Units of Measurement Style Guide Project

Announcing upcoming changes to abbreviations for units of measure

During the next several Hot Line Updates, changes to some abbreviations for units of measure (UOM) will appear.

 Why are some abbreviations for units of measure changing?

ARUP Laboratories Charting Committee reviewed the inconsistencies in UOM abbreviations which appeared in test results and interpretive comments as well as gathered information from several authoritative resources regarding preferred styles for UOM abbreviations. As a result, an "ARUP Style Guide for Abbreviations Used in Units of Measure (UOM)" was developed.  

This style guide will become the standard for abbreviations for units of measure used in reporting test results and interpretive comments, whenever possible.  However, changes will not occur to UOM abbreviations for FDA approved assays.

 When will these changes occur?

During the next 6 months, changes to abbreviations for units of measure will be appearing in Hot Lines..

 Where can these changes be previewed?

Preview the following documents in which the changes are explained and listed. 

1.  Samples of the variations that currently exist in abbreviations for units of measure along with the recommended standard for those abbreviations. 

2.  Style guide for abbreviations for units of measure.

3.  Summary of project processes and procedures.  A summary of the varied processes, resources, and project timeline. 

Where can additional comments and questions be directed?

Please post your comments and questions below.   A representative from the Charting Committee will review and respond.