Here is what the BOS-2 says about it ...
Posted By: SM on 2007-06-19
In Reply to: Call me crazy, but I thought decimals were only for - Hayseed
Subject: Here is what the BOS-2 says about it ...
decimals, decimal units
Use numerals to express decimal amounts.
Use the period as a decimal point or indicator.
metric measurements
Always use the decimal form with metric units of measure, even when they are dictated as a fraction.
D: The mass was two and a half centimeters in diameter.
T: The mass was 2.5 cm in diameter.
Exception: When the originator uses a fraction that cannot be exactly translated into decimals, transcribe as dictated.
D: one third centimeter
T: 1/3 cm
When whole numbers are dictated, do not add a decimal point and zero because doing so may cause them to be misread. It also indicates a degree of specificity that, if not dictated, was not intended by the originator. This is critical with drug doses because the addition of a decimal point and zero could lead to serious consequences if misread as ten times the amount ordered.
2 mg
not 2.0 mg
When the decimal point and zero following a whole number are dictated to emphasize the preciseness of a measurement, e.g., of a pathology specimen or a laboratory value, transcribe them as dictated. Do not, however, insert the decimal point and zero if they are not dictated.
D&T: The specimen measured 4.8 x 2.0 x 3.4 mm.
but
D&T: The specimen measured 4.8 x 2 x 3.4 mm.
For quantities less than 1, place a zero before the decimal point, except when the number could never equal 1 (e.g., in bullet calibers and in certain statistical expressions such as correlation coefficients and statistical probability).
0.75 mg
.22-caliber rifle
Do not exceed two places following the decimal except in special circumstances, e.g., specific gravity values, or when a precise measurement is intended. See: nonmetric forms of measure below .
0.624 K-wire
specific gravity 1.030
nonmetric forms of measure
Use the decimal form with nonmetric forms of measure when a precise measurement is intended and the fraction form would be both cumbersome and inexact. Two or more places may follow the decimal.
The 0.1816-inch screw was inserted.
Copyright (c) 2002 American Association for Medical Transcription
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