots, standing for pro re nata (literally “for the situation that has arisen”), meaning “as needed.”

Stat isn’t limited to medications—it’s also used for medical tests. For example, if your doctor orders a stat MRI, you’ll likely be taken to the scanner promptly. As for whether medical professionals yell “Stat!” as often as they do on TV, most sources agree it’s rare in practice and more frequently seen in written instructions.

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