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Ucum

ucum
Read-onlyIdempotent

"Unit of measure code for [X]" / "standard UCUM unit for [Y]" / "mg/dL code" — search UCUM (the Unified Code for Units of Measure, used by FHIR, LOINC, and most modern health-IT systems). Returns codes like "mg/dL", "[in_i]" (inch). Use when normalizing lab result units or rendering measurements.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
dfNoComma-separated display fields to use in the `displays` array. Default varies per table; usually the canonical name.
efNoComma-separated extra fields to include per match. Field names vary per table; check NLM docs at clinicaltables.nlm.nih.gov.
countNoMaximum matches to return. Default 7, max 500. Use 1–3 for typeahead UX, 20–50 for browsing.
termsYesSearch query — prefix/contains match against canonical names. Whitespace-split into AND tokens. Example: "mg/dL".

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changed
    • addedInput schema / examples
      Added value: +[
      +  {
      +    "count": 3,
      +    "terms": "mg/dL"
      +  }
      +]
  2. Changed7 schema fields changed
    • addedInput schema / properties / count / default
      Added value: +7
    • addedInput schema / properties / count / description
      Added value: +"Maximum matches to return. Default 7, max 500. Use 1–3 for typeahead UX, 20–50 for browsing."
    • addedInput schema / properties / count / maximum
      Added value: +500
    • addedInput schema / properties / count / minimum
      Added value: +1
    • addedInput schema / properties / df / description
      Added value: +"Comma-separated display fields to use in the `displays` array. Default varies per table; usually the canonical name."
    • addedInput schema / properties / ef / description
      Added value: +"Comma-separated extra fields to include per match. Field names vary per table; check NLM docs at clinicaltables.nlm.nih.gov."
    • addedInput schema / properties / terms / description
      Added value: +"Search query — prefix/contains match against canonical names. Whitespace-split into AND tokens. Example: \"mg/dL\"."
  3. First observed

TDQS

A4.2/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already mark this read-only, idempotent, and open-world. The description adds useful output expectations by showing exact example codes ('mg/dL', '[in_i]') and indicating it is a search, without contradicting annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three sentences, front-loaded with query examples, followed by context and a clear use case. The parenthetical about UCUM is informative rather than filler, and every sentence contributes to choosing or invoking the tool.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple read-only code search, the description covers purpose, output examples, and usage context. The input schema documents all four parameters, and the description's examples plus the schema's reference to the `displays` array give an agent enough to invoke it correctly, though a structured return description is absent.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, with terms, df, ef, and count each documented in the input schema. The description does not add parameter-level detail beyond the schema, so baseline 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description opens with concrete query patterns ('Unit of measure code for [X]', 'mg/dL code') and explicitly states 'search UCUM', a specific verb+resource. It further scopes the resource to health-IT unit codes and gives example outputs, which distinguishes it from coding siblings like loinc or icd10cm by the domain of lab units.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The final sentence, 'Use when normalizing lab result units or rendering measurements', provides an explicit use case. It does not name alternative tools or say when not to use it, so it stops short of full when/when-not guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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