Which abbreviation stands for Microgram?

Which abbreviation stands for Microgram?

• A. CO
• B. mcg
• C. mg
• D. mEq

Answer: (B)

Understanding dosage units: microgram is a very small mass — one-millionth of a gram. In clinical practice, the abbreviation mcg is commonly used to denote this unit (you’ll also see the symbol µg). This differs from milligram (mg), which is one-thousandth of a gram, and from milliequivalents (mEq), which express chemical quantity rather than mass. CO is not a mass unit at all. So the abbreviation for microgram is mcg, which is why that option is correct. In practice, using mcg helps prevent dosing errors with potent drugs given in very small amounts.

Understanding dosage units: microgram is a very small mass — one-millionth of a gram. In clinical practice, the abbreviation mcg is commonly used to denote this unit (you’ll also see the symbol µg). This differs from milligram (mg), which is one-thousandth of a gram, and from milliequivalents (mEq), which express chemical quantity rather than mass. CO is not a mass unit at all. So the abbreviation for microgram is mcg, which is why that option is correct. In practice, using mcg helps prevent dosing errors with potent drugs given in very small amounts.