This implementation guide is intended to help users effectively utilize the new extension that integrates LOINC with SNOMED CT, a collaborative effort between SNOMED International and the Regenstrief Institute. The guide offers detailed instructions and strategies for leveraging this extension, designed to enhance interoperability and facilitate global health data exchange.
This living document will follow the current state of the LOINC Extension, beginning with the first official release, published in March 2025 and based on the 2.80 release of LOINC expected mid February 2025.
The guide explains the purpose and functionality of the LOINC extension, which aligns with the SNOMED CT concept model to offer a consistent representation of clinical information. It covers the creation of SNOMED CT concepts for LOINC terms, reducing duplication and fostering collaborative efforts. Users will learn how to implement both LOINC and SNOMED CT standards, enabling them to meet clinical and regulatory requirements efficiently.
Key sections of the guide provide insights into mapping strategies, data integration workflows, and use cases to demonstrate real-world applications. This guide aims to help users achieve greater accuracy and consistency in clinical data management, ultimately improving the delivery of healthcare globally.
Web browsable version: https://snomed.org/loinc
SNOMED CT Document Library: http://snomed.org/doc
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Contents
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
2. What is LOINC?
3. Clinical Use Case
4. Content Development Principles
- 4.1 Alternate Identifiers - Identifying LOINC Terms in SNOMED CT
- 4.2 Template Based Content Creation
- 4.2.1 Quality Observable with Component
- 4.2.2 Quality Observable with Inheres in (System, no Component)
- 4.2.3 Quality Observable with Inheres In
- 4.2.4 Quality Observable with Process
- 4.2.5 Quality Observable with Ratio
- 4.2.6 Quality Observable with Relative to
- 4.2.7 Quality Observable with Susceptibility
- 4.2.8 Quality Observable with Process (No Process output, With Time aspect)
- 4.3 Orderable and Observable LOINC Terms
5. Information Models and Terminology Binding
6. Technical Application
- 6.1. Implementation Approaches and Considerations
- 6.2 Accessing the LOINC Ontology
- 6.3 Deploying the LOINC Ontology
- 6.4 Using the LOINC Ontology
Previous Versions
Recent Updates
Feedback
Overview
Content Tools
Apps