In what units are syringes typically calibrated?

Syringes are typically calibrated in milliliters (mL) and cubic centimeters (cc). This is due to the fact that the volume of liquid medication or contrast agent that needs to be administered is measured in these units. One milliliter is equivalent to one cubic centimeter, making these units interchangeable in this context. As such, healthcare professionals frequently use syringes that display measurements in these volumetric units to accurately draw up and deliver the appropriate dose.

Milligrams and grams are weight measurements and are not suitable for syringe calibration, which focuses on the volume of liquid. Liters and deciliters are larger measurements that are generally not used in syringe calibration because syringes are designed for smaller quantities of liquid. Teaspoons and tablespoons, while common in oral dosing for medications, are not standard measurements used for syringe calibrations in a clinical or radiological setting. These considerations highlight why milliliters and cubic centimeters are the standard units for syringe calibration.