LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 66746-9: Observation Nom (Spec)

66746-9 is a LOINC code used to identify Observation Nom (Spec) 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 Specimen.

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 Specimen.

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

Specimen type
Observation
The LOINC Answer List provided with this term is an example. Other answer lists can be used, such as those drawn from SNOMED CT or the HL7 Version 2 Table 0487 for Specimen Type.[https//www.hl7.org/fhir/v2/0487/] It is recommended that the Specimen type be recorded in the SPM-4 segment of HL7 v2 messages or Specimen.type in FHIR rather than using a LOINC code.
Nominal; Point in time; Random; Spec; Typ

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

Observation Nom (Spec)Specimen typeObservationSPECObservation, SpecimenTypePt

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code66746-9
SystemLOINC
Display nameObservation Nom (Spec)
DescriptionObservation
Short nameSpecimen type
ComponentObservation
PropertyType
TimingPt
System (specimen)Specimen
ScaleNom
ClassSPEC
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.38
Last changed2.79

Consumer names

Observation, Specimen

Part names

ObservationTypePtSpecimenNomPoint 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.

LOINC Code 66746-9 | HealthAssure