HTN: Conversion Table (2015)

  • Increase Font Size
  • Decrease Font Size
  • View as PDF

HTN: Conversion Table (2015)

Compound
Symbol
Atomic Weight
Valence
mEq/L
mg/dL
SI
Sodium Na 23 1 (mg X valence) / atomic weight  (mEq X atomic weight) / valence  mmol/L*
Potassium K 39 1 (mg X valence) / atomic weight  (mEq X atomic weight) / valence  mmol/L*
Calcium Ca 40 2 (mg X valence) / atomic weight (mEq X atomic weight) / valence  mmol/L*
Magnesium Mg 24 2 (mg X valence) / atomic weight (mEq X atomic weight) / valence  mmol/L*


To convert from the SI unit to mEq, divide by the valence of the compound.

To convert from the SI unit to mg, multiply by the atomic weight of the compound.

1 mole = atomic weight in grams

1 mmol = atomic weight in milligrams

Examples:

Convert 50 mmol/L Na to mg/dL Na: 

(50 mmol/L Na X  1) X 23 atomic weight Na = 1,150 mg/dL Na 

Convert 100 mg/dL Ca to mEq/L Ca:  

(100 mg/dL Ca X 2)  /  40 atomic weight Ca = 5 mEq/L Ca

 

Sources:  The Nephron Information Center. Chemistry Conversions. Accessed July 22, 2015:  http://nephron.com/cgi-bin/SI.cgi and Système International (SI) Conversion Factors for Selected Laboratory Components. Journal of the American Medical Association. Accessed June 22, 2015:  http://www.aefa.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Unidades-y-factores-de-conversion-SI.pdf