The Regenstrief Institute has released the new version 2.82 of the coding system LOINC® (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) as well as RELMA® 7.15. The update contains a revised and significantly expanded German translation of LOINC terms by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

LOINC® is used for the internationally unambiguous coding of medical observations, especially laboratory tests. The system is published by the Regenstrief Institute in the USA and updated every six months. The quality-assured German translations currently comprise about 18,700 terms and are available in the download package as a separate CSV file under “Accessory files – LOINC® Linguistic Variants”. They can also be accessed via the RELMA software, LOINC’s® online search (with language setting “German (Germany)”) and technically via the institute’s FHIR interface.

In Germany, LOINC® has been intended since January 1, 2021 for the data exchange of laboratory values and clinical observations in the electronic patient record, the electronic emergency data and the electronic patient summary file in accordance with Section 355 (6) SGB V. The system forms a central component of the Medical Information Object (MIO) Laboratory Findings of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and mio42 GmbH. Laboratories and specialist applications are therefore required to coordinate their internal examination designations with LOINC® in order to connect to the corresponding infrastructures. The further development of LOINC® in Germany is accompanied by the LOINC working group of the Board of Trustees for Coding Systems in the Health Care System (KKG).

The new features in version 2.82 include further terms from feedback from German laboratories as part of the mapping activities for electronic laboratory results (in cooperation with mio42 GmbH), new terms from the MasterValueCatalogue version 9.0.0 for European data exchange in accordance with § 219d SGB V, terms from the first value sets for the planned interface “Health Device Data Transfer” between medical assistive devices, implants and digital health applications (DiGA) as well as terms required for the current DEMIS version rki.demis.laboratory-3.4.0. Significant changes to the English original have been incorporated into the German translation.

The BfArM supports users in the introduction of LOINC® and accepts requests, change requests or additions for “Related Terms” under loinc@bfarm.de. Translation requests for the next release (planned for August 2026) can be submitted until April 1, 2026.

After registration with the Regenstrief Institute and acceptance of the terms of use, LOINC® is available for download free of charge. The Windows software RELMA® is currently still available there. Interested parties can find out about new versions and other news via a newsletter from the institute.

Read more:

BfArM – Coding Systems – New Version LOINC® 2.82/RELMA® 7.15 with Extended German Translation Published by the Regenstrief Institute

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Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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