LOINC — Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes

What Is LOINC?

LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) is the universal standard for identifying laboratory and clinical observations. With over 100,000 codes, LOINC provides a common language so that lab results can be compared across different systems and healthcare institutions.

Without LOINC, the same laboratory test can have entirely different codes in different systems. For example, a blood glucose test might be identified as "GLU", "GLUC-S", or "BG001" depending on the system. LOINC solves this fragmentation by assigning a unique, universal code to each type of observation — essential for lab interoperability.

LOINC is maintained by the Regenstrief Institute and is free to use. It works complementarily with messaging standards like HL7, which defines how data is transmitted, while LOINC defines what the data means. Many national health IT programs require LOINC for standardized result exchange.

Why It Matters in Healthcare

• Result comparability: enables comparison of laboratory results across different institutions, systems, and time periods.
• Lab interoperability: without LOINC, integrating results between a LIS and other systems is imprecise and error-prone.
• Regulatory requirement: many national health informatics programs mandate LOINC for clinical data exchange.
• Over 100,000 codes: covers laboratory tests, vital signs, clinical documents, surveys, and measurements.
• Free and open: maintained by the Regenstrief Institute with no licensing costs.

How Davix Relates to LOINC

• The Davix LIS maps internal test catalogs to LOINC codes, ensuring every result is identified with a universal standard.
• Supports standardized result exchange with external systems through HL7 messaging and LOINC coding.
• Integration with over 200 laboratory analyzers allows LOINC coding to flow from instrument to final report.
• Facilitates participation in Health Information Exchange (HIE) networks by meeting required coding standards.

Standardize your laboratory results with LOINC and Davix. Explore the Davix LIS and discover how it simplifies lab interoperability.