HEPA
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | High-efficiency particulate air (filter) |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Medical |
| Also written | HepA |
HEPA has two meanings. It stands for High-efficiency particulate air (filter) (engineering) or Hepatitis A vaccine (pediatric & neonatal).
Meanings of HEPA at a glance
| # | HEPA stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | High-efficiency particulate air (filter) | Science & Engineering › Engineering |
| 2 | Hepatitis A vaccine | Medical › Pediatric & Neonatal |
1. High-efficiency particulate air (filter)
Science & Engineering · Engineering Abbreviations
Filter standard for removing very fine particles from air; under the US Department of Energy definition, a HEPA filter captures at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. HEPA filters are used in cleanrooms, hospital isolation rooms, aircraft cabins, vacuum cleaners and portable air purifiers.
Example: The portable purifier's HEPA filter cut PM2.5 indoors from 60 to under 10 micrograms per cubic meter.
HEPA filters were developed in the 1940s during the Manhattan Project to trap radioactive particles. The 0.3-micrometer size is used because it is the hardest to catch; smaller and larger particles are captured even more efficiently. "HEPA-type" or "HEPA-like" products are not required to meet the standard.
2. Hepatitis A vaccine (HepA)
Medical · Pediatric & Neonatal Abbreviations
Inactivated vaccine given as two doses six months apart, starting between 12 and 23 months, protecting against hepatitis A, a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. It is also recommended for travelers and adults at higher risk.
Example: HepA dose 2 given at 18 months; series complete.
Routine vaccination of all US children aged 12–23 months has been recommended since 2006. Children often have mild or no symptoms but can spread the virus to adults, who become sicker. The vaccine can be given after exposure to prevent infection. Pronounced "hep A".
Related abbreviations
More engineering abbreviations
- GMAW – Gas metal arc welding
- GTAW – Gas tungsten arc welding
- HAZ – Heat-affected zone
- HAZOP – Hazard and operability study
- HMI – Human-machine interface
- HRC – Rockwell hardness C (scale)
- HSS – High-speed steel
- HVAC – Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
See all 79 engineering abbreviations →
More pediatric & neonatal abbreviations
- FASD – Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
- FTT – Failure to thrive
- GDD – Global developmental delay
- GER – Gastroesophageal reflux (infant)
- HepB – Hepatitis B vaccine
- HFMD – Hand, foot and mouth disease
- Hib – Haemophilus influenzae type b (vaccine)
- HSP – Henoch-Schönlein purpura
See all 51 pediatric & neonatal abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.