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LOINC Code 86954-5: Foreign material Ql (Food)

86954-5 is a LOINC code used to identify Foreign material Ql (Food) 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 Foreign material. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Food.

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 Foreign material. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Food.

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: Both

What it does not mean

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

Key facts

Foreign material [Presence] in Food
Foreign material
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a government agency whose duties include protecting the public by verifying food safety. When foreign material is found in the food supply, the FDA will publicize the finding and assist in the recall of the affected food. [https//www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WhatWeDo/default.htm] The FDA uses the words foreign material, filth, and extraneous material interchangably, as any material that clearly does not belong in a food product. Examples of foreign material in food include metal or class shards, insects, and rodent excreta. [https://www.fda.gov/scienceresearch/fieldscience/laboratorymanual/ucm171979.htm]
Food sample; Foods; Microbiology; Ordinal; Point in time; PR; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Screen

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

Foreign material Ql (Food)Foreign material [Presence] in FoodForeign material Food QlForeign materialMICROForeign material, FoodPrThr

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code86954-5
SystemLOINC
Display nameForeign material Ql (Food)
DescriptionForeign material
Short nameForeign material Food Ql
ComponentForeign material
PropertyPrThr
TimingPt
System (specimen)Food
ScaleOrd
ClassMICRO
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationBoth

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.63
Last changed2.63

Consumer names

Foreign material, Food

Part names

Foreign materialPrThrPtFoodOrdPresence or ThresholdPoint 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 86954-5 | HealthAssure