75222-0

LOINC code 75222-0 identifies "Microscopic observation [Identifier] in Throat by Alberts stain". A microscopic exam of a smear from a throat swab for suspected diphtheria. Albert's stain demonstrates the metachromatic granules in the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacillus. The C. diphtheriae bacillus stains green and the granules stain bluish black. These granules are also called volutin bodies, Babe-Ernst granules, or polar bodies. Albert's stain can be used for the presumptive diagnosis of diphtheria. Albert's staining demonstrates the metachromatic granules in club-shaped C. diphtheriae bacilli, often arranged in Chinese character-like formations. Albert's technique can also stain non-pathogenic Corynebacterium species (diphtheroids) in the throat, thus a positive Albert's smear should only be considered a presumptive diagnosis diphtheria.

This code measures Observation in Thrt. It belongs to the MICRO class in the LOINC classification.

LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) is a universal standard for identifying laboratory and clinical observations. It is maintained by the Regenstrief Institute and used worldwide for health data exchange.