LOINC Code 72161-3: Epithelial cells Gram stain Ql (Specimen)

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. It is commonly used with the system or sample type XXX.

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
• Method: Gram stain

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

• Epithelial cells [Presence] in Specimen by Gram stain
• Epithelial cells
• The nature and number of epithelial cells are recorded along with the presence of bacteria, yeast, and other cells from a Gram stain on any part of the body where infection is suspected. Specimens include swab of abscess, cervical or vaginal swab, pus, throat or nose swab. Results are used for diagnosis, selection of antibiotics for treatment, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Cell; Cellularity; Epi; Epi Cells; Epith; Epithelia; Gram Stn; HEMATOLOGY/CELL COUNTS; Misc; Miscellaneous; Ordinal; Other; Point in time; PR; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Screen; Spec; St; Stains; Stn; To be specified in another part of the message; Unspecified

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

Frequently asked questions