Why do lab values need molar mass to convert?
Conventional units (mg/dL) measure mass per volume, while SI units (mmol/L) measure moles per volume. Bridging them requires the analyte's molar mass: mmol/L = (mg/dL × 10) ÷ molar mass.
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Convert clinical lab values between conventional (mg/dL) and SI (mmol/L) units using each analyte's molar mass, plus HbA1c percent ↔ mmol/mol.
mmol/L = (mg/dL × 10) ÷ molar mass; mg/dL = (mmol/L × molar mass) ÷ 10
Conventional units (mg/dL) measure mass per volume, while SI units (mmol/L) measure moles per volume. Bridging them requires the analyte's molar mass: mmol/L = (mg/dL × 10) ÷ molar mass.
Glucose 100 mg/dL with molar mass 180.16 g/mol: (100 × 10) ÷ 180.16 ≈ 5.55 mmol/L — the familiar normal fasting figure.
HbA1c is reported as a percentage (DCCT/NGSP) or mmol/mol (IFCC), related by a linear formula rather than a molar mass: mmol/mol = (% − 2.15) × 10.929.
Glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, creatinine, urea/BUN (all via molar mass) and HbA1c (via the IFCC formula). LDL and HDL share cholesterol's molar mass.
No. This is general information only, not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and clinical context — always consult a qualified doctor or accredited practitioner before acting on any value.