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 68963-8: Collection date and time (Specimen)

Name: LOINC Code 68963-8: Collection date and time (Specimen)
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T08:59:48.045Z

68963-8 is a LOINC code used to identify Collection date and time (Specimen) 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 Collection date & time. 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 Collection date & time. 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

Collection date and time of Specimen
Collection date & time
Coll; Collect; Collect Date; Collected; Date and time; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Spec; Time stamp; Timestamp

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

Collection date and time (Specimen)Collection date and time of SpecimenCollection date & timeSPECCollection date and Time, SpecimenTmStpPt

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code68963-8

SystemLOINC

Display nameCollection date and time (Specimen)

DescriptionCollection date & time

Short nameCollection date & time

ComponentCollection date & time

PropertyTmStp

TimingPt

System (specimen)^Specimen

ScaleQn

ClassSPEC

Example unitsdd:hh

StatusACTIVE

Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released2.38

Last changed2.73

Consumer names

Collection date and Time, Specimen

Part names

Collection date & timeTmStpPt^SpecimenQnCollection date and timeTime Stamp (Date and Time)Point 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.