Implementation Guide for the LOINC Ontology

The SNOMED CT Implementation Guide for the LOINC Ontology offers comprehensive guidance for implementing and using the LOINC Ontology; an extension to SNOMED CT that bridges structured clinical terminology with laboratory and observation data.

Developed collaboratively by SNOMED International and the Regenstrief Institute, the guide supports terminology implementers, system developers, and clinical informaticians in achieving interoperable, computable healthcare data. It explains the structure, purpose, and integration of LOINC into SNOMED CT, detailing how LOINC-coded observations are modeled using SNOMED CT’s concept model, attributes, and classification system.

The guide introduces the LOINC Extension and its benefits for clinical applications, such as standardized lab results, structured documentation, and improved decision support. Practical implementation strategies cover data integration, terminology binding, HL7 FHIR approaches, and system compatibility across EHRs and lab systems. It also outlines methods for accessing and maintaining the LOINC Ontology, managing version control, and aligning with SNOMED CT updates.

By adopting the LOINC Ontology within SNOMED CT-enabled systems, organizations can enhance data consistency, analytics, and clinical decision-making, creating a more standardized and interoperable healthcare ecosystem.

Contents

Introduction

What is LOINC?

Clinical Use Case

Content Development Principles

Information Models & Terminology Binding

Technical Application

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