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.

LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 85278-0: Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved LM (Cancer specimen) [Length]

Name: LOINC Code 85278-0: Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved LM (Cancer specimen) [Length]
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T09:00:13.315Z

85278-0 is a LOINC code used to identify Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved LM (Cancer specimen) [Length] 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 Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Cancer specimen.

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 Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Cancer specimen.

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
Method: Microscopy.light

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved [Length] in Cancer specimen by Light microscopy
Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved
CA; Ca dist closest uninv marg; Ca spec; Clos uninvolv margin; Length; LM; Micro; Micros; Microscopic; Pathology; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Spec; 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

Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved LM (Cancer specimen) [Length]Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved [Length] in Cancer specimen by Light microscopyCa dist closest uninv marg Ca spec MicroDistance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolvedPATHDistance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved, Cancer specimenLen

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code85278-0

SystemLOINC

Display nameDistance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved LM (Cancer specimen) [Length]

DescriptionDistance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved

Short nameCa dist closest uninv marg Ca spec Micro

ComponentDistance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved

PropertyLen

TimingPt

System (specimen)Cancer specimen

ScaleQn

MethodMicroscopy.light

ClassPATH

Example unitsmm

StatusACTIVE

Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released2.61

Last changed2.61

Consumer names

Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolved, Cancer specimen

Part names

Distance of carcinoma from closest surgical margin when all margins are uninvolvedLenPtCancer specimenQnMicroscopy.lightLengthPoint in time (spot)Light microscopy

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.