LOINCActiveBoth

LOINC Code 638-7: Microscopic observation India ink prep Nom (CSF)

638-7 is a LOINC code used to identify Microscopic observation India ink prep Nom (CSF) 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 Observation. It is commonly used with the system or sample type CSF.

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 Observation. It is commonly used with the system or sample type CSF.

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: India ink preparation

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

  • Microscopic observation [Identifier] in Cerebral spinal fluid by India ink prep
  • Observation
  • Cerebral spinal fluid; Cerebrospinal Fl; ID; Identity or presence; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; Microbiology; Neuro; Neurology; Nominal; Point in time; Prep; Random; Spinal Fl; Spinal Fld; Spinal Flu; Spinal Fluid

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

Microscopic observation India ink prep Nom (CSF)Microscopic observation [Identifier] in Cerebral spinal fluid by India ink prepIndia Ink Prep CSFObservationMICROMicroscopic observation, Spinal fluidPrid

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code638-7
SystemLOINC
Display nameMicroscopic observation India ink prep Nom (CSF)
DescriptionObservation
Short nameIndia Ink Prep CSF
ComponentObservation
PropertyPrid
TimingPt
System (specimen)CSF
ScaleNom
MethodIndia ink preparation
ClassMICRO
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationBoth

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released1.0
Last changed2.78

Consumer names

Microscopic observation, Spinal fluid

Part names

ObservationPridPtCSFNomIndia ink preparationPresence or IdentityPoint in time (spot)Cerebral spinal fluidIndia ink prep

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 638-7 | HealthAssure