Would you be able to provide clarification on how to leverage LOINC code “115760-1 Blood pathogen DNA and resistance panel:-:Pt:XXX:-:Non-probe.amp.tar”? With blood pathogen stated in the component I’m finding it challenging to decipher how a system of XXX is applicable and how this code is intended to be used from a system perspective, ie: what other systems would be leveraged when blood pathogen is called out in the component. Thank you for any clarification you can provide.
1 Like
Great question @js050784 Hopefully, the LOINC team can chime in on their reasoning for the design of this code. It does seem a bit counter intuitive with multiple specimen types given the “blood pathogen” DNA in the term.
Suspect, this is a case where blood borne pathogens that may result in sepsis for patients is analyzed via a couple of different “specimen” methods. If this is performed on positive blood culture bottles (which it may not be as that LOINC system is not used), then the venous blood which was collected in the bottle is tested. There are recent test systems whereby the blood is analyzed, but the testing is really performed on cell free DNA or cell free plasma. If the test system can be performed on more than one “specimen”, then it may explain the XXX approach. Others yet may involve testing directly whole blood. I’s also conceivable if any tests could be performed on body fluids, those could be a specimen or isolate if taken from initial growth cultures. See Direct-from-Blood Detection of Pathogens: a Review of Technology and Challenges | Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Without the actual test details for the submission, it is difficult to understand if my suspicions are on or off target. The LOINC team would have more details.
1 Like