LOINCActiveBoth

LOINC Code 76677-4: Appearance 3rd tube (CSF)

76677-4 is a LOINC code used to identify Appearance 3rd tube (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 Appearance^3rd tube. 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 Appearance^3rd tube. 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

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

  • Appearance of Cerebral spinal fluid--3rd tube
  • Appearance^3rd tube
  • A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is collected using a procedure called a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Often, three or more separate tubes of CSF are collected (tube 1, tube 2, tube 3), and multiple tests may be run on the different tubes. Cloudy or turbid CSF may indicate the presence of white or red blood cells, microorganisms, or an increase in protein levels. [Lab Tests Online]
  • Appear; Appearance; Appr; Cerebral spinal fluid; Cerebrospinal Fl; Nominal; Point in time; Random; SPEC; Spinal Fl; Spinal Fld; Spinal Flu; Spinal Fluid; tube3

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

Appearance 3rd tube (CSF)Appearance of Cerebral spinal fluid--3rd tubeAppearance tube3 CSFAppearance^3rd tubeSPECAppearance 3rd Tube, Spinal fluidAper

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code76677-4
SystemLOINC
Display nameAppearance 3rd tube (CSF)
DescriptionAppearance^3rd tube
Short nameAppearance tube3 CSF
ComponentAppearance^3rd tube
PropertyAper
TimingPt
System (specimen)CSF
ScaleNom
ClassSPEC
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationBoth

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.52
Last changed2.52

Consumer names

Appearance 3rd Tube, Spinal fluid

Part names

Appearance^3rd tubeAperPtCSFNomAppearancePoint in time (spot)Cerebral spinal fluid

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 76677-4 | HealthAssure