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LOINC Code 88342-1: Malassezia sp LM Ql (Ear)

88342-1 is a LOINC code used to identify Malassezia sp 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 Malassezia sp. 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 Malassezia sp. 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

Malassezia sp [Presence] in Ear by Light microscopy
Malassezia sp
The presence (none, few, marked, etc.) of Malassezia (fungi) in an ear swab sample taken from the left external ear. In veterinary medicine, Malassezia species, particularly M. pachydermatis, are commonly found in low numbers in the ear canals of healthy dogs and cats. When the ears are pruritic (itchy), an overgrowth of the fungi is suspected and anti-fungal treatment may be needed. When a dark exudate is seen in the canal, the presence of either Malassezia species or a parasite is likely but may also be seen with a bacterial infection.[MERCK VETeye-and-ear] The clinical course for each ear may be tracked separately in order to monitor response to treatment.
Hearing; ID; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; LM; m227; Micro; Microbiology; Micros; Microscopic; Ordinal; Otologic; Pityrosporum; Point in time; PR; QL; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Rm227; Screen; species; spp

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

Malassezia sp LM Ql (Ear)Malassezia sp [Presence] in Ear by Light microscopyMalassezia sp Ear Ql MicroMalassezia spMICROMalassezia sp, EarPrThr

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code88342-1
SystemLOINC
Display nameMalassezia sp LM Ql (Ear)
DescriptionMalassezia sp
Short nameMalassezia sp Ear Ql Micro
ComponentMalassezia sp
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

Malassezia sp, Ear

Part names

Malassezia spPrThrPtEarOrdMicroscopy.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.