What have sites done for the following scenario?
We have an Immunodeficiency panel. The panel consists of the following components:
% T (CD3)
% B (CD19)
% HELPER (CD4)
% SUPPRESS (CD8)
% NK (CD16,CD56)
T ABSOLUTE
B ABSOLUTE
HELPER ABSOLUTE
SUPPRESSOR ABSOLUTE
NK ABSOLUTE
H/S RATIO
We are planning on assigning a LOINC code to each component, but the dept of health is requiring that a LOINC also be attached to the order itself. I searched LOINC.org but was unable to find a panel with these exact same components. What have others done in this scenario?
Hello,
We start off all client projects by mapping the result fields to LOINC, and then search for order panels that use those LOINC codes. There is a separate location of accessory files in the downloads that contains an Excel file of all order panels and their constituents. (www.loinc.org, at the bottom left of screen DOWNLOADS Accessory Files)
The messaging agreement between two sites should have contingency information on what is allowed in case a standardized code does not exist. Especially when the order panel LOINC codes are still in development. CDC representatives announced at the recent ASCP Annual Meeting (September 2013 in Chicago) that a workgroup is planned to be established to study and further develop order sets If you’ll email me at pdbanning@mmm.com, I’ll get you in touch with that representative; they are inviting the public to participate.
I would sidebar that it is a bit ironic to ask for standardized/normalized LOINC order codes on a topic of “Custom Panels”. The act of normalizing orders would drive in a different direction from customization. 
Have a great week,
Best Regards,
Pam Banning