Conversion Formula:
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The conversion between mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and mmol/L (millimoles per liter) is essential in medical and scientific fields where concentration measurements need to be standardized across different unit systems.
The conversion uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The factor of 10 accounts for the conversion from deciliters to liters (1 L = 10 dL) and from milligrams to grams.
Details: Standardized units are crucial for accurate medical diagnoses, research comparisons, and international scientific communication. Many countries use mmol/L while others use mg/dL.
Tips: Enter the value in mg/dL and the molar mass of the substance in g/mol. Both values must be positive numbers. Common molar masses: glucose = 180.16, cholesterol = 386.65, creatinine = 113.12.
Q1: Why is molar mass needed for conversion?
A: Molar mass converts between mass concentration (mg/dL) and molar concentration (mmol/L), as different substances have different molecular weights.
Q2: What are common substances converted this way?
A: Blood glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, and various electrolytes are commonly converted between these units.
Q3: Can I convert back from mmol/L to mg/dL?
A: Yes, use the formula: mg/dL = (mmol/L × molar mass) / 10
Q4: Why do different countries use different units?
A: Historical conventions and measurement systems (metric vs. conventional units) have led to different standard practices.
Q5: Are there online databases for molar masses?
A: Yes, many chemical databases and medical references provide molar masses for common biological compounds.