How to convert kU/l into IU/ml ?: Hi, does anyone... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

144,151 members169,598 posts

How to convert kU/l into IU/ml ?

Anita64 profile image
6 Replies

Hi, does anyone know how to convert kU/l into IU/ml, please?

My recent blood test results are for TPO antibodies: <28 kU/l and TgAb: 16 kU/l

I would love to know what it is in IU/ml.

Also, can anyone tell from these results if I might have Hashimoto's disease?

Thank you very much.

Kind regards,

Anita

Written by
Anita64 profile image
Anita64
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Why do you need to convert it?

For any result, there will be a reference range or, with antibodies there is often a figure/upper limit, for example <34. So in that instance, if your result was less than 34 the result is negative, if the result was greater than 34 it would be positive.

So if you add the range/upper limit for your results we can answer your question :)

Anita64 profile image
Anita64 in reply toSeasideSusie

Thank you SeasideSusie.

I guess I wanted to understand both the kU/l and IU/ml. I have blood tests in both and wanted to understand the difference.

I can see the upper limit in the test results, but what I have understood is that the standard reference range can be different from the optimal reference range.

Kind regards

Anita

helvella profile image
helvella

To change a value in kU to one in U (or IU - same thing) you multiply the number by 1000.

(A three kilowatt kettle is rated at 3000 watts.)

To change a value in per litre to per millilitre, you divide the number by 1000.

(A fluid that is 2000 joules per litre would be 2 joules per millilitre.)

You might have got there already, but if you take a number and multiply by 1000 and also divide by 1000, you end up with the same number.

(Be aware that International Units are not interchangeable from one substance to another. For example vitamin D to TPO antibodies or TGab - or TPO to TGab. The unit is absolutely specific to what it is.)

Anita64 profile image
Anita64 in reply tohelvella

Thanks Helvella for your kind help.

I have ''math dyslexia'' and most calculations are very difficult for me to comprehend.

But I have multiplied 28 kU/l (my TPO blood result) with 1000 and it is 28 and I have also divided 28 kU/l with 1000 and it is 0,028. So, if I have understood correctly the answer is the same 28 in kU/l and IU/ml.

Kind regards

Anita

The units don't matter. If the number is over the top of the range given, it is positive, otherwise it is negative. < means less than; > means greater than. However, it is possible (but not usual) to have hashis and not have high antibodies.

Anita64 profile image
Anita64 in reply toAngel_of_the_North

Thank you so much for your kind message Angel of the North!

Kindest

Anita

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

How to convert mU/L to mlU/L

Blue Horizon are driving me slightly nuts by changing their unit of measurement of TSH. At my last...
dunestar profile image

Blood test results advice please!! Unable to convert T4 to T3!!

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE *6.10 MIU/L (0.2 - 4.2) FREE THYROXINE 14.3 PMOL/L (12 - 22) TOTAL...
Kaytee1 profile image

Help understanding results

I have Hashimoto's and I've been taking Levothyroxine - these are my new results - I don't know how...
crimsonmag profile image

Private thyroid results

Hi new here GP has been ignoring my symptoms for the past 4 years and refused to look into them so...
Natalie84 profile image

Blood test results for vitamins and minerals from doctor

Hi wondering if doctor should be acting on the vitamin and mineral results done 2 months ago since...
Natalie84 profile image

Moderation team

See all
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.