LOINC Code 76682-4: Color 4th tube (CSF)

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 Color^4th 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

• Color of Cerebral spinal fluid--4th tube
• Color^4th 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. Normal CSF is clear and colorless. Changes in the color of the CSF are not diagnostic but may point to additional substances in the fluid. Yellow, orange, or pink CSF may indicate the breakdown of blood cells due to bleeding into the CSF or the presence of bilirubin. Green CSF may also sometimes be seen with bilirubin or infection. [Lab Tests Online]
• Appearance; Cerebral spinal fluid; Cerebrospinal Fl; Colour; Nominal; Point in time; Random; SPEC; Spinal Fl; Spinal Fld; Spinal Flu; Spinal Fluid; tube4; 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

Frequently asked questions