New LOINC release features streamlined file structure and two new translations

The new release of LOINC from Regenstrief Institute contains more than 1,600 new terms and has a newly streamlined file structure for more efficient download and use. LOINC version 2.72 also includes translations into Polish and the Mexican dialect of Spanish, increasing the number of available translations to 18.   

LOINC, short for Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes, is a universal language used to identify test results, observations and other health information, making it more easily exchanged and understood between laboratories, health systems and public health organizations. LOINC has users from nearly every country. It has been especially important during the global pandemic, allowing the exchange of COVID-related data across borders and languages.  

This release contains new content related to the pandemic, including concepts to distinguish methods for determining virus variance and lineage, concepts to report protein-specific antibody testing, and T-cell mediated immunity testing for SARS-CoV-2.    

Other healthcare trends influencing new concept creation for this release are cancer detection, transplant rejection and AI-based image analysis. In response to requests from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LOINC added new content for testing specialized microorganisms.  

New terms are released biannually. This is the second release on LOINC's new schedule. The next release will come in August 2022. With long-term funding support from U.S. federal agencies and other organizations, LOINC is available free of charge.  

More information:
Download the new release: loinc.org/news/loinc-version-2 … 72-is-now-available/   

Provided by Regenstrief Institute