US Core Implementation Guide
4.0.0 - STU4 Release

This page is part of the US Core (v4.0.0: STU4) based on FHIR R4. The current version which supercedes this version is 5.0.1. For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: US Core Laboratory Result Observation Profile

Defining URL:http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-observation-lab
Version:4.0.0
Name:USCoreLaboratoryResultObservationProfile
Title:US Core Laboratory Result Observation Profile
Status:Active as of 2020-06-27
Definition:

Defines constraints and extensions on the Observation resource for the minimal set of data to query and retrieve laboratory test results

Publisher:HL7 International - US Realm Steering Committee
Copyright:

Used by permission of HL7 International, all rights reserved Creative Commons License

Source Resource:XML / JSON / Turtle

The official URL for this profile is: 

http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-observation-lab

Laboratory results are grouped and summarized using the DiagnosticReport resource which reference Observation resources. Each Observation resource represents an individual laboratory test and result value, a “nested” panel (such as a microbial susceptibility panel) which references other observations, or rarely a laboratory test with component result values. This profile sets minimum expectations for the Observation resource resource to record, search, and fetch laboratory test results associated with a patient. It identifies which core elements, extensions, vocabularies and value sets SHALL be present in the resource when using this profile.

Example Usage Scenarios:

The following are example usage scenarios for the US Core-Results profile:

  • Query for lab results belonging to a Patient
  • Record or update lab results belonging to a Patient

Mandatory and Must Support Data Elements

The following data-elements must always be present (Mandatory definition]) or must be supported if the data is present in the sending system (Must Support definition). They are presented below in a simple human-readable explanation. Profile specific guidance and examples are provided as well. The Formal Profile Definition below provides the formal summary, definitions, and terminology requirements.

Each Observation must have:

  1. a status
  2. a category code of ‘laboratory’
  3. a LOINC code, if available, which tells you what is being measured
  4. a patient

Each Observation must support:

  1. a time indicating when the measurement was taken
  2. a result value or a reason why the data is absent*
    • if the result value is a numeric quantity, a standard UCUM unit

Profile specific implementation guidance:

  • Additional codes that translate or map to the Observation code or category codes are allowed. For example:
    • providing both a local code and LOINC code
    • providing a more specific category codes such as ‘chemistry’, SNOMED CT concept, or system specific codes in addition to the ‘laboratory’ category code.
  • Systems SHOULD support Observation.effectivePeriod to accurately represent laboratory tests that are collected over a period of time (for example, a 24-Hour Urine Collection test).
  • An Observation without a value, SHALL include a reason why the data is absent unless there are component observations, or references to other Observations that are grouped within it.
    • For Further guidance see the Observation Grouping section in FHIR Specification.
    • *Systems that never provide an observation without a value are not required to support Observation.dataAbsentReason
  • See the General Guidance Section for further guidance on using UCUM
  • See the LOINC scale type to FHIR data type mapping for guidance on which Observation.value[x] data type to use based on the LOINC Type of Scale.

Examples

Formal Views of Profile Content

Description of Profiles, Differentials, Snapshots and how the different presentations work.

This structure is derived from Observation

Summary

Mandatory: 5 elements
Must-Support: 8 elements

Structures

This structure refers to these other structures:

Slices

This structure defines the following Slices:

  • The element Observation.category is sliced based on the value of pattern:$this

This structure is derived from Observation

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. Observation I0..*ObservationMeasurements and simple assertions
us-core-2: If there is no component or hasMember element then either a value[x] or a data absent reason must be present
... status S1..1coderegistered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required)
... Slices for category S1..*CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by pattern:$this
.... category:Laboratory S1..1CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Required Pattern: At least the following
..... coding1..*CodingCode defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (complex)
...... system1..1uriIdentity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... code1..1codeSymbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: laboratory
... code S1..1CodeableConceptLaboratory Test Name
Binding: LOINCCodes (extensible): LOINC codes

... subject S1..1Reference(US Core Patient Profile)Who and/or what the observation is about
... effective[x] SI0..1Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
us-core-1: Datetime must be at least to day.
.... effectiveDateTimedateTime S
.... effectivePeriodPeriod
.... effectiveTimingTiming
.... effectiveInstantinstant
... value[x] SI0..1Result Value
us-core-4: SHOULD use Snomed CT for coded Results
us-core-3: SHALL use UCUM for coded quantity units.
.... valueQuantityQuantity S
.... valueCodeableConceptCodeableConcept S
.... valueStringstring S
.... valueBooleanboolean
.... valueIntegerinteger
.... valueRangeRange
.... valueRatioRatio
.... valueSampledDataSampledData
.... valueTimetime
.... valueDateTimedateTime
.... valuePeriodPeriod
... dataAbsentReason SI0..1CodeableConceptWhy the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible)

doco Documentation for this format
NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. Observation I0..*ObservationMeasurements and simple assertions
us-core-2: If there is no component or hasMember element then either a value[x] or a data absent reason must be present
... id Σ0..1stringLogical id of this artifact
... meta Σ0..1MetaMetadata about the resource
... implicitRules ?!Σ0..1uriA set of rules under which this content was created
... language 0..1codeLanguage of the resource content
Binding: CommonLanguages (preferred)
Max Binding: AllLanguages: A human language.

... text 0..1NarrativeText summary of the resource, for human interpretation
... contained 0..*ResourceContained, inline Resources
... extension 0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
... modifierExtension ?!0..*ExtensionExtensions that cannot be ignored
... identifier Σ0..*IdentifierBusiness Identifier for observation
... basedOn Σ0..*Reference(CarePlan | DeviceRequest | ImmunizationRecommendation | MedicationRequest | NutritionOrder | ServiceRequest)Fulfills plan, proposal or order
... partOf Σ0..*Reference(MedicationAdministration | MedicationDispense | MedicationStatement | Procedure | Immunization | ImagingStudy)Part of referenced event
... status ?!SΣ1..1coderegistered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required)
... Slices for category S1..*CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by pattern:$this
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.


.... category:Laboratory S1..1CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.



Required Pattern: At least the following
..... id0..1stringUnique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
..... coding1..*CodingCode defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (complex)
...... id0..1stringUnique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
...... system1..1uriIdentity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... version0..1stringVersion of the system - if relevant
...... code1..1codeSymbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: laboratory
...... display0..1stringRepresentation defined by the system
...... userSelected0..1booleanIf this coding was chosen directly by the user
..... text0..1stringPlain text representation of the concept
... code SΣ1..1CodeableConceptLaboratory Test Name
Binding: LOINCCodes (extensible): LOINC codes

... subject SΣ1..1Reference(US Core Patient Profile)Who and/or what the observation is about
... focus Σ0..*Reference(Resource)What the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
... encounter Σ0..1Reference(Encounter)Healthcare event during which this observation is made
... effective[x] SΣI0..1Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
us-core-1: Datetime must be at least to day.
.... effectiveDateTimedateTime S
.... effectivePeriodPeriod
.... effectiveTimingTiming
.... effectiveInstantinstant
... issued Σ0..1instantDate/Time this version was made available
... performer Σ0..*Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson)Who is responsible for the observation
... value[x] SΣI0..1Result Value
us-core-4: SHOULD use Snomed CT for coded Results
us-core-3: SHALL use UCUM for coded quantity units.
.... valueQuantityQuantity S
.... valueCodeableConceptCodeableConcept S
.... valueStringstring S
.... valueBooleanboolean
.... valueIntegerinteger
.... valueRangeRange
.... valueRatioRatio
.... valueSampledDataSampledData
.... valueTimetime
.... valueDateTimedateTime
.... valuePeriodPeriod
... dataAbsentReason SI0..1CodeableConceptWhy the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible)
... interpretation 0..*CodeableConceptHigh, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.


... note 0..*AnnotationComments about the observation
... bodySite 0..1CodeableConceptObserved body part
Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.

... method 0..1CodeableConceptHow it was done
Binding: ObservationMethods (example): Methods for simple observations.

... specimen 0..1Reference(Specimen)Specimen used for this observation
... device 0..1Reference(Device | DeviceMetric)(Measurement) Device
... referenceRange I0..*BackboneElementProvides guide for interpretation
obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text
.... id 0..1stringUnique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ0..*ExtensionExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... low I0..1SimpleQuantityLow Range, if relevant
.... high I0..1SimpleQuantityHigh Range, if relevant
.... type 0..1CodeableConceptReference range qualifier
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes (preferred): Code for the meaning of a reference range.

.... appliesTo 0..*CodeableConceptReference range population
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes (example): Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.


.... age 0..1RangeApplicable age range, if relevant
.... text 0..1stringText based reference range in an observation
... hasMember Σ0..*Reference(Observation | QuestionnaireResponse | MolecularSequence)Related resource that belongs to the Observation group
... derivedFrom Σ0..*Reference(DocumentReference | ImagingStudy | Media | QuestionnaireResponse | Observation | MolecularSequence)Related measurements the observation is made from
... component Σ0..*BackboneElementComponent results
.... id 0..1stringUnique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ0..*ExtensionExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... code Σ1..1CodeableConceptType of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.

.... value[x] Σ0..1Actual component result
..... valueQuantityQuantity
..... valueCodeableConceptCodeableConcept
..... valueStringstring
..... valueBooleanboolean
..... valueIntegerinteger
..... valueRangeRange
..... valueRatioRatio
..... valueSampledDataSampledData
..... valueTimetime
..... valueDateTimedateTime
..... valuePeriodPeriod
.... dataAbsentReason I0..1CodeableConceptWhy the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.

.... interpretation 0..*CodeableConceptHigh, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.


.... referenceRange 0..*See referenceRange (Observation)Provides guide for interpretation of component result

doco Documentation for this format
NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. Observation I0..*ObservationMeasurements and simple assertions
us-core-2: If there is no component or hasMember element then either a value[x] or a data absent reason must be present
... status ?!Σ1..1coderegistered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required)
... Slices for category 1..*CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by pattern:$this
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.


.... category:Laboratory 1..1CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.



Required Pattern: At least the following
..... coding1..*CodingCode defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (complex)
...... system1..1uriIdentity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... code1..1codeSymbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: laboratory
... code Σ1..1CodeableConceptLaboratory Test Name
Binding: LOINCCodes (extensible): LOINC codes

... subject Σ1..1Reference(US Core Patient Profile)Who and/or what the observation is about
... effective[x] ΣI0..1Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
us-core-1: Datetime must be at least to day.
.... effectiveDateTimedateTime
... value[x] ΣI0..1Result Value
us-core-4: SHOULD use Snomed CT for coded Results
us-core-3: SHALL use UCUM for coded quantity units.
.... valueQuantityQuantity
.... valueCodeableConceptCodeableConcept
.... valueStringstring
... dataAbsentReason I0..1CodeableConceptWhy the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible)

doco Documentation for this format

This structure is derived from Observation

Summary

Mandatory: 5 elements
Must-Support: 8 elements

Structures

This structure refers to these other structures:

Slices

This structure defines the following Slices:

  • The element Observation.category is sliced based on the value of pattern:$this

Differential View

This structure is derived from Observation

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. Observation I0..*ObservationMeasurements and simple assertions
us-core-2: If there is no component or hasMember element then either a value[x] or a data absent reason must be present
... status S1..1coderegistered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required)
... Slices for category S1..*CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by pattern:$this
.... category:Laboratory S1..1CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Required Pattern: At least the following
..... coding1..*CodingCode defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (complex)
...... system1..1uriIdentity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... code1..1codeSymbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: laboratory
... code S1..1CodeableConceptLaboratory Test Name
Binding: LOINCCodes (extensible): LOINC codes

... subject S1..1Reference(US Core Patient Profile)Who and/or what the observation is about
... effective[x] SI0..1Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
us-core-1: Datetime must be at least to day.
.... effectiveDateTimedateTime S
.... effectivePeriodPeriod
.... effectiveTimingTiming
.... effectiveInstantinstant
... value[x] SI0..1Result Value
us-core-4: SHOULD use Snomed CT for coded Results
us-core-3: SHALL use UCUM for coded quantity units.
.... valueQuantityQuantity S
.... valueCodeableConceptCodeableConcept S
.... valueStringstring S
.... valueBooleanboolean
.... valueIntegerinteger
.... valueRangeRange
.... valueRatioRatio
.... valueSampledDataSampledData
.... valueTimetime
.... valueDateTimedateTime
.... valuePeriodPeriod
... dataAbsentReason SI0..1CodeableConceptWhy the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible)

doco Documentation for this format

Snapshot View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. Observation I0..*ObservationMeasurements and simple assertions
us-core-2: If there is no component or hasMember element then either a value[x] or a data absent reason must be present
... id Σ0..1stringLogical id of this artifact
... meta Σ0..1MetaMetadata about the resource
... implicitRules ?!Σ0..1uriA set of rules under which this content was created
... language 0..1codeLanguage of the resource content
Binding: CommonLanguages (preferred)
Max Binding: AllLanguages: A human language.

... text 0..1NarrativeText summary of the resource, for human interpretation
... contained 0..*ResourceContained, inline Resources
... extension 0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
... modifierExtension ?!0..*ExtensionExtensions that cannot be ignored
... identifier Σ0..*IdentifierBusiness Identifier for observation
... basedOn Σ0..*Reference(CarePlan | DeviceRequest | ImmunizationRecommendation | MedicationRequest | NutritionOrder | ServiceRequest)Fulfills plan, proposal or order
... partOf Σ0..*Reference(MedicationAdministration | MedicationDispense | MedicationStatement | Procedure | Immunization | ImagingStudy)Part of referenced event
... status ?!SΣ1..1coderegistered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required)
... Slices for category S1..*CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by pattern:$this
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.


.... category:Laboratory S1..1CodeableConceptClassification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.



Required Pattern: At least the following
..... id0..1stringUnique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
..... coding1..*CodingCode defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (complex)
...... id0..1stringUnique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
...... system1..1uriIdentity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... version0..1stringVersion of the system - if relevant
...... code1..1codeSymbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: laboratory
...... display0..1stringRepresentation defined by the system
...... userSelected0..1booleanIf this coding was chosen directly by the user
..... text0..1stringPlain text representation of the concept
... code SΣ1..1CodeableConceptLaboratory Test Name
Binding: LOINCCodes (extensible): LOINC codes

... subject SΣ1..1Reference(US Core Patient Profile)Who and/or what the observation is about
... focus Σ0..*Reference(Resource)What the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
... encounter Σ0..1Reference(Encounter)Healthcare event during which this observation is made
... effective[x] SΣI0..1Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
us-core-1: Datetime must be at least to day.
.... effectiveDateTimedateTime S
.... effectivePeriodPeriod
.... effectiveTimingTiming
.... effectiveInstantinstant
... issued Σ0..1instantDate/Time this version was made available
... performer Σ0..*Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson)Who is responsible for the observation
... value[x] SΣI0..1Result Value
us-core-4: SHOULD use Snomed CT for coded Results
us-core-3: SHALL use UCUM for coded quantity units.
.... valueQuantityQuantity S
.... valueCodeableConceptCodeableConcept S
.... valueStringstring S
.... valueBooleanboolean
.... valueIntegerinteger
.... valueRangeRange
.... valueRatioRatio
.... valueSampledDataSampledData
.... valueTimetime
.... valueDateTimedateTime
.... valuePeriodPeriod
... dataAbsentReason SI0..1CodeableConceptWhy the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible)
... interpretation 0..*CodeableConceptHigh, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.


... note 0..*AnnotationComments about the observation
... bodySite 0..1CodeableConceptObserved body part
Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.

... method 0..1CodeableConceptHow it was done
Binding: ObservationMethods (example): Methods for simple observations.

... specimen 0..1Reference(Specimen)Specimen used for this observation
... device 0..1Reference(Device | DeviceMetric)(Measurement) Device
... referenceRange I0..*BackboneElementProvides guide for interpretation
obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text
.... id 0..1stringUnique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ0..*ExtensionExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... low I0..1SimpleQuantityLow Range, if relevant
.... high I0..1SimpleQuantityHigh Range, if relevant
.... type 0..1CodeableConceptReference range qualifier
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes (preferred): Code for the meaning of a reference range.

.... appliesTo 0..*CodeableConceptReference range population
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes (example): Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.


.... age 0..1RangeApplicable age range, if relevant
.... text 0..1stringText based reference range in an observation
... hasMember Σ0..*Reference(Observation | QuestionnaireResponse | MolecularSequence)Related resource that belongs to the Observation group
... derivedFrom Σ0..*Reference(DocumentReference | ImagingStudy | Media | QuestionnaireResponse | Observation | MolecularSequence)Related measurements the observation is made from
... component Σ0..*BackboneElementComponent results
.... id 0..1stringUnique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..*ExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ0..*ExtensionExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... code Σ1..1CodeableConceptType of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.

.... value[x] Σ0..1Actual component result
..... valueQuantityQuantity
..... valueCodeableConceptCodeableConcept
..... valueStringstring
..... valueBooleanboolean
..... valueIntegerinteger
..... valueRangeRange
..... valueRatioRatio
..... valueSampledDataSampledData
..... valueTimetime
..... valueDateTimedateTime
..... valuePeriodPeriod
.... dataAbsentReason I0..1CodeableConceptWhy the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.

.... interpretation 0..*CodeableConceptHigh, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.


.... referenceRange 0..*See referenceRange (Observation)Provides guide for interpretation of component result

doco Documentation for this format

 

Other representations of profile: CSV, Excel, Schematron

Terminology Bindings

PathConformanceValueSet / Code
Observation.languagepreferredCommonLanguages
Max Binding: AllLanguages
Observation.statusrequiredObservationStatus
Observation.categorypreferredObservationCategoryCodes
Observation.category:LaboratorypreferredPattern: laboratory
Observation.codeextensibleLOINCCodes
Observation.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
Observation.interpretationextensibleObservationInterpretationCodes
Observation.bodySiteexampleSNOMEDCTBodyStructures
Observation.methodexampleObservationMethods
Observation.referenceRange.typepreferredObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes
Observation.referenceRange.appliesToexampleObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes
Observation.component.codeexampleLOINCCodes
Observation.component.dataAbsentReasonextensibleDataAbsentReason
Observation.component.interpretationextensibleObservationInterpretationCodes

Constraints

IdPathDetailsRequirements
us-core-2ObservationIf there is no component or hasMember element then either a value[x] or a data absent reason must be present
: (component.empty() and hasMember.empty()) implies (dataAbsentReason.exists() or value.exists())
us-core-1Observation.effective[x]Datetime must be at least to day.
: Observation.effectiveDateTime.exists() implies Observation.effectiveDateTime.toString().length() >= 8
us-core-4Observation.value[x]SHOULD use Snomed CT for coded Results
: valueCodeableConcept.coding.system.empty() or valueCodeableConcept.coding.system = 'http://snomed.info/sct'
us-core-3Observation.value[x]SHALL use UCUM for coded quantity units.
: valueQuantity.system.empty() or valueQuantity.system = 'http://unitsofmeasure.org'
obs-3Observation.referenceRangeMust have at least a low or a high or text
: low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()

Notes:

Quick Start

Below is an overview of the required Server RESTful FHIR interactions for this profile - for example, search and read operations - when supporting the US Core interactions to access this profile’s information (Profile Support + Interaction Support). Note that systems that support only US Core Profiles (Profile Only Support) are not required to support these interactions. See the US Core Server CapabilityStatement for a complete list of supported RESTful interactions for this IG.

  • The syntax used to describe the interactions is described here.
  • See the General Guidance section for additional rules and expectations when a server requires status parameters.
  • See the General Guidance section for additional guidance on searching for multiple patients.

Mandatory Search Parameters:

The following search parameters and search parameter combinations SHALL be supported:

  1. SHALL support searching using the combination of the patient and category search parameters:

    GET [base]/Observation?patient={Type/}[id]&category=http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category|laboratory

    Example:

    1. GET [base]/Observation?patient=1134281&category=http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category|laboratory

    Implementation Notes: Fetches a bundle of all Observation resources for the specified patient and a category code = laboratory (how to search by reference and how to search by token)

  2. SHALL support searching using the combination of the patient and code search parameters:
    • including optional support for composite OR search on code (e.g.code={system|}[code],{system|}[code],...)

    GET [base]/Observation?patient={Type/}[id]&code={system|}[code]{,{system|}[code],...}

    Example:

    1. GET [base]/Observation?patient=1134281&code=http://loinc.org|2339-0
    2. GET [base]/Observation?patient=1134281&code=http://loinc.org|2339-0,http://loinc.org|25428-4,2514-8

    Implementation Notes: Fetches a bundle of all Observation resources for the specified patient and observation code(s). SHOULD support search by multiple report codes. The Observation code parameter searches `Observation.code only. (how to search by reference and how to search by token)

  3. SHALL support searching using the combination of the patient and category and date search parameters:
    • including support for these date comparators: gt,lt,ge,le
    • including optional support for composite AND search on date (e.g.date=[date]&date=[date]]&...)

    GET [base]/Observation?patient={Type/}[id]&category=http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category|laboratory&date={gt|lt|ge|le}[date]{&date={gt|lt|ge|le}[date]&...}

    Example:

    1. GET [base]Observation?patient=555580&category=http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category|laboratory&date=ge2018-03-14T00:00:00Z

    Implementation Notes: Fetches a bundle of all Observation resources for the specified patient and date and a category code = laboratory (how to search by reference and how to search by token and how to search by date)

Optional Search Parameters:

The following search parameter combinations SHOULD be supported:

  1. SHOULD support searching using the combination of the patient and category and status search parameters:
    • including support for composite OR search on status (e.g.status={system|}[code],{system|}[code],...)

    GET [base]/Observation?patient={Type/}[id]&category=http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category|laboratory&status={system|}[code]{,{system|}[code],...}

    Example:

    1. GET [base]/Observation?patient=1134281&category=http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category|laboratory&status=final

    Implementation Notes: Fetches a bundle of all Observation resources for the specified patient and category = laboratory and status (how to search by reference and how to search by token)

  2. SHOULD support searching using the combination of the patient and code and date search parameters:
    • including optional support for composite OR search on code (e.g.code={system|}[code],{system|}[code],...)
    • including support for these date comparators: gt,lt,ge,le
    • including optional support for composite AND search on date (e.g.date=[date]&date=[date]]&...)

    GET [base]/Observation?patient={Type/}[id]&code={system|}[code]{,{system|}[code],...}&date={gt|lt|ge|le}[date]{&date={gt|lt|ge|le}[date]&...}

    Example:

    1. GET [base]Observation?patient=555580&code=http://loinc.org|2339-0&date=ge2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

    Implementation Notes: Fetches a bundle of all Observation resources for the specified patient and date and report code(s). SHOULD support search by multiple report codes. (how to search by reference and how to search by token and how to search by date)