Clinical Decision Support System

Units of Measurement in Medical Testing

In the United States, mass concentration is often expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL) or grams per liter (g/L). Reference ranges for blood tests are sets of values that healthcare professionals use to interpret test results. These ranges are typically provided in dL or L as the denominator.

Enzyme activity is commonly measured in katals (kat). These units are often used for liver function tests such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (v-GT).

Outside the United States, molar concentration (mol/L) is more commonly used. This unit is employed in countries such as the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

International units (IU) are based on a substance's biological activity or effect. Some substances may also be measured in specified equivalent mass.

Regardless of the units used by a laboratory, test results are interpreted based on reference ranges provided by that laboratory. These ranges may vary between labs, as can the units of measurement used. For example, calcium, sodium, potassium, and other parameters can be measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L), milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L), or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Reference Ranges and Units of Measurement in Medical Tests Analyzer

Medical Tests Analyzer provides default reference ranges and units of measurement for each test procedure that generates quantitative results. Users can update these values and store them. This includes adjusting measurement unit names and the parameter's reference range.

The analyzer allows users to specify multiple interval records for different ages and genders. By using this tool, users can adjust reference ranges and units of measurement to suit their needs.