One of the best things about my software program is the ability for ALL practitioners, regardless of where they live, to use the software. If you’re outside of the US then the majority of the elements on the lab test are reported in Standard International units. These are very different from the US ranges and definitely takes some time to get used to if you’re used to reading US labs. The software is designed to take SI units and will generate SI specific reports for you.
It would be nice if these “non-US” labs just stuck to one unit type but it’s becoming clearer that that’s not the case. The truth is, a lot of labs report in SI units for most of the elements but then throw in a couple of mg/l or mcg/dl (typical US units) just to make things complicated!
Well, I just found an awesome web site that has been a true lifesaver when it comes to converting from one unit to another:
http://www.endmemo.com/medical/unitconvert/
Another issue that comes up from time to time is the use of different terms used by SI labs to describe the elements. Here’s a list of some of those elements and their “translation” into terms that we are more familiar with:
Hope you find the link useful!
All the best,
Dicken