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.

LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 63487-3: Epithelial cells.squamous Ql (BAL)

Name: LOINC Code 63487-3: Epithelial cells.squamous Ql (BAL)
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T08:59:42.802Z

63487-3 is a LOINC code used to identify Epithelial cells.squamous Ql (BAL) 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 Epithelial cells.squamous. It is commonly used with the system or sample type BAL.

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 Epithelial cells.squamous. It is commonly used with the system or sample type BAL.

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: Observation

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

Epithelial cells.squamous [Presence] in Bronchoalveolar lavage
Epithelial cells.squamous
Bronchial alveolar lavage; Bronchoalveolar lavage; Cell; Cellularity; Epi; Epi Cells; Epith; Epithelia; HEMATOLOGY/CELL COUNTS; Ordinal; Point in time; PR; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Screen; SEC; Sq; Squamous cell; Squamous epithelial cell; Squamous epithelial cells

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

Epithelial cells.squamous Ql (BAL)Epithelial cells.squamous [Presence] in Bronchoalveolar lavageSquamous BAL QlEpithelial cells.squamousHEM/BCEpithelial cells.squamous, Bronchoalveolar lavage specimenPrThr

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code63487-3

SystemLOINC

Display nameEpithelial cells.squamous Ql (BAL)

DescriptionEpithelial cells.squamous

Short nameSquamous BAL Ql

ComponentEpithelial cells.squamous

PropertyPrThr

TimingPt

System (specimen)BAL

ScaleOrd

ClassHEM/BC

StatusACTIVE

Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released2.36

Last changed2.56

Consumer names

Epithelial cells.squamous, Bronchoalveolar lavage specimen

Part names

Epithelial cells.squamousPrThrPtBALOrdPresence or ThresholdPoint in time (spot)Bronchoalveolar lavage

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.