LOINCActiveObservation

LOINC Code 99052-3: Epithelial cells LM Ql (BAL)

99052-3 is a LOINC code used to identify Epithelial cells LM Ql (BAL) 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 Epithelial cells. It is commonly used with the system or sample type BAL.

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 Epithelial cells. It is commonly used with the system or sample type BAL.

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

  • Epithelial cells [Presence] in Bronchoalveolar lavage by Light microscopy
  • Epithelial cells
  • Bronchial alveolar lavage; Bronchoalveolar lavage; Cell; Cellularity; Epi; Epi Cells; Epith; Epithelia; HEMATOLOGY/CELL COUNTS; LM; Micro; Micros; Microscopic; Ordinal; 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

Epithelial cells LM Ql (BAL)Epithelial cells [Presence] in Bronchoalveolar lavage by Light microscopyEpi Cells BAL Ql MicroEpithelial cellsHEM/BCEpithelial cells, Bronchoalveolar lavage specimenPrThr

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code99052-3
SystemLOINC
Display nameEpithelial cells LM Ql (BAL)
DescriptionEpithelial cells
Short nameEpi Cells BAL Ql Micro
ComponentEpithelial cells
PropertyPrThr
TimingPt
System (specimen)BAL
ScaleOrd
MethodMicroscopy.light
ClassHEM/BC
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationObservation

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.72
Last changed2.72

Consumer names

Epithelial cells, Bronchoalveolar lavage specimen

Part names

Epithelial cellsPrThrPtBALOrdMicroscopy.lightPresence or ThresholdPoint in time (spot)Bronchoalveolar lavageLight 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.

LOINC Code 99052-3 | HealthAssure