88999-8

LOINC code 88999-8 identifies "Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) index risk in Serum or Plasma". The omega-3 index, defined as eicosapentaenoate (EPA)+ docosahexaenoate (DHA)/Fatty acids.C14-C24, is a clinically useful measurement for evaluating blood levels of EPA and DHA. There are many health benefits from maintaining a good level of omega-3 fatty acids including reduced inflammation, risk of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and many more. Deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can result in fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, and poor circulation.[https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids] There have been a number of clinical trials to determine the effect of omega-3 supplementation based on a 1g/day dose of EPA, which successfully increased the total omega-3 level to >5% for 84% of the study participants. The remaining 16% had levels below 5%, which is the threshold at which significant reduction in sudden coronary death reduction is evident. The variability in the blood levels of omega-3 in patients who received the same supplemental dose of omega-3 has been attributed to genetic differences in fatty acid metabolism, body weight, baseline omega-3 level, age, gender, and physical activity.[PMID: 25285179] This test measures the level of omega-3 as a percent of total fatty acids, and the result of that index is associated with a high, moderate, or low risk of cardiovascular disease.

This code measures Eicosapentaenoate+docosahexaenoate/Fatty acids.C14-C24 index risk in Ser/Plas. It belongs to the CHEM 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.