LOINCActiveBoth

LOINC Code 38436-2: Colony count Visual count (Specimen) [#/Mass]

38436-2 is a LOINC code used to identify Colony count Visual count (Specimen) [#/Mass] 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 Colony count. It is commonly used with the system or sample type 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 Colony count. It is commonly used with the system or sample type 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
  • Order vs observation: Both
  • Method: VC

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

  • Colony count [#/mass] in Specimen by Visual count
  • Colony count
  • CC; Colonies; Count/mass; ID; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; Microbiology; Misc; Miscellaneous; Number content; Other; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Spec; To be specified in another part of the message; Unspecified; Visual count

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

Colony count Visual count (Specimen) [#/Mass]Colony count [#/mass] in Specimen by Visual countCC Spec #/mass VCColony countMICROColony count, SpecimenNCnt

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code38436-2
SystemLOINC
Display nameColony count Visual count (Specimen) [#/Mass]
DescriptionColony count
Short nameCC Spec #/mass VC
ComponentColony count
PropertyNCnt
TimingPt
System (specimen)XXX
ScaleQn
MethodVC
ClassMICRO
Example unitsCFU/g
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationBoth

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.14
Last changed2.69

Consumer names

Colony count, Specimen

Part names

Colony countNCntPtXXXQnVCNumber ContentPoint in time (spot)Visual count

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 38436-2 | HealthAssure