X, x

• Use only with numerals. Use a lowercase x in expressions of area and volume, as a multiplication symbol, and when it takes the place of the word times. A capital X is generally use to express magnification.

E.g. X30 magnification

x meaning By (Dimensions)
• Use a lowercase x to express by in dimensions. Use a space before and after the x.

E.g. 13 x 2 cm

x meaning For
• When the word “times” is dictated and can be translated as for, it should be transcribed as for rather than using times or x.
E.g. D: The patient was given antibiotics to take times 2 weeks.
T: The patient was given antibiotics to take for 2 weeks.

x meaning Times
• When the word “times” is dictated and means the number of times a thing was done, the letter x can be used.
• To keep this expression together and easily read as a unit, do not place a space after the x.

E.g. D: Blood cultures were negative times 3.
T: Blood cultures were negative x3.

• Use the symbol x meaning times only when the x precedes a numeral.

E.g. D: Demerol was administered 3 times.
T: Demerol was administered 3 times, not…..3x.