A set of standards that provides universal names and codes for laboratory and clinical results is known as what?

The correct answer is LOINC, which stands for Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes. LOINC provides a standardized set of codes for identifying laboratory tests, measurements, and clinical observations in electronic health records. This standardization ensures that data is consistently recorded and understood across different health information systems, promoting accurate communication and exchange of health information.

LOINC is particularly significant in laboratory and clinical settings because it facilitates the interoperability of electronic health data. By using a universal coding system, healthcare providers can ensure that laboratory results and clinical information are interpreted correctly by all stakeholders, regardless of the specific software or systems they may use.

In contrast, the other choices represent different standards in the healthcare data landscape. SNOMED (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine) is primarily used for clinical terminology and capturing patient data but does not focus exclusively on laboratory results. HL7 (Health Level Seven) relates to the standards for exchanging information between medical applications but is more about the messaging formats than specific codes for observations. ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) is mainly used for coding diagnoses and diseases, not laboratory or clinical observations. Thus, the uniqueness of LOINC lies in its dedicated focus on laboratory and clinical results through universal