LOINCActiveBoth

LOINC Code 18278-2: Hemoglobin F Apt-Downey method Ql (Mec)

18278-2 is a LOINC code used to identify Hemoglobin F Apt-Downey method Ql (Mec) in laboratory and clinical observation data. You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges. LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Hemoglobin F. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Meconium.

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Hemoglobin F. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Meconium.

When is it used?

  • Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
  • May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
  • Status: ACTIVE
  • Order vs observation: Both
  • Method: Apt-Downey

What it does not mean

  • The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.

Key facts

  • Hemoglobin F [Presence] in Meconium by Apt-Downey method
  • Hemoglobin F
  • Fetal hemoglobin; Haemoglobin; Hb; HbF; HEMATOLOGY/CELL COUNTS; Hgb; Hgb F; Mec; Ordinal; Point in time; PR; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Screen

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.

Common synonyms

Hemoglobin F Apt-Downey method Ql (Mec)Hemoglobin F [Presence] in Meconium by Apt-Downey methodHgb F Mec Ql Apt-DowneyHemoglobin FHEM/BCHemoglobin F, MeconiumPrThr

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code18278-2
SystemLOINC
Display nameHemoglobin F Apt-Downey method Ql (Mec)
DescriptionHemoglobin F
Short nameHgb F Mec Ql Apt-Downey
ComponentHemoglobin F
PropertyPrThr
TimingPt
System (specimen)Meconium
ScaleOrd
MethodApt-Downey
ClassHEM/BC
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationBoth

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released1.0l
Last changed2.56

Consumer names

Hemoglobin F, Meconium

Part names

Hemoglobin FPrThrPtMeconiumOrdApt-DowneyPresence or ThresholdPoint in time (spot)Apt-Downey method

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from LOINC. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

LOINC Code 18278-2 | HealthAssure