HealthAssure
HealthAssureGood Life
LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 86668-1: Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma LM (Skin melanoma) [Length]

86668-1 is a LOINC code used to identify Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma LM (Skin melanoma) [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 Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Skin melanoma.

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 Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Skin melanoma.

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

Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma [Length] in Skin melanoma by Light microscopy
Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma
This term is used to report the depth of the surgical margin when the tumor involves the deep margin. In this case, the actual depth of tumor invasion cannot be determined from the surgical specimen because the tumor extends beyond the margin, so instead it is reported as "at least {#} mm", where # is the surgical margin depth. To report the depth of invasion when the melanoma does not involve the deep margin, use [LOINC44661-7].
Depth deep marg inv IM; Dermatologic; Dpth; Epidermis; Integument; Length; LM; Micro; Micros; Microscopic; PATH.HISTO; PATHOLOGY; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Skn

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

Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma LM (Skin melanoma) [Length]Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma [Length] in Skin melanoma by Light microscopyDepth deep marg inv IM Mel MicroDepth of deep margin involved by invasive melanomaPATH.HISTODepth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma, Skin MelanomaLen

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code86668-1
SystemLOINC
Display nameDepth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma LM (Skin melanoma) [Length]
DescriptionDepth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma
Short nameDepth deep marg inv IM Mel Micro
ComponentDepth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma
PropertyLen
TimingPt
System (specimen)Skin melanoma
ScaleQn
MethodMicroscopy.light
ClassPATH.HISTO
Example unitsmm
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.61
Last changed2.61

Consumer names

Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanoma, Skin Melanoma

Part names

Depth of deep margin involved by invasive melanomaLenPtSkin melanomaQnMicroscopy.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.