Quick Lab Values and Medical Conversions

Vocabulary flashcards covering normal laboratory values and common medical conversion factors.

Arterial pH

Normal range = 7.35–7.45

PaO2

Normal arterial oxygen tension = 80–100 mmHg

PaCO2

Normal arterial carbon-dioxide tension = 35–45 mmHg

SaO2

Normal arterial oxygen saturation = 95–100 %

HCO₃⁻ (Bicarbonate)

Normal range = 21–28 mEq/L

Total Cholesterol

Desirable level <160 mg/dL

HDL (High-density lipoprotein)

Men >45 mg/dL, Women >55 mg/dL

LDL (Low-density lipoprotein)

Optimal level <130 mg/dL

BUN (Blood urea nitrogen)

Normal range = 10–20 mg/dL

Serum Creatinine

Normal range = 0.6–1.2 mg/dL

Serum Sodium

Normal range = 136–145 mEq/L

Serum Potassium

Normal range = 3.5–5.0 mEq/L

Serum Magnesium

Normal range = 1.5–2.5 mEq/L

Serum Calcium

Normal range = 8.5–10.2 mg/dL

Fasting Glucose

Normal range = 70–110 mg/dL

HgbA1C (nondiabetic)

Normal value = 4–5.9 %

WBC Count

Normal range = 5,000–10,000 /mm³

Hemoglobin

Men 14–18 g/dL, Women 12–16 g/dL

Hematocrit

Men 42–52 %, Women 37–47 %

Platelet Count

Normal range = 150,000–400,000 /mm³

PT (Prothrombin Time)

Normal range = 11.0–12.5 sec

PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)

Normal range = 60–70 sec

APTT (Activated PTT)

Normal range = 30–40 sec

INR

Normal value = 0.8–1.1

Therapeutic Digoxin Level

0.8–2.0 ng/mL

Therapeutic Lithium Level

0.4–1.4 mEq/L

Therapeutic Phenobarbital Level

10–40 µg/mL

Therapeutic Theophylline Level

10–20 µg/mL

Therapeutic Dilantin (Phenytoin) Level

10–20 µg/mL

1 kilogram (kg)

= 1000 g or 2.2 lb

1 gram (g)

= 1000 mg

1 pound (lb)

= 16 oz

1 milligram (mg)

= 1000 mcg

1 teaspoon (tsp)

= 60 gtt (drops) OR 5 mL

2.5 centimeters (cm)

= 1 inch

1 grain (gr)

= 60 mg

1 fluid dram (fl dr)

= 60 minims (M)

1 Liter (L)

= 1000 mL

1 dram (dr)

= 60 gr or 4 mL

1 milliliter (mL)

= 1 cc

1 Tablespoon (T)

= 15 mL

2 Tablespoons

= 30 mL = 1 oz

1 cup (c)

= 8 oz = 240 mL

1 pint (pt)

= 2 c = 16 oz = 480 mL

1 quart (qt)

= 2 pt = 4 c = 32 oz = 960 mL

1 gallon (gal)

= 4 qt = 8 pt = 16 c

Celsius to Fahrenheit

°F = (1.8 × °C) + 32

Fahrenheit to Celsius

°C = (°F – 32) / 1.8