Length

Definition in words

Distance between two points 1 and 2 of component B in system 1

Note: Length is a SI base kind-of-quantity

Definition by equation

Systematic terms

Length of component B in system 1

Result type

Rational scale
  • Value sets are positive numerical values
  • Algebraic operations are allowed (a=nb; a≠nb)
Numerical values from 0-∞

Unit

m, mm, µm, nm, pm, etc.

Reference

Ferard G, Dybkaer R, Fuentes-Arderiu X. Compendium of Terminology and Nomenclature of Properties in Clinical Laboratory Sciences : Recommendations 2016. 1 ed: Royal Society of Chemistry; 2016. 182 p.

Laboratory field

Examples

Clinical Chemistry

Example 1
Generic abbreviated
NPU28404 Pt—Waist Circumference; length = ? m
Full result NPU28404 Patient—Waist Circumference; length = 1.07 meter
Abbreviated result NPU28404 Pt—Waist Circumference; length = 1.07 m
Written expression The length of Mrs. Smith‘s Waist Circumference is [1.07] m.
Equation

Clinical Microbiology

Example 2
Generic abbreviated
NPU04001 F—Parasite(spec.); length(average) = ? mm
Full result NPU04001 Faeces—Parasite(specification); length(average) = ? millimeter
Abbreviated result NPU04001 F—Parasite(spec.); length(average) = ? mm
Written expression The length of Parasite(Strongyloides stercoralis) in Mrs. Smith’s Faeces is [1.5] mm.
Equation

Reference

  NPU database, https://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-scientific-division/sd-committees/c-npu/npusearch/ and http://www.labterm.dk/default.aspx
  • Kind-of-property

    • Nominal kind-of-property

    • Kind-of-quantity

      • Unitary kind-of-quantity

        • Rational unitary kind-of-quantity

          • Length

Reference

  • Dybkaer R. Concept system on ‘quantity’: formation and terminology. Accredit Qual Assur. 2013;18(3):253-60.
  • Dybkaer R. ISO terminological analysis of the VIM3 concepts ‘quantity’ and ‘kind-of-quantity’. Metrologia. 2010;47(3):127-34.
Date Term Note
1996-01-01 Length Term established