A QID can refer to several different things depending on the context. Let's explore the most common meanings:
1. QID as a Medical Abbreviation
In the medical field, QID is an abbreviation that stands for "four times a day." This is commonly used in prescribing medication instructions. For example, a doctor might prescribe a medication to be taken QID, meaning the patient should take it four times every 24 hours. This abbreviation is frequently seen on prescriptions and medical charts. Sources like Verywell Health, NIH, and Merriam-Webster confirm this meaning. It's crucial to note that potential misinterpretations of similar abbreviations (like q.o.d.) can lead to incorrect medication dosages; therefore, always clarify any uncertainties with a healthcare professional. A related abbreviation, Q6H, means "every six hours."
2. QID in Cybersecurity (Qualys)
In the cybersecurity context, specifically within the Qualys platform, QID refers to a Qualys ID. This is a unique identifier for a specific vulnerability or threat detection signature. Qualys uses QIDs to categorize and track various security issues. For example, a specific vulnerability might be identified with a QID such as 91595, linking it to a specific CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). The Qualys community and Qualys blog provide insights into this usage.
3. QID in IBM QRadar
Within the IBM QRadar Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system, QID refers to a Query ID. This ID is used to define specific queries or rules for detecting security events. The IBM QRadar documentation describes a “QID map utility” for managing these IDs. The distinction between QID and Event ID in QRadar is discussed in this Reddit thread.
4. Other Uses of QID
- Quality Improvement with Data (QID): In some contexts, QID may stand for "Quality Improvement with Data," representing a research group focused on improving healthcare systems (https://qid.wisc.edu/).
- ProShares UltraShort QQQ (Ticker: QID): This is the ticker symbol for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) (https://www.proshares.com/our-etfs/leveraged-and-inverse/qid).
Therefore, the meaning of QID is heavily context-dependent. Always consider the source and surrounding information to determine its correct interpretation.
