Traditional SI

Reference Traditional Reference

Specimen SI Units
Interval Units Interval
Acetaminophen (therapeutic) Serum, 10-30 μ g/mL 70-200 μ mol/L
plasma
Acetoacetic acid Serum, <1 mg/dL <0.1 mmol/L
plasma
Acetone Serum, <2.0 mg/dL <0.34 mmol/L
plasma
Acetylcholinesterase Red blood 5-10 U/mL 5-10 U/L
cells
Activated partial Whole 25-40 s 25-40 s
thromboplastin time (APTT) blood
Adenosine deaminasea Serum 11.5-25.0 U/L 0.20-0.43 μ Kat/L

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (see corticotropin)

Alanineb (adult) Plasma 1.87-5.88 mg/dL 210-661 μ mol/day

Alanine aminotransferase Serum 10-40 U/L 10-40 U/L

(ALT, SGPT)b
Albuminb Serum 3.5-5.0 g/dL 35-50 g/L

Alcohol (see ethanol, isopropanol, methanol)

Alcohol dehydrogenasea Serum <2.8 U/L <0.05 μ Kat/L

Aldolasea,b Serum 1.0-7.5 U/L 0.02-0.13 μ Kat/L

Aldosteroneb (upright) Plasma 7-30 ng/dL 0.19-0.83 nmol/L

Aldosterone Urine, 24 h 3-20 μ g/24 h 8-55 nmol/day

Alkaline phosphataseb Serum 50-120 U/L 50-120 U/L

α 1-Acid glycoprotein Serum 50-120 mg/dL 0.5-1.2 g/L

α
2-Macroglobulin Serum 130-300 mg/dL 1.3-3.0 g/L

Alprazolam (therapeutic) Serum, 10-50 ng/mL 32-162 nmol/L

plasma
Aluminum Serum, <6 ng/mL 0.0-222.4 nmol/L
plasma
Amikacin (therapeutic, peak) Serum, 20-30 μ g/mL 34-52 μ mol/L
plasma
Amino acid fractionation

Alanineb Plasma 1.87-5.89 mg/dL 210-661 μ mol/L

 α -Aminobutyric acidb Plasma 0.08-0.36 mg/dL 8-35 μ mol/L

Arginineb Plasma 0.37-2.40 mg/dL 21-138 μ mol/L

Asparagineb Plasma 0.40-0.91 mg/dL 30-69 μ mol/L

Aspartic acidb Plasma <0.3 mg/dL <25 μ mol/L

Citrullineb Plasma 0.2-1.0 mg/dL 12-55 μ mol/L

Cystineb Plasma 0.40-1.40 mg/dL 33-117 μ mol/L

Glutamic acidb Plasma 0.2-2.8 mg/dL 15-190 μ mol/L

Glutamineb Plasma 6.1-10.2 mg/dL 420-700 μ mol/L

Glycineb Plasma 0.9-4.2 mg/dL 120-560 μ mol/L

Histidineb Plasma 0.5-1.7 mg/dL 32-110 μ mol/L

Hydroxyprolineb Plasma <0.55 mg/dL <42 μ mol/L

Isoleucineb Plasma 0.5-1.3 mg/dL 40-100 μ mol/L

Leucineb Plasma 1.0-2.3 mg/dL 75-175 μ mol/L

Lysineb Plasma 1.2-3.5 mg/dL 80-240 μ mol/L

Methionineb Plasma 0.1-0.6 mg/dL 6-40 μ mol/L

Ornithineb Plasma 0.4-1.4 mg/dL 30-106 μ mol/L

Phenylalanineb Plasma 0.6-1.5 mg/dL 35-90 μ mol/L

Prolineb Plasma 1.2-3.9 mg/dL 104-340 μ mol/L

Serineb Plasma 0.7-2.0 mg/dL 65-193 μ mol/L

Taurineb Plasma 0.3-2.1 mg/dL 24-168 μ mol/L

Threonineb Plasma 0.9-2.5 mg/dL 75-210 μ mol/L

Tryptophanb Plasma 0.5-1.5 mg/dL 25-73 μ mol/L

Tyrosineb Plasma 0.4-1.6 mg/dL 20-90 μ mol/L

Valineb Plasma 1.7-3.7 mg/dL 145-315 μ mol/L

α -Aminobutyric acidb Plasma 0.08-0.36 mg/dL 8-35 μ mol/L

Amiodarone (therapeutic) Serum, 0.5-2.5 μ g/mL 0.8-3.9 μ mol/L

plasma
δ -Aminolevulinic acid Urine 1.0-7.0 mg/24 h 8-53 μ mol/day

Amitriptyline (therapeutic) Serum, 80-250 ng/mL 289-903 nmol/L

plasma
Ammonia (as NH3)b Plasma 15-50 μ g/dL 11-35 μ mol/L

Amobarbital (therapeutic) Serum 1-5 μ g/mL 4-22 μ mol/L

Amoxapine (therapeutic) Plasma 200-600 ng/mL 200-600 μ g/L

Amylasea,b Serum 27-130 U/L 0.46-2.21 μ Kat/L

Androstenedione,b male Serum 75-205 ng/dL 2.6-7.2 nmol/L

Androstenedione,b female Serum 85-275 ng/dL 3.0-9.6 nmol/L

Angiotensin I Plasma <25 pg/mL <25 ng/L

Angiotensin II Plasma 10-60 pg/mL 10-60 ng/L

Angiotensin-converting Serum 8-52 U/L 0.14-0.88 μ Kat/L

enzyme (ACE)a,b
Anion gap (Na+)−(Cl− + Serum, 8-16 mEq/L 8-16 nmol/L
HCO3−) plasma
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH, Plasma 1-5 pg/mL 0.9-4.6 pmol/L
vasopressin) (varies with
osmolality:
α 285-290
2-Antiplasmin Plasma 80-130 % 0.8-1.3 Fraction of 1.0

Antithrombin III Plasma 21-30 mg/dL 210-300 mg/L

Antithrombin III activity Plasma 80-130 % 0.8-1.3 Fraction of 1.0

α 1-Antitrypsin Serum 80-200 mg/dL 0.8-2.0 g/L

Apolipoprotein Ab

Male Serum 80-151 mg/dL 0.8-1.5 g/L

Female Serum 80-170 mg/dL 0.8-1.7 g/L

Apolipoprotein Bb

Male Serum, 50-123 mg/dL 0.5-1.2 g/L

plasma
Female Serum, 25-120 mg/dL 0.25-1.20 g/L
plasma
Arginineb Plasma 0.37-2.40 mg/dL 21-138 μ mol/L

Arsenic (As) Whole <23 μ g/L <0.31 μ mol/L

blood
Arsenic (As), chronic Whole 100-500 μ g/L 1.33-6.65 μ mol/L
poisoning blood
Arsenic (As), acute poisoning Whole 600-9300 μ g/L 7.9-123.7 μ mol/L
blood
Ascorbate, ascorbic acid (see
vitamin C)
Asparagineb Plasma 0.40-0.91 mg/dL 30-69 μ mol/L

Aspartate aminotransferase Serum 20-48 U/L 0.34-0.82 μ Kat/L

(AST, SGOT)a,b
Aspartic acidb Plasma <0.3 mg/dL <25 μ mol/L

Atrial natriuretic hormone Plasma 20-77 pg/mL 20-77 ng/L

Barbiturates (see individual drugs; pentobarbital, phenobarbital, thiopental)

Basophils (see complete blood count, white blood cell count)

Benzodiazepines (see individual drugs; alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, lorazepam)

Beryllium, toxic Urine >20 μ g/L >2.22 μ mol/L

Bicarbonate Plasma 21-28 mEq/L 21-28 mmol/L

Bile acids (total) Serum 0.3-2.3 μ g/mL 0.73-5.63 μ mol/L

Bilirubin

Totalb Serum 0.3-1.2 mg/dL 2-18 μ mol/L

Direct (conjugated) Serum <0.2 mg/dL <3.4 μ mol/L

Biotin Whole 200-500 pg/mL 0.82-2.05 nmol/L

blood,
Bismuth serum
Whole 1-12 μ g/L 4.8-57.4 nmol/L
blood
Blood gases

PCO2 Arterial 35-45 mm Hg 35-45 mm Hg

blood
pH Arterial 7.35-7.45 — 7.35-7.45 —
blood
PO2 Arterial 80-100 mm Hg 80-100 mm Hg
blood
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN, see urea nitrogen)

BNP Plasma <100 pg/mL <100 pg/mL

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Serum, 25-100 ng/mL 91-362 nmol/L

Zyban) plasma
C1 esterase inhibitor Serum 12-30 mg/dL 0.12-0.30 g/L

C3 complementb Serum 1200-1500 μ g/mL 1.2-1.5 g/L

C4 complementb Serum 350-600 μ g/mL 0.35-0.60 g/L

CA125 Serum <35 U/mL <35 kU/L

CA19-9 Serum <37 U/mL <37 kU/L

CA15-3 Serum <30 U/mL <30 kU/L

CA27.29 Serum <37.7 U/mL <37.7 kU/L

Cadmium (nonsmoker) Whole 0.3-1.2 μ g/L 2.7-10.7 nmol/L

blood
Caffeine (therapeutic, Serum, 8-20 μ g/mL 41-103 μ mol/L
infants) plasma
Calciferol (see vitamin D)

Calcitonin Serum, <19 pg/mL <19 ng/L

plasma
Calcium, ionized Serum 4.60-5.08 mg/dL 1.15-1.27 mmol/L

Calcium, total Serum 8.2-10.2 mg/dL 2.05-2.55 mmol/L

Calcium, normal diet Urine <250 mg/24 h <6.2 mmol/day

Carbamazepine (therapeutic) Serum, 8-12 μ g/mL 34-51 μ mol/L

plasma
Carbon dioxide Serum, 22-28 mEq/L 22-28 mmol/L
plasma,
venous as fraction of hemoglobin saturation
Carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide),

Nonsmoker Whole <2.0 % <0.02 Fraction of 1.0

blood
Toxic Whole >20 % >0.2 Fraction of 1.0
blood
β -Carotene Serum 10-85 μ g/dL 0.2-1.6 μ mol/L

Catecholamines, total (see norepinephrine)

CEA, nonsmoker Serum <3 ng/mL <3 μ g/L

CEA, smoker Serum <5 ng/mL <5 μ g/L

Ceruloplasminb Serum 20-40 mg/dL 200-400 mg/L

Chloramphenicol Serum 10-25 μ g/mL 31-77 μ mol/L

(therapeutic)
Chlordiazepoxide Serum, 0.7-1.0 μ g/mL 2.3-3.3 μ mol/L
(therapeutic) plasma
Chloride Serum, 96-106 mEq/L 96-106 mmol/L
plasma
Chloride CSF 118-132 mEq/L 118-132 mmol/L
Chlorpromazine (therapeutic, Plasma 50-300 ng/mL 157-942 nmol/L
adult)
Chlorpromazine (therapeutic, Plasma 40-80 ng/mL 126-251 nmol/L
child)
Chlorpropamide Plasma 75-250 mg/L 270-900 μ mol/L
(therapeutic)
Cholesterol, high-density Plasma 40-60 mg/dL 1.03-1.55 mmol/L
lipoproteins (HDL)
Cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL)b

Optimal Plasma <100 mg/dL <2.59 mmol/L

Near optimal Plasma 100-129 mg/dL 2.59-3.34 mmol/L

Borderline high Plasma 130-159 mg/dL 3.37-4.12 mmol/L

High Plasma 160-189 mg/dL 4.15-4.90 mmol/L

Very high Plasma >190 mg/dL >4.90 mmol/L

Cholesterol (total), adult

Desirable Serum <200 mg/dL <5.17 mmol/L

Borderline high Serum 200-239 mg/dL 5.17-6.18 mmol/L

High Serum >240 mg/dL >6.21 mmol/L

Cholesterol (total), children

Desirable Serum <170 mg/dL 4.40 mmol/L

Borderline high Serum 170-199 mg/dL 4.40-5.15 mmol/L

High Serum >200 mg/dL >5.18 mmol/L

Chromium Whole 0.7-28.0 μ g/L 13.4- nmol/L

blood 538.6
Citrate Serum 1.2-3.0 mg/dL 60-160 μ mol/L

Citrullineb Plasma 0.4-2.4 mg/dL 20-135 μ mol/L

Clonazepam (therapeutic) Serum 15-60 ng/mL 48-190 nmol/L

Coagulation factor I Plasma 150-400 mg/dL 1.5-4.0 g/L

(fibrinogen)
Coagulation factor II Plasma 60-140 % 0.60-1.40 Fraction of 1.0
(prothrombin)
Coagulation factor V Plasma 60-140 % 0.60-1.40 Fraction of 1.0

Coagulation factor VII Plasma 60-140 % 0.60-1.40 Fraction of 1.0

Coagulation factor VIII Plasma 50-200 % 0.50-2.00 Fraction of 1.0

Coagulation factor IX Plasma 60-140 % 0.60-1.40 Fraction of 1.0

Coagulation factor X Plasma 60-140 % 0.60-1.40 Fraction of 1.0

Coagulation factor XI Plasma 60-140 % 0.60-1.40 Fraction of 1.0

Coagulation factor XII Plasma 60-140 % 0.60-1.40 Fraction of 1.0

Cobalt Serum <1.0 μ g/L <17 nmol/L

Codeine (therapeutic) Serum 10-100 ng/mL 33-334 nmol/L

Complete blood count (CBC)

Hematocritb

Male Whole 41-50 % 0.41-0.50 Fraction of 1.0

blood
Female Whole 35-45 % 0.35-0.45 Fraction of 1.0
blood
Hemoglobin (mass
concentration)b
Male Whole 13.5-17.5 g/dL 135-175 g/L
blood
Female Whole 12.0-15.5 g/dL 120-155 g/L
blood
Hemoglobin (substance concentration, Hb [Fe])

Male Whole 13.6-17.2 g/dL 8.44- mmol/L

blood 10.65
Female Whole 12.0-15.0 g/dL 7.45-9.30 mmol/L
blood
Mean corpuscular Whole 27-33 pg/cell 27-33 pg/cell
hemoglobin (MCH), mass blood
concentration
MCH, substance
b
Whole 27-33 pg/cell 1.70-2.05 fmol
concentration, Hb [Fe] blood
Mean corpuscular Whole 33-37 g Hb/dL 330-370 g Hb/L
hemoglobin concentration blood
(MCHC),substance
MCHC, mass concentration Whole 33-37 g Hb/dL 20-23 mmol/L
concentration, Hb [Fe] blood
Mean cell volume (MCV)b Whole 80-100 μ m3 80-100 fL
blood
Platelet count Whole 150-450 103 μ L−1 150-450 109 L−1
blood
Red blood cell count

Female Whole 3.9-5.5 106 μ L−1 3.9-5.5 1012 L−1

blood
Male Whole 4.6-6.0 106 μ L−1 4.6-6.0 1012 L−1
blood
Reticulocyte countb Whole 25-75 103 μ L−1 25-75 109 L−1
blood
Reticulocyte countb (fraction) Whole 0.5-1.5 % of RBCs 0.005- Fraction of
blood 0.015 RBCs
White blood cell countb Whole 4.5-11.0 103 μ L−1 4.5-11.0 109 L−1
blood
Differential countb (absolute)

Neutrophils Whole 1800-7800 μ L−1 1.8-7.8 109 L−1

blood
Bands Whole 0-700 μ L−1 0.00-0.70 109 L−1
blood
Lymphocytes Whole 1000-4800 μ L−1 1.0-4.8 109 L−1
blood
Monocytes Whole 0-800 μ L−1 0.00-0.80 109 L−1
blood
Eosinophils Whole 0-450 μ L−1 0.00-0.45 109 L−1
blood
Basophils Whole 0-200 μ L−1 0.00-0.20 109 L−1
blood
Differential countb (number fraction)

Neutrophils Whole 56 % 0.56 Fraction of 1.0

blood
Bands Whole 3 % 0.03 Fraction of 1.0
blood
Lymphocytes Whole 34 % 0.34 Fraction of 1.0
blood
Monocytes Whole 4 % 0.04 Fraction of 1.0
blood
Eosinophils Whole 2.7 % 0.027 Fraction of 1.0
blood
Basophils Whole 0.3 % 0.003 Fraction of 1.0
blood
Copperb Serum 70-140 μ g/dL 11.0-22.0 μ mol/L

Coproporphyrin Urine <200 μ g/24 h <300 nmol/day

Corticotropinb (08:00) Plasma <120 pg/mL <26 pmol/L

Cortisol, totalb

08:00 Plasma 5-25 μ g/dL 138-690 nmol/L

16:00 Plasma 3-16 μ g/dL 83-442 nmol/L

20:00 Plasma <50% of μ g/dL <50% of nmol/L

08:00 08:00
Cortisol, freeb Urine 30-100 μ g/24 h 80-280 nmol/day

Cotinine (smoker) Plasma 16-145 ng/mL 91-823 nmol/L

C-peptide Serum 0.5-3.5 ng/mL 0.17-1.17 nmol/L

Creatine, male Serum 0.2-0.7 mg/dL 15.3-53.3 μ mol/L

Creatine, female Serum 0.3-0.9 mg/dL 22.9-68.6 μ mol/L

Creatine kinase (CK)a Serum 50-200 U/L 0.85-3.40 μ Kat/L

CK-MB fraction Serum <6 % <0.06 Fraction of 1.0

Creatinineb Serum, 0.6-1.2 mg/dL 53-106 μ mol/L

plasma
Creatinine Urine 1-2 g/24 h 8.8-17.7 mmol/day

Creatinine clearance, Serum, 75-125 mL/min/1.73 0.72-1.2 mL/s/m2

glomerular filtration rate urine m2

C-telopeptide

Men Serum, 60-700 pg/mL 60-700 pg/mL

plasma
Premenopausal women Serum, 40-465 pg/mL 40-465 pg/mL
plasma
Cyanide (toxic) Whole >1.0 μ g/mL >38.4 μ mol/L
blood
Cyanocobalamin (see vitamin
B12)
Cyclic adenosine Plasma 4.6-8.6 ng/mL 14-26 nmol/L
monophosphate (cAMP)
Cyclosporine (toxic) Whole >400 ng/mL >333 nmol/L
blood
Cystineb Plasma 0.40-1.40 mg/dL 33-117 μ mol/L

D-dimer Plasma Negative ng/mL Negative ng/mL

(<500) (<500)
Dehydroepiandrosterone Plasma, 180-1250 ng/dL 6.2-43.3 nmol/L
(DHEA) (unconjugated, serum
male)b
Dehydroepiandrosterone Plasma, 10-619 μ g/dL 0.3-16.7 μ mol/L
sulfate (DHEA-S) (male) b
serum
Desipramine (therapeutic) Plasma, 50-200 ng/mL 170-700 nmol/L
serum
Diazepam (therapeutic) Plasma, 100-1000 ng/mL 0.35-3.51 μ mol/L
serum
Digoxin (therapeutic) Plasma 0.5-2.0 ng/mL 0.6-2.6 nmol/L

Disopyramide (therapeutic) Plasma, 2.8-7.0 mg/L 8-21 μ mol/L

serum
Doxepin (therapeutic) Plasma, 150-250 ng/mL 540-890 nmol/L
serum
Electrolytes

Chloride Serum, 96-106 mEq/L 96-106 mmol/L

plasma
 Carbon dioxide (CO2) Serum, 22-28 mEq/L 22-28 mmol/L
plasma,
Potassium venous
Plasma 3.5-5.0 mEq/L 3.5-5.0 mmol/L

Sodiumb Plasma 136-142 mEq/L 136-142 mmol/L

Eosinophils (see complete blood count, white blood cell count)

Epinephrine (supine) Plasma <50 pg/mL <273 pmol/L

Epinephrineb Urine <20 μ g/24 h <109 nmol/day

Erythrocyte count (see complete blood count, red blood cell count)

Erythrocyte sedimentation Whole 0-20 mm/h 0-20 mm/h

rate (ESR)b blood
Erythropoietin Serum 5-36 mU/mL 5-36 IU/L

Estradiol (E2,
unconjugated),b female
Follicular phase Serum 20-350 pg/mL 73-1285 pmol/L

Midcycle peak Serum 150-750 pg/mL 551-2753 pmol/L

Luteal phase Serum 30-450 pg/mL 110-1652 pmol/L

Postmenopausal Serum <59 pg/mL <218 pmol/L

Estradiol (unconjugated),b Serum <20 pg/mL <184 pmol/L

male
Estriol (E3, unconjugated), Serum <2 ng/mL <6.9 nmol/L
males and nonpregnant
females, varies
Estrogens with
(total), b length
female

Follicular phase Serum 60-200 pg/mL 60-200 ng/L

Luteal phase Serum 160-400 pg/mL 160-400 ng/L

Postmenopausal Serum <130 pg/mL <130 ng/L

Estrogens (total),b male Serum 20-80 pg/mL 20-80 ng/L

Estrone (E1),b female

Follicular phase Plasma, 100-250 pg/mL 370-925 pmol/L

serum
Luteal phase Plasma, 15-200 pg/mL 55-740 pmol/L
serum
Postmenopausal Plasma, 15-55 pg/mL 55-204 pmol/L
serum
Estrone (E1),b male Plasma, 15-65 pg/mL 55-240 pmol/L
serum
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol), toxic Serum, >100 mg/dL >21.7 mmol/L
whole blood
Ethosuximide Plasma, 40-100 μ g/mL 283-708 μ mol/L
serum
Ethylene glycol (toxic) Plasma, >30 mg/dL >5 mmol/L
serum
Everolimus Whole 3-15 ng/mL 3-16 nmol/L
blood
Fatty acids (nonesterified) Plasma 8-25 mg/dL 0.28-0.89 mmol/L

Fecal fat (as stearic acid) Stool 2.0-6.0 g/day 2-6 g/day

Felbamate Serum, 30-60 μ g/mL 126-252 μ mol/L

plasma
Ferritinb Plasma 15-200 ng/mL 15-200 μ g/L

α -Fetoproteinb Serum <10 ng/mL <10 μ g/L

Fibrinogen Plasma 150-400 mg/dL 1.5-4.0 g/L

Fibrin breakdown products Serum <10 μ g/mL <10 mg/L

(fibrin split products)
Folate (folic acid) Red blood 166-640 ng/mL 376-1450 nmol/L
cells
Folate (folic acid) Serum 5-25 ng/mL 11-57 nmol/L

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, follitropin),b female

Follicular phase Serum 1.37-9.9 mIU/mL 1.3-9.9 IU/L

Ovulatory phase Serum 6.17-17.2 mIU/mL 6.1-17.2 IU/L

Luteal phase Serum 1.09-9.2 mIU/mL 1.0-9.2 IU/L

Postmenopausal Serum 19.3-100.6 mIU/mL 19.3- IU/L

100.6
FSH (follitropin),b male Serum 1.42-15.4 mIU/mL 1.4-15.4 IU/L

FSH (follitropin),b female Urine 2-15 IU/24 h 2-15 IU/day

FSH (follitropin),b male Urine 3-12 IU/24 h 3-11 IU/day

Fructosamineb Serum 1.5-2.7 mmol/L 1.5-2.7 mmol/L

Gabapentin Serum, 2-20 μ g/mL 12-117 μ mol/L

plasma
Gastrin (fasting) Serum <100 pg/mL <100 ng/L

Gentamicin (therapeutic, Serum 6-10 μ g/mL 12-21 μ mol/L

peak)
Glucagonb Plasma 20-100 pg/mL 20-100 ng/L

Glucoseb Serum, 70-110 mg/dL 3.9-6.1 mmol/L

plasma
Glucose CSF 50-80 mg/dL 2.8-4.4 mmol/L

Glucose-6-phosphate Red blood 10-14 U/g of Hb 0.65-0.90 U/mol of Hb

dehydrogenase cells
Glutamic acidb Plasma 0.2-2.8 mg/dL 15-190 μ mol/L

Glutamine Plasma 6.1-10.2 mg/dL 420-700 μ mol/L

γ -Glutamyltransferase (GGT; γ -glutamyl transpeptidase)b

Female Serum <30 U/L 0.51 μ Kat/L

Male Serum <50 U/L <0.85 μ Kat/L

Glycerol (free)b Serum <1.5 mg/dL <0.16 mmol/L

Glycineb Plasma 0.9-4.2 mg/dL 120-560 μ mol/L

Glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1, A1c)

Whole blood Whole 4-5.6 % of total Hb 4-5.6 Fraction of

blood total Hb
Diagnosis Whole >6.5 % of total Hb >6.5 Fraction of
blood total Hb
Gold (therapeutic) Serum 100-200 μ g/dL 5.1-10.2 μ mol/L

Growth hormone, adult (GH, Plasma, <10 ng/mL <10 μ g/L

somatotropin)b serum
Haloperidol (therapeutic) Serum, 5-20 ng/mL 13-52 nmol/L
plasma
Haptoglobinb Serum 40-180 mg/dL 0.4-1.8 g/L

Hematocrit (see complete blood count)

Hemoglobin (see complete blood count)

Hemoglobin A1c (see glycated hemoglobin)

Hemoglobin A2b Whole 2.0-3.5 % total Hb 2.0-3.5 Fraction of 1.0

blood
Hemoglobin Fb (fetal Whole <2 % <2 Fraction of 1.0
hemoglobin in adult) blood
Histidineb Plasma 0.5-1.7 mg/dL 32-110 μ mol/L

Homocysteine (total) Plasma, 4-12 μ mol/L 4-12 μ mol/L

serum
Homovanillic acidb Urine <8 mg/24 h <45 μ mol/day
Human chorionic Serum <3 mIU/mL <3 IU/L
gonadotropin (hCG)
(nonpregnant
β adultacid
-Hydroxybutyric female) Serum 0.21-2.81 mg/dL 20-270 μ mol/L

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid Urine <25 mg/24 h <131 μ mol/day

(5-HIAA)
17α -
Hydroxyprogesterone,b
female
Follicular phase Serum 15-70 ng/dL 0.4-2.1 nmol/L

Luteal phase Serum 35-290 ng/dL 1.0-8.7 nmol/L

Postmenopausal Serum <70 ng/dL <2.1 nmol/L

17α - Serum 27-199 ng/dL 0.8-6.0 nmol/L

Hydroxyprogesterone,b male
Hydroxyproline Plasma <0.55 mg/dL <42 μ mol/L

5-Hydroxytryptamine (see
serotonin)
Ibuprofen (therapeutic) Serum, 10-50 μ g/mL 49-243 μ mol/L
plasma
Imipramine (therapeutic) Serum, 150-250 ng/mL 536-893 nmol/L
plasma
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)b Serum 50-350 mg/dL 0.5-3.5 g/L

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) Serum 0.5-3.0 mg/dL 5-30 mg/L

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Serum 10-179 IU/mL 24-430 μ g/L

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)b Serum 600-1560 mg/dL 6.0-15.6 g/L

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)b Serum 54-222 mg/dL 0.5-2.2 g/L

Insulin Plasma 5-20 μ U/mL 34.7- pmol/L

138.9
Inhibin A

Males Serum 1.0-3.6 pg/mL 1.0-3.6 ng/L

Female, early follicular Serum 5.5-28.2 pg/mL 5.5-28.2 ng/L

Female, late follicular Serum 19.5-102.3 pg/mL 19.5- ng/L

102.3
Female, midcycle Serum 49.9-155.5 pg/mL 49.9- ng/L
155.5
Female, midluteal Serum 13.2-159.6 pg/mL 13.2- ng/L
159.6
Female, postmenopausal Serum 1.0-3.9 pg/mL 1.0-3.9 ng/L

Insulin C-peptide (see C-

peptide)
Insulin-like growth factorb Serum 130-450 ng/mL 130-450 μ g/L

Ionized calcium (see

calcium)
Iron (total)b Serum 60-150 μ g/dL 10.7-26.9 μ mol/L

Iron-binding capacity Serum 250-400 μ g/dL 44.8-71.6 μ mol/L

Isoleucineb Plasma 0.5-1.3 mg/dL 40-100 μ mol/L

Isoniazid (therapeutic) Plasma or 1-7 μ g/mL 7-51 μ mol/L

serum
Isopropanol (toxic) Plasma, >400 mg/L >6.64 mmol/L
serum
Lactate (lactic acid) Arterial 3-11.3 mg/dL 0.3-1.3 mmol/L
blood
Lactate (lactic acid) Venous 4.5-19.8 mg/dL 0.5-2.2 mmol/L
blood
Lactate dehydrogenase Serum 50-200 U/L 50-200 U/L
(LDH)
Lamotrigine Serum, 2.5-15 μ g/dL 10-59 μ mol/L
plasma
Lead Whole <25 μ g/dL <1.21 μ mol/L
blood
Leucineb Plasma 1.0-2.3 mg/dL 75-175 μ mol/L

Leukocyte count (see complete blood count, white blood cell count)

Levetiracetam Serum, 12-46 μ g/mL 71-270 μ mol/L

plasma
Lidocaine (therapeutic) Serum, 1.5-6.0 μ mL g/mL 6.4-25.6 μ mol/L
plasma
Lipasea Serum 0-160 U/L 0-2.72 μ Kat/L

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) Serum, 10-30 mg/dL 0.1-0.3 g/L

plasma
Lithium (therapeutic) Serum, 0.6-1.2 mEq/L 0.6-1.2 mmol/L
plasma
Lorazepam (therapeutic) Serum, 50-240 ng/mL 156-746 nmol/L
plasma
LDL cholesterolb Serum, 60-130 mg/dL 1.55-3.37 mmol/L
plasma
Luteinizing hormone (LH),b
female
Follicular phase Serum 2.0-15.0 mIU/L 2.0-15.0 IU/L

Ovulatory peak Serum 22.0-105.0 mIU/L 22.0- IU/L

105.0
Luteal phase Serum 0.6-19.0 mIU/L 0.6-19.0 IU/L

Postmenopausal Serum 16.0-64.0 mIU/L 16.0-64.0 IU/L

LH,b male Serum 2.0-12.0 mIU/L 2.0-12.0 IU/L

Lymphocytes (see complete blood count, white blood cell count)

Lysineb Plasma 1.2-3.5 mg/dL 80-240 μ mol/L

Lysozyme (muramidase) Serum 4-13 mg/L 4-13 mg/L

Magnesiumb Serum 1.5-2.5 mg/dL 0.62-1.03 mmol/L

Magnesiumb Serum 1.3-2.1 mEq/L 0.65-1.05 mmol/L

Manganese Whole 10-12 μ g/L 182-218 nmol/L

blood
Maprotiline (therapeutic) Plasma, 200-600 ng/mL 200-600 μ g/L
serum
MCH (see complete blood
count)
MCHC (see complete blood
count)
Meperidine (therapeutic) Serum, 0.4-0.7 μ g/mL 1.6-2.8 μ mol/L
plasma
Mercury Whole 0.6-59.0 μ g/L 3.0-294.4 nmol/L
blood
Metanephrines (total)b Urine <1.0 mg/24 h <5 μ mol/day

Methadone (therapeutic) Serum, 100-400 ng/mL 0.32-1.29 μ mol/L

plasma
Methanol Whole <1.5 mg/L <0.05 mmol/L
blood,
Methemoglobin serum
Whole <0.24 g/dL <37.2 μ mol/L
blood
Methemoglobin Whole <1.0 % of total Hb <0.01 Fraction of
blood total Hb
Methionineb Plasma 0.1-0.6 mg/dL 6-40 μ mol/L

Methsuximide (therapeutic) Serum, 10-40 μ g/mL 53-212 μ mol/L

plasma
Methyldopa (therapeutic) Serum, 1-5 μ g/mL 5-24 μ mol/L
plasma
Metoprolol (therapeutic) Serum, 75-200 ng/mL 281-748 nmol/L
plasma
Mexthotrexate

Toxic 24 h after dose Serum, ≥10 μ mol/L ≥10 μ mol/L

plasma
Toxic 48 h after dose Serum, ≥1 μ mol/L ≥1 μ mol/L
plasma
Toxic 72 h after dose Serum, ≥0.1 μ mol/L ≥0.1 μ mol/L
plasma
β 2-Microglobulin Serum <2 μ g/mL <170 nmol/L
Monocytes (see complete blood count, white blood cell count)

Morphine (therapeutic) Serum, 10-80 ng/mL 35-280 nmol/L

plasma
Muramidase (see lysozyme)

Mycophenolic acid Serum, 1.3-3.5 μ g/mL 4-11 μ mol/L

plasma
Naproxen (therapeutic Plasma, >50 μ g/mL >217 μ mol/L
trough) serum
Neutrophils (see complete blood count, white blood cell count)

Niacin (nicotinic acid) Urine 2.4-6.4 mg/24 h 17.5-46.7 μ mol/day

Nickel Whole 1.0-28.0 μ g/L 17-476 nmol/L

blood
Nicotine (smoker) Plasma 0.01-0.05 mg/L 0.062- μ mol/L
0.308
Norepinephrineb Plasma 110-410 pg/mL 650-2423 nmol/L

Norepinephrineb Urine 15-80 μ g/24 h 89-473 nmol/day

Nortriptyline (therapeutic) Serum, 50-150 ng/mL 190-570 nmol/L

plasma
N-telopeptide (BCE, bone collagen equivalents)

Men Serum 5.4-24.2 nmol BCE/L 5.4-24.2 nmol BCE/L

Premenopausal women Serum 6.2-19.0 nmol BCE/L 6.2-19.0 nmol BCE/L

Ornithineb Plasma 0.4-1.4 mg/dL 30-106 μ mol/L

Osmolalityb Serum 275-295 mOsm/kg H2O 275-295 mmol/kg H2O

Osmolality Urine 250-900 mOsm/kg H2O 250-900 mmol/kg H2O

Osteocalcinb Serum 3.0-13.0 ng/mL 3.0-13.0 μ g/L

Oxalate Serum 1.0-2.4 mg/L 11-27 μ mol/L

Oxazepam (therapeutic) Serum, 0.2-1.4 μ g/mL 0.7-54.9 μ mol/L

plasma
Oxycodone (therapeutic) Plasma, 10-100 ng/mL 32-317 nmol/L
serum
Oxygen, partial pressure Arterial 80-100 mm Hg 80-100 mm Hg
(PO2) blood
Pantothenic acid (see vitamin
B5 )
Parathyroid hormone

Intactb Serum 10-50 pg/mL 10-50 ng/L

 N-terminal specificb Serum 8-24 pg/mL 8-24 ng/L

C-terminal (mid- molecule) Serum 0-340 pg/mL 0-340 ng/L

Pentobarbital (therapeutic) Serum, 1-5 μ g/mL 4.0-22 μ mol/L

plasma
Pepsinogen Ib Serum 28-100 ng/mL 28-100 μ g/L

pH (see blood gases)

Phenobarbital (therapeutic) Serum, 15-40 μ g/mL 65-172 μ mol/L

plasma
Phenylalanineb Plasma 0.6-1.5 mg/dL 35-90 μ mol/L

Phenytoin (therapeutic) Serum, 10-20 μ g/mL 40-79 μ mol/L

plasma
Phosphatase, tartrate- Serum 1.5-4.5 U/L 0.03-0.08 μ Kat/L
resistant acid
Phosphorus (inorganic)b Serum 2.3-4.7 mg/dL 0.74-1.52 mmol/L

Phosphorus (inorganic)b Urine 0.4-1.3 g/24 h 12.9-42.0 mmol/day

Plasminogen Plasma 8.4-14.0 mg/dL 84-140 mg/L

Plasminogen Plasma 80-120 % 0.80-1.20 Fraction of 1.0

Plasminogen activator Plasma <15 IU/mL <15 kIU/L

inhibitor
Platelet count (see complete blood count, platelet count)

Porphobilinogen deaminase Red blood >7.0 nmol/s/L >7.0 nmol/(s L)

cells
Potassium Plasma 3.5-5.0 mEq/L 3.5-5.0 mmol/L

Prealbumin— transthyretin Serum, 18-45 mg/dL 0.18-0.45 g/L

plasma
Pregnanediol,b female

Follicular phase Urine <2.6 mg/24 h <8 μ mol/day

Luteal phase Urine 2.3-10.6 mg/24 h 8-33 μ mol/day

Pregnanediol,b male Urine 0-1.9 mg/24 h 0-5.9 μ mol/day

Pregnanetriolb Urine <2.5 mg/24 h <7.5 μ mol/day

Primidone (therapeutic) Serum, 5-12 μ g/mL 23-55 μ mol/L

plasma
Procainamide (therapeutic) Serum, 4-10 μ g/mL 17-42 μ mol/L
plasma
Progesterone,b female
Follicular phase Serum 0.1-0.7 ng/mL 0.5-2.2 nmol/L

Luteal phase Serum 2.0-25.0 ng/mL 6.4-79.5 nmol/L

Progesterone,b male Serum 0.13-0.97 ng/mL 0.4-3.1 nmol/L

Prolactin (nonlactating Serum 1-25 ng/mL 1-25 μ g/L

subject)
Prolineb Plasma 1.2-3.9 mg/dL 104-340 μ mol/L

Propoxyphene (therapeutic) Serum 0.1-0.4 μ g/mL 0.3-1.2 μ mol/L

Propanolol (therapeutic) Serum, 50-100 ng/mL 190-386 nmol/L

plasma
Protein (total)b Serum 6.0-8.0 g/dL 60-80 g/L

Protein C Plasma 70-140 % 0.70-1.40 Fraction of 1.0

Protein electrophoresis (serum protein electrophoresis [SPEP]), fraction of total protein

Albumin Serum 52-65 % 0.52-0.65 Fraction of 1.0

α 1-Globulin Serum 2.5-5.0 % 0.025- Fraction of 1.0

0.05
α 2-Globulin Serum 7.0-13.0 % 0.07-0.13 Fraction of 1.0

β -Globulin Serum 8.0-14.0 % 0.08-0.14 Fraction of 1.0

γ -Globulin Serum 12.0-22.0 % 0.12-0.22 Fraction of 1.0

Protein electrophoresis (SPEP), concentration

Albumin Serum 3.2-5.6 g/dL 32-56 g/L

α 1-Globulin Serum 0.1-0.4 g/dL 1-10 g/L

α 2-Globulin Serum 0.4-1.2 g/dL 4-12 g/L

β -Globulin Serum 0.5-1.1 g/dL 5-11 g/L

γ -Globulin Serum 0.5-1.6 g/dL 5-16 g/L

Protein S (activity) Plasma 70-140 % 0.70-1.40 Fraction of 1.0

Prothrombin time (PT) Plasma 10-13 s 10-13 s

Protoporphyrin Red blood 15-50 μ g/dL 0.27-0.89 μ mol/L

cells
PSA Serum 0-4.0 ng/mL 0-4.0 μ g/L

Pyridinium cross-links (deoxypyridinoline)

Male Urine 10.3-20 nmol/mmol 10.3-20 nmol/mmol
creatinine creatinine
Premenopausal female Urine 15.3-33.6 nmol/mmol 15.3-33.6 nmol/mmol
creatinine creatinine
Pyridoxine (see vitamin B6)

Pyruvate (as pyruvic acid) Whole 0.3-0.9 mg/dL 34-102 μ mol/L

blood
Quinidine (therapeutic) Serum, 2.0-5.0 μ g/mL 6.2-15.4 μ mol/L
plasma
Red blood cell count (see complete blood count)

Red cell folate (see folate)

Renin (normal-sodium diet)b Plasma 1.1-4.1 ng/mL/h 1.1-4.1 ng/(mL h)

Reticulocyte countb Whole 25-75 103 μ L−1 25-75 109 L−1

blood
Reticulocyte countb (fraction) Whole 0.5-1.5 % of RBCs 0.005- Fraction of
blood 0.015 RBCs
Retinol (see vitamin A)

Rheumatoid factor Serum <30 IU/mL <30 kIU/L

Riboflavin (see vitamin B2)

Salicylates (therapeutic) Serum, 15-30 mg/dL 1.08-2.17 mmol/L

plasma
Sedimentation rate (see erythrocyte sedimentation rate)

Selenium Whole 58-234 μ g/L 0.74-2.97 μ mol/L

blood
Serineb Plasma 0.7-2.0 mg/dL 65-193 μ mol/L

Serotonin (5- Whole 50-200 ng/mL 0.28-1.14 μ mol/L

hydroxytryptamine) blood
Sertraline (Zoloft) Serum or 10-50 ng/mL 33-164 nmol/L
plasma
SPEP (see protein
electrophoresis)
Sex hormone-binding Serum 0.5-1.5 μ g/dL 17.4-52.1 nmol/L
globulinb
Sirolimus Whole 4-20 ng/mL 4-22 nmol/L
blood
Sodiumb Plasma 136-142 mEq/L 136-142 mmol/L

Somatostatin Plasma <25 pg/mL <25 ng/L

Somatomedin C (see insulin-like growth factor)

Strychnine (toxic) Whole >0.5 mg/L >1.5 μ mol/L

blood
Substance P Plasma <240 pg/mL <240 ng/L

Sulfhemoglobin Whole <1.0 % of total Hb <0.010 Fraction of

blood total Hb
Tacrolimus Whole 3-20 ng/mL 4-25 nmol/L
blood
Taurineb Plasma 0.3-2.1 mg/dL 24-168 μ mol/L

Testosterone,b male Plasma, 300-1200 ng/dL 10.4-41.6 nmol/L

serum
Testosterone,b female Plasma, <85 ng/dL 2.95 nmol/L
serum
Theophylline (therapeutic) Plasma, 10-20 μ g/mL 56-111 μ mol/L
serum
Thiamine (see vitamin B1)

Thiocyanate (nonsmoker) Plasma, 1-4 mg/L 17-69 μ mol/L

serum
Thiopental (therapeutic) Plasma, 1-5 μ g/mL 4-21 μ mol/L
serum
Thioridazine (therapeutic) Plasma, 1.0-1.5 μ g/mL 2.7-4.1 μ mol/L
serum
Thrombin time Plasma 16-24 s 16-24 s

Threonineb Plasma 0.9-2.5 mg/dL 75-210 μ mol/L

Thyroglobulinb Serum 3-42 ng/mL 3-42 μ g/L

Thyrotropin (thyroid- Serum 0.5-5.0 μ IU/mL 0.5-5.0 mU/L

stimulating hormone, TSH)b
Thyroxine, free (FT4)b Serum 0.9-2.3 ng/dL 12-30 pmol/L

Thyroxine, total (T4)b Serum 5.5-12.5 μ g/dL 71-160 nmol/L

Thyroxine-binding globulin Serum 10-26 μ g/dL 129-335 nmol/L

(TBG),b as T4 binding capacity
Tissue plasminogen activator Plasma <0.04 IU/mL <40 IU/L

Tobramycin (therapeutic, Plasma, 5-10 μ g/mL 10-21 μ mol/L

peak) serum
Tocainide (therapeutic) Plasma, 4-10 μ g/mL 21-52 μ mol/L
serum
α -Tocopherol (see vitamin
E)
Topiramate Serum, 5-20 μ g/mL 15-59 μ mol/L
plasma
Transferrin (siderophilin)b Serum 200-380 mg/dL 2.0-3.8 g/L

Triglyceridesb Plasma, 10-190 mg/dL 0.11-2.15 mmol/L

serum
Triiodothyronine, free (FT3)b Serum 260-480 pg/dL 4.0-7.4 pmol/L
Triiodothyronine, resin Serum 25-35 % 0.25-0.35 Fraction of 1.0
uptakeb
Triiodothyronine, total (T3)b Serum 70-200 ng/dL 1.08-3.14 nmol/L

Troponin I (cardiac) Serum 0-0.4 ng/mL 0-0.4 μ g/L

Troponin T (cardiac) Serum 0-0.1 ng/mL 0-0.1 μ g/L

Tryptophanb Plasma 0.5-1.5 mg/dL 25-73 μ mol/L

Tyrosineb Plasma 0.4-1.6 mg/dL 20-90 μ mol/L

Urea nitrogen (BUN)b Serum 8-23 mg/dL 2.9-8.2 mmol/L

Uric acidb Serum 4.0-8.5 mg/dL 0.24-0.51 mmol/L

Urobilinogenb Urine 0.05-2.5 mg/24 h 0.1-4.2 μ mol/day

Valineb Plasma 1.7-3.7 mg/dL 145-315 μ mol/L

Valproic acid (therapeutic) Plasma, 50-150 μ g/mL 346-1040 μ mol/L

serum
Vancomycin (therapeutic, Plasma, 10-20 μ g/mL 6.9-13.8 μ mol/L
peak) serum
Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)b Urine 2.1-7.6 mg/24 h 11-38 μ mol/day

Vasoactive intestinal Plasma <50 pg/mL <50 ng/L

polypeptide
Verapamil (therapeutic) Plasma, 100-500 ng/mL 220-1100 nmol/L
serum
Vitamin A (retinol)b Serum 30-80 μ g/dL 1.05-2.80 μ mol/L

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Whole 2.5-7.5 μ g/dL 74-222 nmol/L

blood
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) Plasma, 4-24 μ g/dL 106-638 nmol/L
serum
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) Whole 0.2-1.8 μ g/mL 0.9-8.2 μ mol/L
blood
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) Plasma 5-30 ng/mL 20-121 nmol/L

Vitamin B12 Serum 160-950 pg/mL 118-701 pmol/L

(cyanocobalamin)b
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) Plasma, 0.4-1.5 mg/dL 23-85 μ mol/L
serum
Vitamin D, 1,25- Plasma, 16-65 pg/mL 42-169 pmol/L
dihydroxyvitamin D serum
Vitamin D, 25- Plasma, 14-60 ng/mL 35-150 nmol/L
hydroxyvitamin D serum
Vitamin E (α - tocopherol)b Plasma, 0.5-1.8 mg/dL 12-42 μ mol/L
serum
Vitamin K Plasma, 0.13-1.19 ng/mL 0.29-2.64 nmol/L
serum
von Willebrand factor Plasma 70-140 % 0.70-1.40 Fraction of 1.0
(ranges vary according to
blood type)
Warfarin (therapeutic) Plasma, 1.0-10 μ g/mL 3.2-32.4 μ mol/L
serum
White blood cell countb Whole 4.5-11.0 103 μ L−1 4.5-11.0 109 L−1
blood
White blood cell, differential count (see complete blood count)

Xylose absorption test (25-g Whole >25 mg/dL mg/dL >1.7 mmol/L
dose)b blood
Zidovudine (therapeutic) Plasma, 0.15-0.27 μ g/mL 0.56-1.01 μ mol/L
serum
Zinc Serum 50-150 μ g/dL 7.7-23.0 μ mol/L

The sample type listed under Specimen in this table shows the reference interval for that specimen type. Thus, if the
specimen for a test is listed as serum, the reference interval shown is for serum specimens. For many tests listed
with
serum as the specimen type, plasma is also acceptable, often with a similar reference interval.
The normal ranges listed here are included as a helpful guide and are by no means comprehensive. The listed
reference, unless noted, pertains to adults. Laboratory results are method dependent and can have intralaboratory
variation. Conversion factors are not affected by age-related differences. This table is compiled from data in the
following sources: 1) Tietz NW, ed. Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests . 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co;
1995; 2) Laposata M. SI Unit Conversion Guide . Boston: NEJM Books; 1992; 3) American Medical
Association Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and Editors . 9th ed. Chicago: AMA; 1998:486–503.
Copyright 1998, American Medical Association; 4) Jacobs DS, DeMott WR, Oxley DK, eds. Jacobs & DeMott
Laboratory Test Handbook With Key Word Index . 5th ed.
Hudson, OH: Lexi-Comp Inc; 2001; 5) Henry JB, ed. Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory
Methods . 20th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co; 2001; 6) Kratz A, et al. Laboratory reference values. N Engl J
Med . 2006;351:1548– 1563; 7) Burtis CA, ed. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular
Diagnostics. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2012. This version of the table of reference ranges was reviewed and
updated by Jessica Franco-Colon, PhD, and Kay Brooks.
a
The SI unit katal is the amount of enzyme generating 1 mol of product per second. Although provisionally
recommended as the SI unit for enzymatic activity, it has not been universally accepted. It is suitable to maintain
use of U/L in these circumstances (conversion factor 1.0).
b
For this analyte, there is age dependence for the reference range. There may be several different normal ranges for
different pediatric age ranges. Consult your clinical laboratory for the local institution age-specific reference range.
Pediatric reference values may also be found in Soldin SJ, Brugnara C, Wong EC, eds; Hicks JM, editor emeritus.
Pediatric References Intervals . 5th ed. (formerly Pediatric Reference Ranges ). Washington, DC: AACC
Press; 2005.