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.

LOINCActiveOrder

LOINC Code 79424-8: Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel Acid fast stain (Sput)

Name: LOINC Code 79424-8: Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel Acid fast stain (Sput)
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T09:00:01.837Z

79424-8 is a LOINC code used to identify Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel Acid fast stain (Sput) 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 Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Sputum.

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 Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Sputum.

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: Order
Panel type: Panel
Method: Acid fast stain

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

Serial sputum smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel - by Acid fast stain

Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel

This panel is used to report the results of serial sputum smears used to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis. Until 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended collecting three serial sputum specimens, including at least one first-morning specimen. In 2007, WHO reduced the number of specimens from three to two, but only in places with an established external quality assurance (EQA) system for smear microscopy. In locations without such an EQA system, collection of three specimens is still recommended. [http//www.who.int/tb/laboratory/policy_diagnosis_pulmonary_tb/en/] This panel originally only contained terms with the specific Method Acid fast stain.Ziehl-Neelsen but was updated in LOINC release 2.68 to accommodate the reporting of results for other acid fast stains.

Acd; Acid fast Stn; Acids; AFB stain; ID; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; Lower respiratory; Lung; Microbiology; Pan; PANEL.MICROBIOLOGY; Panl; Pnl; Point in time; Pulm; Pulmonary; Pulmonology; Random; Respiratory; Serial TB smears Pnl; Spt; Sputum; St; Stains; Stn; TB

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

Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel Acid fast stain (Sput)Serial sputum smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel - by Acid fast stainSerial TB smears Pnl Spt Acid fast StnSerial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panelPANEL.MICROSerial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel, Sputum-

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code79424-8

SystemLOINC

Display nameSerial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel Acid fast stain (Sput)

DescriptionSerial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel

Short nameSerial TB smears Pnl Spt Acid fast Stn

ComponentSerial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel

Property-

TimingPt

System (specimen)Sputum

Scale-

MethodAcid fast stain

ClassPANEL.MICRO

StatusACTIVE

Order/ObservationOrder

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released2.54

Last changed2.68

Consumer names

Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel, Sputum

Part names

Serial smears for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis panel-PtSputumAcid fast stainPoint 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.