What is the abbreviation for microgram?

The abbreviation for microgram is mcg. This unit is part of the metric system, where "micro" denotes one-millionth of a gram. In terms of conversion, 1 microgram equals 0.000001 grams or one-millionth of a gram. The "m" in mcg stands for "micro," while the "cg" stands for gram, making mcg the standardized and widely recognized abbreviation in medical and scientific contexts.

The other options represent different measurements: mg stands for milligram, which is one-thousandth of a gram; g stands for gram, which is the base unit of mass in the metric system; and kg stands for kilogram, which is equal to 1,000 grams. Understanding these distinctions helps prevent medication dosing errors, as the precise measurement of drug dosages can significantly impact patient outcomes.