LOINCActiveBoth

LOINC Code 18497-8: Microscopic observation Cyto stain Nom (Thyroid fine needle aspirate)

18497-8 is a LOINC code used to identify Microscopic observation Cyto stain Nom (Thyroid fine needle aspirate) 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 Observation. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Thyroid.FNA.

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 Observation. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Thyroid.FNA.

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: Cyto stain

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

  • Microscopic observation [Identifier] in Thyroid fine needle aspirate by Cyto stain
  • Observation
  • CYTOLOGY; Cytology stain; Cytostain; Fine needle; Identity or presence; Nominal; Pap Smear; Pap Stain; Papanicolaou smear; Point in time; Random; St; Stains; Stn; Thy; Thyroid FNA

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

Microscopic observation Cyto stain Nom (Thyroid fine needle aspirate)Microscopic observation [Identifier] in Thyroid fine needle aspirate by Cyto stainCyto Thyroid FNAObservationCYTOMicroscopic observation, Thyroid Fine Needle AspiratePrid

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code18497-8
SystemLOINC
Display nameMicroscopic observation Cyto stain Nom (Thyroid fine needle aspirate)
DescriptionObservation
Short nameCyto Thyroid FNA
ComponentObservation
PropertyPrid
TimingPt
System (specimen)Thyroid.FNA
ScaleNom
MethodCyto stain
ClassCYTO
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationBoth

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released1.0l
Last changed2.78

Consumer names

Microscopic observation, Thyroid Fine Needle Aspirate

Part names

ObservationPridPtThyroid.FNANomCyto stainPresence or IdentityPoint in time (spot)Thyroid FNA

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.