How do I convert blood test results from mg/dL to mmol/L (millimoles per liter) as used in the UK?

From the Guidelines

To convert blood test results from mg/dL to mmol/L as used in the UK, you should use the specific conversion factor for the substance being measured, such as dividing by 56.78 for ascorbic acid, as indicated in the espen micronutrient guideline 1. When converting blood test results, it's crucial to use the correct conversion factor to ensure accurate interpretation of the results.

• The conversion factor varies depending on the substance being measured, with different molecular weights affecting the number of molecules present in a given mass.
• For ascorbic acid, the conversion factor is 1 mg/dL = 56.78 mmol/L and 1 mmol/L = 0.0176 mg/dL, as stated in the espen micronutrient guideline 1.
• Using the correct conversion factor is essential for properly interpreting test results, especially when traveling between countries or reviewing medical literature from different regions.
• If you're unsure about a specific conversion factor for a substance not listed, you can ask your healthcare provider or laboratory for assistance, as they can provide guidance on the correct conversion factor to use.
• It's also important to note that the mmol/L unit measures the actual number of molecules in a volume of blood, while mg/dL measures the mass, which is why these conversions are necessary for accurate interpretation of test results.

From the Research

Conversion of Blood Test Results

To convert blood test results from mg/dL to mmol/L, you can use the following conversion factors:

• 1 mmol/L of glucose is equal to 18 mg/dL 2
• To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide the value in mg/dL by 18

Examples of Conversion

• 200 mg/dL is equal to 11.1 mmol/L (200 / 18 = 11.1)
• 140 mg/dL is equal to 7.8 mmol/L (140 / 18 = 7.8)
• 240 mg/dL is equal to 13.3 mmol/L (240 / 18 = 13.3)

Key Points to Note

• The conversion factor may vary slightly depending on the specific substance being measured 3
• It is essential to use the correct conversion factor to ensure accurate results
• The UK uses mmol/L as the standard unit of measurement for blood test results, so conversion from mg/dL may be necessary when interpreting results from other countries 2

Blood Parameters and Conversion

Some common blood parameters and their conversion factors include:

• Glucose: 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL 2
• Cholesterol: 1 mmol/L = 38.67 mg/dL
• Uric acid: 1 mmol/L = 16.81 mg/dL
• Creatinine: 1 mmol/L = 11.31 mg/dL

Note: The conversion factors for these parameters may vary slightly depending on the specific laboratory or measurement technique used [(4,5)]