Some sources of error in the coding of birth weight.

Three types of error in coding birth weight to computer tapes are described: 1) confusion of ounces with pounds, 2) mistaken reading of one pound as eleven pounds, and 3) errors in placement of the decimal. All will allocate low birth weight infants to high birth weight categories. Examination of the reported gestational age of the infant or of the reported cause of death may allow these errors to be detected.