What is the equivalent of 1.65 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L)?

Conversion of 1.65 mmol/L to mEq/L

1.65 mmol/L is equivalent to 1.65 mEq/L for monovalent ions such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.

Understanding the Conversion

The conversion between mmol/L and mEq/L depends on the valence (charge) of the ion in question:

• For monovalent ions (with a charge of +1 or -1):

  • 1 mmol/L = 1 mEq/L
  • Examples: Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3-

• For divalent ions (with a charge of +2 or -2):

  • 1 mmol/L = 2 mEq/L
  • Examples: Ca2+, Mg2+

• For trivalent ions (with a charge of +3 or -3):

  • 1 mmol/L = 3 mEq/L

Calculation Formula

The general formula for conversion is: mEq/L = mmol/L × valence (absolute value of the ion's charge)

Since the question doesn't specify which ion is being measured, the default interpretation is for monovalent ions where: mEq/L = mmol/L × 1 = 1.65 × 1 = 1.65 mEq/L

Clinical Relevance

This conversion is particularly important in clinical settings when:

• Interpreting electrolyte measurements
• Calculating fluid replacement therapy
• Assessing acid-base balance
• Evaluating kidney function

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Failing to account for the valence of the ion when converting between mmol/L and mEq/L
2. Assuming all electrolytes follow the same conversion rule
3. Confusing mmol/L with mg/dL, which requires additional conversion factors specific to each ion's molecular weight

For reference, the ESPEN Micronutrient Guideline 1 provides an example of this type of conversion for riboflavin, noting that "1 mg/dL = 26.57 nmol/L and 1 nmol/L = 0.0376 mg/dL."