This tiny unit of mass is fundamental in analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and environmental testing. It equals one thousandth of a milligram. Scientists use it to measure trace contaminants in water, highly potent drug dosages, and airborne particulate matter.
Heard on the job
The lab detected lead in the soil sample at a concentration of 15 micrograms per kilogram.
Insider tip
In medical contexts, it is frequently written as mcg rather than μg to prevent handwritten prescriptions from being misread as milligrams.
Also heard as
- μg
- mcg