The document provides an introduction and overview of LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes), a universal standard for identifying health measurements, observations, and documents. LOINC codes are organized using a six-axis model and include over 55,000 codes for laboratory tests, clinical observations, surveys, and claims attachments. The document outlines the history, development, and governance of LOINC, as well as examples of how LOINC codes are structured and used in clinical documents and messages.