LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) is a worldwide standard for identifying health measurements, observations and documents. This system, developed and maintained by the Regenstrief Institute research organization at Indiana University, applies universal code names and identifiers to medical terminology related to electronic health records. More than 100,000 terms are included. The information is available to users at no cost and enables the identification, exchange and collection of data across health systems.
LOINC has two main parts: Laboratory LOINC, which covers laboratory and microbiology tests, and Clinical LOINC, which covers a variety of non-lab concepts. Clinical LOINC has sub-areas that cover clinical documents such as discharge summaries, well-child visit notes and survey instruments.In August 2023, LOINC issued a new content update with 1,945 new concepts to help health systems, laboratories and other health organizations exchange medical data. This includes content to address requests submitted by stakeholders in over 100 countries.