What does this LOINC code represent?

This LOINC code identifies a lab observation, measurement, question, or clinical concept in a standardized format.

Is this enough to understand my test result?

No. The code identifies the test or observation, but the interpretation depends on the actual result, reference range, and clinical context.

LOINCObservation

LOINC Code 44668-2: M stage of distant metastasis CAP Ql (Skin melanoma)

Name: LOINC Code 44668-2: M stage of distant metastasis CAP Ql (Skin melanoma)
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T08:59:30.173Z

44668-2 is a LOINC code used to identify M stage of distant metastasis CAP Ql (Skin melanoma) 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 M stage of distant metastasis. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Skin melanoma.

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 M stage of distant metastasis. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Skin melanoma.

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: DEPRECATED
Order vs observation: Observation
Method: CAP cancer protocols

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

Deprecated M stage of distant metastasis Qualitative by CAP cancer protocols
M stage of distant metastasis
CAP prot; Dermatologic; Epidermis; Finding; Findings; Integument; M stage of distant mets; Metastases; Mets; Ordinal; PATHOLOGY; PATHOLOGY PROTOCOLS; PATHOLOGY PROTOCOLS SKIN; Point in time; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Screen; Skn

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

M stage of distant metastasis CAP Ql (Skin melanoma)Deprecated M stage of distant metastasis Qualitative by CAP cancer protocolsDeprecated M stage of distant mets CAP pM stage of distant metastasisPATH.PROTOCOLS.SKINM Stage of Distant Metastasis, Skin MelanomaFind

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code44668-2

SystemLOINC

Display nameM stage of distant metastasis CAP Ql (Skin melanoma)

DescriptionM stage of distant metastasis

Short nameDeprecated M stage of distant mets CAP p

ComponentM stage of distant metastasis

PropertyFind

TimingPt

System (specimen)Skin melanoma

ScaleOrd

MethodCAP cancer protocols

ClassPATH.PROTOCOLS.SKIN

StatusDEPRECATED

Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released2.17

Last changed2.61

Consumer names

M Stage of Distant Metastasis, Skin Melanoma

Part names

M stage of distant metastasisFindPtSkin melanomaOrdCAP cancer protocolsFindingPoint in time (spot)

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.