LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 81687-6: Marked operative site

81687-6 is a LOINC code used to identify Marked operative site 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 Marked operative site. It is commonly used with the system or sample type ^Patient.

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 Marked operative site. It is commonly used with the system or sample type ^Patient.

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

Marked operative site
Marking the operative site is one of the steps that should be performed prior to any inpatient or outpatient surgery. Recommendations for marking include making an unambiguous mark (e.g., initials or "YES", not an "X") at or near the incision site, making the mark in a location that is visible after the patient is prepped and draped, and not marking nonoperative sites unless this is necessary for some other aspect of care Multiple organizations have published protocols and/or checklists for prevention of surgical errors, including The Joint Commission (http//www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/up.aspx), the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/checklist/en/) and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (https://www.aorn.org/guidelines/clinical-resources/tool-kits/correct-site-surgery-tool-kit/aorn-comprehensive-surgical-checklist).
Finding; Findings; Marked op site; Ordinal; Point in time; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Screen; SURG

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

Marked operative siteMarked op siteSURGFindPt^PatientOrd

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code81687-6
SystemLOINC
Display nameMarked operative site
Short nameMarked op site
ComponentMarked operative site
PropertyFind
TimingPt
System (specimen)^Patient
ScaleOrd
ClassSURG
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.56
Last changed2.56

Part names

Marked operative siteFindPt^PatientOrdFindingPoint 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 81687-6 | HealthAssure