Professional-use information

1. Methods and source transparency

RDCalc identifies the published equations, reference data, and practice references used by its calculators. Method details explain the applicable population, units, assumptions, and limitations so professionals can review how a result was obtained. Feeding and premix PN calculations use the product-label values and regimen details entered by the user; those values should be checked against the current label.

Explore calculators and their sourcesReference data and attribution

2. How implementations are checked

Automated tests check calculation arithmetic, unit conversions, input boundaries, and chart-note output. Regression tests help detect changes in established behavior, and browser tests exercise key user workflows. Selected reference checks also compare results with external sources: CDC extended-BMI published values and the official WHO anthro implementation for supported term-infant assessments at exact ages from 0 to 730 days, using recumbent length and no oedema. These checks assess implementation behavior within the tested scope; they do not establish suitability for every patient or clinical situation.

3. Registered dietitian involvement

Lul Taher, RD, contributes clinical review to RDCalc’s development, bringing a practicing registered dietitian’s perspective to calculation methods, stated assumptions, and documentation workflows. Her involvement supports the product’s professional focus. The clinician using RDCalc remains responsible for selecting an appropriate method, reviewing the result, and applying local requirements.

4. RDCalc does not replace

RDCalc supports reviewable calculations and documentation workflows, but the professional remains responsible for clinical interpretation, local requirements, and final review.

• Clinical judgment
• Local policy
• Provider direction or orders
• Institutional protocols
• Professional review

5. RDCalc does not

RDCalc is not a decision-maker, product-selection tool, compounding review, or final clinical sign-off.

• Diagnose or prescribe
• Order or administer care
• Select products
• Validate pharmacy compounding
• Provide compatibility approval
• Provide final clinical approval

6. Review inputs, assumptions, and outputs

RDCalc outputs should be checked against the values entered, visible assumptions, source context, and local practice expectations.

• Outputs are based on user-entered values and displayed assumptions.
• RDCalc aims to show formulas, assumptions, and source context so outputs can be reviewed rather than treated as black-box recommendations.
• Users are responsible for verifying inputs, sources, formulas, and local practice requirements.
• Local policy, institutional protocols, provider direction, and patient-specific clinical judgment may differ and remain the user’s responsibility.

7. Editable documentation starting points

Chart-note drafts are intended to reduce documentation friction while keeping professional review in the loop.

• Chart-note drafts are editable starting points for documentation workflows.
• Drafts should be reviewed, modified, and verified before use in any professional documentation workflow.
• Drafts and exported PDFs should not contain PHI in RDCalc.

8. Use the reviewed scope only

RDCalc workflows should be used only within their stated review scope and with appropriate professional oversight.

• RDCalc should not be used as emergency or resuscitation guidance.
• RDCalc does not provide pediatric, pregnancy, or specialty recommendations unless a reviewed workflow explicitly supports that scope.
• Advanced nutrition-support workflows require appropriate professional review.

All supported toolsDRI: adult, pregnancy, and lactationPediatric tools and scope

9. Review each result before documentation

Tube Feeding, premix PN, and the Connected Nutrition Workflow are advanced workflows. Verify current label values, prescribed regimens, calculations, and patient-specific context before use.