LOINC Code 21838-8: Ethnicity Computed
21838-8 is a LOINC code used to identify Ethnicity Computed 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 Ethnicity. It is commonly used with the system or sample type ^Patient.
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 Ethnicity. It is commonly used with the system or sample type ^Patient.
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
- Method: Computed
What it does not mean
- The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.
Key facts
- Ethnicity Computed
- Ethnicity
- Code identifying those cases for which ethnicity was determined by matching Name--Last [2230] and Name--Maiden [2390] to a computer list of Spanish/Hispanic names or by a software algorithm. This field was adopted for use for tumors diagnosed 1994 forward. See also Computed Ethnicity Source [210]. One method of identifying persons of Hispanic origin is to apply a standard computer list or algorithm to items 2230 and 2390, the patient's surname and/or maiden name. This has advantages across large populations of being reproducible and facilitating comparisons between areas using identical methods. It may sometimes be possible to identify population denominators in which the same method was used to identify Hispanics. Generally, only central registries will have this capability. This field provides coding to indicate both that such a computerized name-based method was applied and the results of the method. Coding is independent of that in Spanish/Hispanic Origin [190]. The computer-derived ethnicity may be different from the ethnicity reported by registries in Spanish/Hispanic Origin [190] as code 7 (Spanish Surname Only), because that field may include manual review. This field shows the results of computer-derived ethnicity only... NAACCR Data Standards and Data Dictionary Version 11
- Derived; Nominal; Point in time; Random; TUMOR REGISTRY(NAACCR); Typ
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
Frequently asked questions
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.