In the U.S., the Joint Commission accrediting agency issued a guideline a few years ago stating that the body masses of all pediatric patients (neonates, infants, and children) are to be MEASURED in kilograms only, i.e., the scale used must read in kilograms. This requirement has not yet been extended to older patients, nor to measuring the length or height of ANY patient in meters only. This inconsistency perpetuates the likelihood that medication errors due to dose miscalculations can occur.
While the U.S. may USE the metric system, It seems to be an almost innate American practice to scorn the concept of METRICATION, i.e. adopting the standard in all our affairs, even within the realms if patient height and mass. Paul Trusten, Reg. Pharmacist Vice President U.S. Metric Association, Inc. Midland, Texas USA www.metric.org +1(432)528-7724 [email protected]
