Medical Lab Conversion DL, dL, etc.
by jumperso on 07/24/05 at 22:07:35

We're trying to compare results from various medical labs.  Could someone help us understand what the difference might be between DL and dL ?  is one Dekaliters (10,000 milliliters) and the other deciliters (100 milliliters) ?  How does one know for sure the lab report isn't just using all-caps at times?
Thanks for your help.

Re: Medical Lab Conversion DL, dL, etc.
by Robert Fogt on 07/25/05 at 02:54:32

The actual symbol for deka is "da", there is no prefix using the capital letter D.

I would assume that the lab is just using capital letters and using DL when they should be using dL.

But that would be very, very, bad. Especially in the medical field  where it is very important that the doctors know exactly what the lab reports mean. Using DL when they meant dL is very, very bad.

I would try calling them directly and make sure of what they meant. Better to be safe than sorry where your health is concerned.

If it turns out they made a mistake, you should tell your doctor. Both to make sure he didn't base anything on their mistake, and so he can yell at the lab for you.

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