2. What is a LOINC Code
A LOINC codes are form of standard data that is used
for identifying laboratory and clinical observations
3. Background
LOINC coding began in 1994 started by the
Regenstrief Institute and the LOINC committee
LOINCs were invented because there was a need a
clear need to electronically communicate clinical date
between labs, hospitals, clinics, etc.
4. LOINC Uses
LOINCs were designed to be a code system for
observation identifier (OBX-3) of the HL7 observation-
reporting message
LOINCs have outgrown that purpose, and are now
used for Digital Imaging and Communication in
Medicine (DICOM), and Clinical Data Interchange
Standards Consortium (CDISC)
5. LOINC Uses cont’d
Laboratory results are stored in the OBX-5, and can be
transmitted back to the hospital, clinic, etc in a
standard code, free text, or attachment
6. LOINC & Reporting
LOINC codes helps informatics a great deal
allows a standardize way to search for labs
minimizes reporting errors
