Vancouver Format
Treat Vancouver as a current numbered citation/reference convention, not one frozen manuscript template. Verify the target journal first, keep numbering tied to first mention, and use the journal’s required treatment of in-text numbers, journal abbreviations, electronic sources, and reference details.
“Vancouver” usually refers to the numbered biomedical reference workflow reflected in current ICMJE guidance: number references in the order first mentioned, cite them with Arabic numerals as required by the journal, and format reference-list details using NLM-oriented conventions. The target journal’s instructions override generic examples.
Key details
Further guidance
In Text
Follow the target journal’s exact in-text presentation. Current ICMJE guidance describes Arabic numerals in parentheses, while individual journals may specify their own house treatment.
Reference List
Build the numbered reference list in citation order rather than alphabetically, using the source-type conventions required by the journal and NLM-based guidance where directed.
Sequence
Assign each source its number when it first appears in the text. Reuse that same number for later citations instead of renumbering the source.
Worked Example
If Smith is the first source cited, it becomes reference 1. If Lee is cited next, Lee becomes 2. A later citation to Smith remains 1; it does not receive a new number.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Preparing a Manuscript for Submission to a Medical Journal — ICMJE (opens in a new tab)International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) · ICMJE manuscript-submission guidance on reporting sources of support/funding that facilitated the work
- Recommendations (opens in a new tab)International Committee of Medical Journal Editors · Confirms the recommendations are current and were updated January 2026, providing the live authority boundary for a present-day Vancouver/ICMJE guide.