LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 87728-2: Appearance Nar (Swab specimen)

87728-2 is a LOINC code used to identify Appearance Nar (Swab specimen) 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 Observation. It is commonly used with the system or sample type XXX.swab.

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

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

Description of swab specimen Narrative
Observation
The description of a swab take from a patient's body site. For example, an ear swab is usually taken from the patient's external ear canal and typically used for cytological evaluation. To report the site where the swab specimen was collected, use Body site [LOINC39111-0].
Appearance; Misc; Miscellaneous; Narrative; Other; Point in time; Random; Report; Spec; To be specified in another part of the message; Unspecified

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

Appearance Nar (Swab specimen)Description of swab specimen NarrativeDescription of swabObservationSPECAppearance, Swab specimenAper

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code87728-2
SystemLOINC
Display nameAppearance Nar (Swab specimen)
DescriptionObservation
Short nameDescription of swab
ComponentObservation
PropertyAper
TimingPt
System (specimen)XXX.swab
ScaleNar
ClassSPEC
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.63
Last changed2.79

Consumer names

Appearance, Swab specimen

Part names

ObservationAperPtXXX.swabNarAppearancePoint in time (spot)Swab specimen

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 87728-2 | HealthAssure