LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 87470-1: Magnesium (Specimen) [Mass/Mass]

87470-1 is a LOINC code used to identify Magnesium (Specimen) [Mass/Mass] 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 Magnesium. It is commonly used with the system or sample type XXX.

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 Magnesium. It is commonly used with the system or sample type XXX.

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

  • Magnesium [Mass/mass] in Specimen
  • Magnesium
  • Quantitative measurement of magnesium levels in various human, veterinary, or environmental specimens, including tissue, feces, soil, cement and animal food sources (e.g. corn, soybean, hay, grass, grain).
  • Chemistry; MAG; Magnes; Mass content; Mg; Misc; Miscellaneous; Other; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; Spec; To be specified in another part of the message; Unspecified; 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

Magnesium (Specimen) [Mass/Mass]Magnesium [Mass/mass] in SpecimenMagnesium Spec-mCntMagnesiumCHEMMagnesium, SpecimenMCnt

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code87470-1
SystemLOINC
Display nameMagnesium (Specimen) [Mass/Mass]
DescriptionMagnesium
Short nameMagnesium Spec-mCnt
ComponentMagnesium
PropertyMCnt
TimingPt
System (specimen)XXX
ScaleQn
ClassCHEM
Example unitsug/g
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.63
Last changed2.69

Consumer names

Magnesium, Specimen

Part names

MagnesiumMCntPtXXXQnMass ContentPoint 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 87470-1 | HealthAssure