Forward slash (Virgule)
The forward slash (also known as virgule) is used to represent per, and or or and to divide material.
Equivalence or Duality
When 2 terms of equal weight are used in an expression and and is implied between them to express this equivalence, the forward slash can be retained.
Caregivers/family members were included in the meeting.
The diagnosis/treatment plan was discussed.
When the word or is implied, do not use the forward slash.
Each patient in the study was provided a copy of his or her results.
NOT
Each patient in the study was provided a copy of his/her results.
Where duality arises regarding personal pronouns and gender, the preference is to recast the sentence to be gender neutral. If recasting the sentence isn't an option, use or, not the forward slash.
Dr. Lisa Jones and Dr. Rob Wilson both asked to consult and we will need to let him or her know whether that is necessary.
BETTER
Dr. Lisa Jones and Dr. Rob Wilson both asked to consult and we will need to let them know whether that is necessary.
NOT
Dr. Lisa Jones and Dr. Rob Wilson both asked to consult and we will need to let him/her know whether that is necessary.
Used to mean per or over
In the per construction, use a forward slash only when (1) it involves units of measure, including time, (2) at least 1 element includes a specific numerical quantity and (3) the element immediately adjacent on either side is either a specific numerical quantity or a unit of measure.
The hemoglobin level was 14 g/dL.
Blood volume was 80 mL/kg of body weight.
Do not use the forward slash in a per construction when a prepositional phrase intervenes between the 2 units of measure.
The patient received 4 mEq of potassium per liter.
She is taking 81 mg of aspirin per day.
Do not use the forward slash when no specific numeric quantity is expressed or when the expression involves different units of measure. When the units differ or the units and/or elements are unknown, a forward slash should not be used to denote a direct relationship between the elements or units.
The patient is taking Advair 250 per 50 b.i.d.
NOT
The patient is taking Advair 250/50 b.id.
Exception: Some trademarked drug dosages use a forward slash as part of the drug name. Use the forward slash as indicated by the manufacturer.
Norco 10/325
When the expression involves nonmetric units of measure, do not use the virgule.
Respirations were 18 per minute.
She exercises 15 minutes per day.
Exception: Use the forward slash when the expression combines a metric unit with a nonmetric one.
Her IV drip rate was set at 10 mcg/min during the recovery period.
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