LOINC Questions

Q: Why does one test (glucose, say) have several LOINC codes?

A: LOINC distinguishes very precisely between specimen (serum vs whole blood), timing (fasting vs post-prandial vs random), and method. Always pick the most precise code for your institution's actual testing workflow. Using a generic code (such as "glucose, timing unspecified") can lead to misinterpretation during exchange.

Q: What if I cannot find a particular LOINC code?

A: 1. Try searching by the English scientific name. 2. The test may be an emerging one that LOINC has not yet coded. 3. The item may be part of a panel — try searching for the panel name.