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Toxicology & Drug Level Unit Conversions

Toxicology and drug-level results are reported in different units by different laboratories and countries, and a unit mix-up can change how urgent a result looks. These converters use the molar mass of each substance so you can compare results reported in mmol/L and mg/dL.

Converters in This Group

Testmmol/L → mg/dL factorConvertReverse
Ethanol× 4.607Ethanol mmol/L to mg/dLEthanol mg/dL to mmol/L
Ethylene Glycol× 6.207Ethylene Glycol mmol/L to mg/dLEthylene Glycol mg/dL to mmol/L
Vancomycin× 144.9Vancomycin mmol/L to mg/dLVancomycin mg/dL to mmol/L

To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by the same factor.

About These Tests

Ethanol

Blood alcohol. 17.4 mmol/L equals 80 mg/dL (0.08%), a common legal driving limit.

Ethylene Glycol

The toxic alcohol in antifreeze. Levels of 20 mg/dL (3.2 mmol/L) or higher have traditionally prompted treatment.

Vancomycin

An antibiotic monitored in blood, usually reported in mg/L (the same as µg/mL): 1 mg/L = 0.1 mg/dL.

How the Factors Are Calculated

Each factor is the molar mass of the substance (g/mol) divided by 10. Factors were last verified on 24 September 2026. Read more in our editorial policy.

Sources

  • Barceloux DG et al. American Academy of Clinical Toxicology practice guidelines on the treatment of ethylene glycol poisoning. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:537–560.
  • IUPAC Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights. Standard atomic weights (used for all molar masses).

Reference ranges vary between laboratories. Use the range printed on your own report and discuss results with your doctor.