What is LOINC and does it matters in HL7

Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC), is a standard for identifying medical laboratory observations. It was created in 1994 by the Regenstrief Institute Inc., an Indianapolis-based research organization affiliated with Indiana University, in response to demand for the electronic movement of clinical data. 

LOINC is one of several standards used by the United States government to exchange clinical health information, and it has been identified as the preferred standard of the organization Health Level 7 (HL7).
LOINC codes are 6 digit unique numbers in the format like NNNNN-N, which is assigned to each lab test. Currently there are more than 71,000 LOINC codes that are accessed and understood universally.

The advantage of using LOINC code is to universally communicate and understand the lab tests in Electronic Health Record (HER) system, to improve transfer of payment information for services rendered and a significant improvement in the overall quality of health care by reducing errors in the system.

In case of HL7 file, the transmissions of LOINC code are carried by OBX.03 and OBR.04 fields. OBX and OBR are HL7 segments used for test observations. If you are new to HL7 you may find detail about these segments here.

Few set of LOINC codes are listed here just for audience reference as these LOINC codes are available as open source from any Health care site.



LOINC CODE
LOINC ATTRIBUTES
35663-4
Protein:MCnc:XXX:Urine:Qn:
19153-6
Specimen volume:Vol:XXX:Urine:Qn:
13362-9
Collection duration:Time:*:Urine:Qn:
26801-1
Protein:MRat:12H:Urine:Qn:
46952-8
Fluticasone propionate:MCnc:Pt:Urine:Qn:
6765-2
17-Hydroxypregnenolone:MCnc:Pt:Ser/Plas:Qn:
22638-1
Path report.comments:Imp:Pt:Specimen:Nar:
19139-5
Pathologist name:PN:Pt:Provider:Nom:
35265-8
Path report.addendum:Find:Pt:Specimen:Nar:
33511-7
Appearance:Aper:Pt:XXX:Nom:
19139-5
Pathologist name:ID:Pt:Provider:Nom:
34574-4
Path report.final diagnosis:Imp:Pt:Specimen:Nom:













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