LOINC-SPEC

Universal clinical observation identifiers.

Definition

LOINC structure: Code (e.g. 6690-2 White Blood Cell Count), Long Common Name, Six axes (Component=Leukocytes, Property=NCnc, Time=Pt, System=Bld, Scale=Qn, Method=Auto). Biannual releases: LOINC 2.77 (published June 2024) with ~99000 codes. Tools: RELMA (Regenstrief LOINC Mapping Assistant), LOINC Search. Mandatory adoption: ONC US Meaningful Use, FDA SPL, ELR (Electronic Laboratory Reporting). Synergy with SNOMED CT (CIMI Concept Modeling Initiative).

Origin

LOINC founded 1994 by Regenstrief Institute (Clem McDonald, Stan Huff) ; release 1.0 published 1996 ; release 2.77 June 2024.

Example in context

Quest Diagnostics sends an HL7 v2 ORU R01 message with LOINC 6690-2 (WBC count) results value 7.5 in 10*9/L unit to a hospital Epic EHR.

Related terms

• SNOMED CT International — complementary standard.