88342-1

LOINC code 88342-1 identifies "Malassezia sp [Presence] in Ear by Light microscopy". The presence (none, few, marked, etc.) of Malassezia (fungi) in an ear swab sample taken from the left external ear. In veterinary medicine, Malassezia species, particularly M. pachydermatis, are commonly found in low numbers in the ear canals of healthy dogs and cats. When the ears are pruritic (itchy), an overgrowth of the fungi is suspected and anti-fungal treatment may be needed. When a dark exudate is seen in the canal, the presence of either Malassezia species or a parasite is likely but may also be seen with a bacterial infection.[MERCK VET: eye-and-ear] The clinical course for each ear may be tracked separately in order to monitor response to treatment.

This code measures Malassezia sp in Ear. 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.