LOINC Code 87458-6: Mean particle diameter (Feed) [Length]

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 Particle diameter.mean. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Feed.

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

• Mean diameter [Length] of Feed particles
• Particle diameter.mean
• The mean diameter of individual particles in a feed specimen (referred to as "the fineness of grind"). The desired feed particle size is about 700 microns. Particle size may be determined by passing the feed through a series of sieves with progressively smaller openings. The amount of feed in each sieve is used as an indication of acceptable feed grind. Particle size analysis, particle size measurement, or simply particle sizing is the collective name of the technical procedures used to determine the size range, and/or the average mean size of the particles in a powder or liquid sample. Specimen types include various animal food sources (e.g. corn stalks, hay, soybean, clove, grass).
• Average; Avg; DIA; Diam; Diam.mean; Length; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; SPEC; Vet; Veterinary

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

Frequently asked questions