What does this LOINC code represent?

This LOINC code identifies a lab observation, measurement, question, or clinical concept in a standardized format.

Is this enough to understand my test result?

No. The code identifies the test or observation, but the interpretation depends on the actual result, reference range, and clinical context.

LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 88338-9: Coccal bacteria LM Ql (Ear)

Name: LOINC Code 88338-9: Coccal bacteria LM Ql (Ear)
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T09:00:16.697Z

88338-9 is a LOINC code used to identify Coccal bacteria LM Ql (Ear) 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 Coccal bacteria. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Ear.

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 Coccal bacteria. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Ear.

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

Coccal bacteria [Presence] in Ear by Light microscopy

Coccal bacteria

The presence (none, few, marked, etc.) of coccal (round-shaped) bacteria in an ear swab sample taken from the left external ear. In veterinary medicine, determining whether coccal or bacilliform bacteria are present in the external ear can help with diagnosis and guide treatment. Common coccal organisms include Streptococcal and Staphylococcal spp.[MERCK VETeye-and-ear] The clinical course for each ear may be tracked separately in order to monitor response to treatment.

Bact; Hearing; ID; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; LM; Micro; Microbiology; Micros; Microscopic; Ordinal; Otologic; 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

Coccal bacteria LM Ql (Ear)Coccal bacteria [Presence] in Ear by Light microscopyCoccal bact Ear Ql MicroCoccal bacteriaMICROCoccal bacteria, EarPrThr

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code88338-9

SystemLOINC

Display nameCoccal bacteria LM Ql (Ear)

DescriptionCoccal bacteria

Short nameCoccal bact Ear Ql Micro

ComponentCoccal bacteria

PropertyPrThr

TimingPt

System (specimen)Ear

ScaleOrd

MethodMicroscopy.light

ClassMICRO

StatusACTIVE

Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo

Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC

Version2.82

Releasemain

First released2.64

Last changed2.64

Consumer names

Coccal bacteria, Ear

Part names

Coccal bacteriaPrThrPtEarOrdMicroscopy.lightPresence or ThresholdPoint 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.