LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 79551-8: Number of stools

79551-8 is a LOINC code used to identify Number of stools 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 Stools. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Lower GI tract.

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 Stools. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Lower GI tract.

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

  • Number of stools
  • Stools
  • Cnt; Count; IO_OUTPUT; IO_OUTPUT.ATOM; LGI; Low; Number; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random

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

Number of stoolsNum stoolsStoolsIO_OUT.ATOMNumPtLower GI tract

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code79551-8
SystemLOINC
Display nameNumber of stools
DescriptionStools
Short nameNum stools
ComponentStools
PropertyNum
TimingPt
System (specimen)Lower GI tract
ScaleQn
ClassIO_OUT.ATOM
Example units#
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.54
Last changed2.54

Part names

StoolsNumPtLower GI tractQnNumber (count)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.

LOINC Code 79551-8 | HealthAssure