LOINCActive
LOINC Code 21853-7: Sequence number central.patient Cancer
21853-7 is a LOINC code used to identify Sequence number central.patient Cancer 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 Sequence number central.patient. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Cancer.XXX.
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 Sequence number central.patient. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Cancer.XXX.
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
What it does not mean
- The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.
Key facts
Sequence number central.patient Cancer
Sequence number central.patient
Code indicates the sequence of all reportable neoplasms over the lifetime of the person. This data item differs from Sequence Number--Hospital [560], because the definitions of reportable neoplasms often vary between a hospital and a central registry. Each neoplasm is assigned a different number. Sequence Number 00 indicates that the person has had only one in situ or one malignant neoplasm as defined by the Federal reportable list (regardless of central registry reference date). Sequence Number 01 indicates the first of two or more reportable neoplasms, while 02 indicates the second of two or more reportable neoplasms, and so on. Because the time period of Sequence Number is a person's lifetime, reportable neoplasms not included in the central registry (those that occur outside the registry catchment area or before the reference date) also are allotted a sequence number. For example, a registry may contain a single record for a patient with a sequence number of 02 because the first reportable neoplasm preceded the central registry's reference date. Reporting RequirementsFederally Required and State/Province Defined The Federal or SEER/NPCR standard defining which neoplasms are reportable is described in Chapter III, Standards For Tumor Inclusion and Reportability. It is assumed that this shared standard is the "minimum" definition of reportability. Individual central cancer registries may define additional neoplasms as reportable. Numeric codes in the 00-35 range indicate the sequence of neoplasms of in situ or malignant behavior (2 or 3) at the time of diagnosis, which SEER/NPCR standards require to be reported. Codes 60 to 87 indicate the sequence of non-malignant tumors (as defined in Chapter III) and any other neoplasms that the central registry has defined as reportable. Neoplasms required by SEER/NPCR with an in situ or malignant behavior at the time of diagnosis are sequenced completely independently of this higher-numbered category. Sequence Number-Hospital does not affect Sequence Number-Central. The two notational systems are independent but central registries should take Sequence Number-Hospital [560] into account when coding Sequence Number Central. Timing Rule The sequence number may change over the lifetime of the patient. If an individual previously diagnosed with a single reportable malignant neoplasm is subsequently diagnosed with a second reportable malignant neoplasm, the sequence code for the first neoplasm changes from 00 to 01. A central registry might also discover that an individual with one or more known neoplasms had an earlier reportable neoplasm that had been unknown to the registry. Typically, a re-evaluation of all related sequence numbers is required whenever an additional neoplasm is identified. If two or more reportable neoplasms are diagnosed at the same time, the lowest sequence number is to be assigned to the diagnosis with the worst prognosis. If no difference in prognosis is evident, the decision is arbitrary. Timing rules for sequencing neoplasms coded in the 60-87 range are the same as timing rules for sequencing of required in situ or malignant neoplasms. If a registry collects any central registry-defined neoplasms, the codes 60-87 should be used. The codes 60-87 also should be used for non-malignant tumor diagnosed on or after January 1, 2004. Timing rules for sequencing these neoplasms are the same as timing rules for sequencing of required in situ or invasive neoplasms. The purpose of sequencing based on the patient's lifetime is to truly identify the 00s, the people who only had one malignant primary in their lifetimes for survival analysis. If a central registry sequences by just what is reported to them, then it will be unclear whether 00 means the person only had one malignant primary in his lifetime or the person had one malignant primary since the central registry started collecting data. The Federally required reportable list has changed throughout the years, so the registry must use the appropriate reportable list for the year of diagnosis. The central registry reference date will not affect Sequence Number-Central... NAACCR Data Standards and Data Dictionary Version 11
Arbitrary; CA; Misc; Miscellaneous; No; Num; Oncology; Ordinal; Other; Point in time; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Screen; Seq # central.patient; Spec; To be specified in another part of the message; TUMOR REGISTRY(NAACCR); Unspecified
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
Sequence number central.patient CancerSeq # central.patient CancerSequence number central.patientTUMRRGTArbPtCancer.XXX
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.