To view a list of all the indexed (i.e., searchable) fields available in an OVID database, click the Search Fields button on the main search page. This feature allows you to define your search more precisely by restricting it to specific fields.

Available fields are listed in alphabetical order. Each field name is preceded by a two-letter code. Click the information icon to the left of the field name for a definition of the field.

Note: The list of fields varies by database (e.g., MEDLINE includes 36 fields, while CINAHL includes 42).

Using Field Indexes

The Search Fields feature also allows you to browse for a word or phrase through a single field or a number of fields simultaneously.

For example, to search for the phrase "blood pressure" in the subject heading and journal title fields, enter the term in the search box, select the fields by clicking in the boxes next to the field names, then click the Display Indexes button:

The database will display the following:

Note: Not all fields are browsable. Items marked with can only be searched (i.e., no index is available).

Advanced Searching Tip: Searching Fields From the Command Line

Individual fields may also be searched directly from the search box on the OVID Main Search Page (this is also referred to as the "command line").

Using the two letter codes for the fields, the syntax is: [search term].[field code(s)]

Note: The search term must be followed by a period (.), and field codes must be separated by a comma (,).

For example: drug abuse.ti,ab will search for the phrase drug abuse in the title or abstract fields:

Some of the most popular fields to search include:

• Abstract - .ab
• Title - .ti
• Institution - .in

• Questions? Call the Reference Desk at 215-503-8150 or email at Askalibrarian@jefferson.edu for help.
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