Smart Health Checks
0.3.0 - ci-build Australia flag

Smart Health Checks, published by AEHRC CSIRO. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 0.3.0 built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/aehrc/smart-forms-ig/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: SmartHealthChecksPathologyResult - Detailed Descriptions

Draft as of 2025-09-05

Definitions for the SHCPathologyResult resource profile.

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be foundhere

0. Observation
Definition

A pathology test result for a patient. This observation may be a simple test or a panel/study.


Measurements and simple assertions made about a patient, device or other subject.

ShortA pathology test result in an Australian healthcare contextMeasurements and simple assertions
Comments

Used for simple observations such as device measurements, laboratory atomic results, vital signs, height, weight, smoking status, comments, etc. Other resources are used to provide context for observations such as laboratory reports, etc.

Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate NamesVital Signs, Measurement, Results, Tests
Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present (dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty())
obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present (value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty())
inv-obs-0: A pathology result shall at least have value or data absent reason or a child observation with a value or data absent reason (value.exists() or dataAbsentReason.exists() or hasMember.exists() or component.value.exists() or component.dataAbsentReason.exists())
au-core-obs-01: If there is no component or hasMember element then at least value or data absent reason shall be present ((component.empty() and hasMember.empty()) implies (dataAbsentReason.exists() or value.exists()))
obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present (dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty())
obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present (value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty())
2. Observation.implicitRules
Definition

A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

ShortA set of rules under which this content was created
Comments

Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

Control0..1
Typeuri
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because the implicit rules may provide additional knowledge about the resource that modifies it's meaning or interpretation
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
4. Observation.modifierExtension
Definition

May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the resource that contains them
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
6. Observation.status
Definition

The status of the result value.

Shortregistered | preliminary | final | amended +
Comments

This element is labeled as a modifier because the status contains codes that mark the resource as not currently valid.

Control1..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ObservationStatushttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1)

Codes providing the status of an observation.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because it is a status element that contains status entered-in-error which means that the resource should not be treated as valid
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Obligations
    ObligationsActorSource
    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
    SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
    SHALL:processSHC App
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Need to track the status of individual results. Some results are finalized before the whole report is finalized.

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    8. Observation.category
    Definition

    A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

    ShortClassification of the service requested as laboratory + more specific discipline where availableClassification of type of observation
    Comments

    A fixed category denoting a laboratory service identifies the type of observation and supports handling and searching of observations. A second category to provide a finer grain of discipline, e.g. Haematology should be provided if possible.


    In addition to the required category valueset, this element allows various categorization schemes based on the owner’s definition of the category and effectively multiple categories can be used at once. The level of granularity is defined by the category concepts in the value set.

    Control10..*
    BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from ObservationCategoryCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category
    (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category)

    Codes for high level observation categories.

    TypeCodeableConcept
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Obligations
      ObligationsActorSource
      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
      Summaryfalse
      Requirements

      Used for filtering what observations are retrieved and displayed.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
      • value @ coding.system
      • value @ coding.code
      • 10. Observation.category:lab
        Slice Namelab
        Definition

        A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

        ShortObservation generated by laboratoriesClassification of type of observation
        Comments

        In addition to the required category valueset, this element allows various categorization schemes based on the owner’s definition of the category and effectively multiple categories can be used at once. The level of granularity is defined by the category concepts in the value set.

        Control10..1*
        BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from ObservationCategoryCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category
        (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category)

        Codes for high level observation categories.

        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Used for filtering what observations are retrieved and displayed.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        12. Observation.category:lab.coding
        Definition

        A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

        ShortCode defined by a terminology system
        Comments

        Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

        Control10..*
        TypeCoding
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        14. Observation.category:lab.coding.system
        Definition

        The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

        ShortIdentity of the terminology system
        Comments

        The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

        Control10..1
        Typeuri
        Is Modifierfalse
        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

        Fixed Valuehttp://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        16. Observation.category:lab.coding.code
        Definition

        A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

        ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
        Control10..1
        Typecode
        Is Modifierfalse
        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

        Fixed Valuelaboratory
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        18. Observation.category:specificDiscipline
        Slice NamespecificDiscipline
        Definition

        A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

        ShortSpecific discipline of pathologyClassification of type of observation
        Comments

        In addition to the required category valueset, this element allows various categorization schemes based on the owner’s definition of the category and effectively multiple categories can be used at once. The level of granularity is defined by the category concepts in the value set.

        Control0..*
        BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from The codes SHOULD be taken from Pathology Diagnostic Service Category .http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category
        (extensible to https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/pathology-diagnostic-service-category-1)
        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Used for filtering what observations are retrieved and displayed.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        20. Observation.code
        Definition

        Describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "name".

        ShortPathology test or test groupType of observation (code / type)
        Comments

        All code-value and, if present, component.code-component.value pairs need to be taken into account to correctly understand the meaning of the observation.

        Control1..1
        BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from For example codes, see RCPA SPIA Pathology Reporting .http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
        (extensible to https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/spia-pathology-reporting-1)
        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Must Supporttrue
        Obligations
          ObligationsActorSource
          SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
          SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Knowing what kind of observation is being made is essential to understanding the observation.

          Alternate NamesName
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          22. Observation.code.coding
          Definition

          A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

          ShortCode defined by a terminology system
          Comments

          Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

          Control0..*
          TypeCoding
          Is Modifierfalse
          Must Supporttrue
          Obligations
            ObligationsActor
            SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
            Summarytrue
            Requirements

            Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            24. Observation.subject
            Definition

            The patient, or group of patients, location, or device this observation is about and into whose record the observation is placed. If the actual focus of the observation is different from the subject (or a sample of, part, or region of the subject), the focus element or the code itself specifies the actual focus of the observation.

            ShortWho and/or what the observation is about
            Comments

            One would expect this element to be a cardinality of 1..1. The only circumstance in which the subject can be missing is when the observation is made by a device that does not know the patient. In this case, the observation SHALL be matched to a patient through some context/channel matching technique, and at this point, the observation should be updated.

            Control10..1
            TypeReference(AU Core Patient, Patient, Group, Device, Location)
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            Obligations
              ObligationsActorSource
              SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
              SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
              SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
              SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
              SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              Observations have no value if you don't know who or what they're about.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              26. Observation.effective[x]
              Definition

              The time or time-period the observed value is asserted as being true. For biological subjects - e.g. human patients - this is usually called the "physiologically relevant time". This is usually either the time of the procedure or of specimen collection, but very often the source of the date/time is not known, only the date/time itself.

              ShortTime of specimen collectionClinically relevant time/time-period for observation
              Comments

              At least a date should be present unless this observation is a historical report. For recording imprecise or "fuzzy" times (For example, a blood glucose measurement taken "after breakfast") use the Timing datatype which allow the measurement to be tied to regular life events.

              Control10..1
              This element is affected by the following invariants: au-core-obs-02
              TypeChoice of: dateTime, Period, Timing, instant
              [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
              Is Modifierfalse
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Must Supporttrue
              Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
              Obligations
                ObligationsActorSource
                SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                Summarytrue
                Requirements

                Knowing when an observation was deemed true is important to its relevance as well as determining trends.

                Alternate NamesOccurrence
                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                au-core-obs-02: Date shall be at least to day or, if not available, the Data Absent Reason extension shall be present ((($this is dateTime implies $this.toString().length() >= 10) and extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason').value.exists().not()) xor ($this is dateTime implies ($this.hasValue().not() and extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason').value.exists())))
                SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.effective[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                • type @ $this
                • 28. Observation.effective[x]:effectiveDateTime
                  Slice NameeffectiveDateTime
                  Definition

                  The time or time-period the observed value is asserted as being true. For biological subjects - e.g. human patients - this is usually called the "physiologically relevant time". This is usually either the time of the procedure or of specimen collection, but very often the source of the date/time is not known, only the date/time itself.

                  ShortTime of specimen collectionClinically relevant time/time-period for observation
                  Comments

                  At least a date should be present unless this observation is a historical report. For recording imprecise or "fuzzy" times (For example, a blood glucose measurement taken "after breakfast") use the Timing datatype which allow the measurement to be tied to regular life events.

                  Control0..1
                  This element is affected by the following invariants: au-core-obs-02
                  TypedateTime, Period, Timing, instant
                  [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                  Is Modifierfalse
                  Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                  Must Supporttrue
                  Obligations
                    ObligationsActorSource
                    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
                    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
                    SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                    SHALL:processSHC App
                    Summarytrue
                    Requirements

                    Knowing when an observation was deemed true is important to its relevance as well as determining trends.

                    Alternate NamesOccurrence
                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                    au-core-obs-02: Date shall be at least to day or, if not available, the Data Absent Reason extension shall be present ((($this is dateTime implies $this.toString().length() >= 10) and extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason').value.exists().not()) xor ($this is dateTime implies ($this.hasValue().not() and extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason').value.exists())))
                    30. Observation.performer
                    Definition

                    Who was responsible for asserting the observed value as "true".

                    ShortWho is responsible for the observation
                    Control0..*
                    TypeReference(AU Core Practitioner, AU Core PractitionerRole, AU Core Organization, AU Core Patient, AU Core RelatedPerson, Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization, CareTeam, Patient, RelatedPerson)
                    Is Modifierfalse
                    Must Supporttrue
                    Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
                    Obligations
                      ObligationsActorSource
                      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                      Summarytrue
                      Requirements

                      May give a degree of confidence in the observation and also indicates where follow-up questions should be directed.

                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                      32. Observation.value[x]
                      Definition

                      The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

                      ShortActual result
                      Comments

                      An observation may have; 1) a single value here, 2) both a value and a set of related or component values, or 3) only a set of related or component values. If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

                      Control0..1
                      This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-7, inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-01
                      TypeChoice of: Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period
                      [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                      Is Modifierfalse
                      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                      Must Supporttrue
                      Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
                      Obligations
                        ObligationsActorSource
                        SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                        SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                        Summarytrue
                        Requirements

                        An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                        SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.value[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                        • type @ $this
                        • 34. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity
                          Slice NamevalueQuantity
                          Definition

                          The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

                          ShortActual result
                          Comments

                          An observation may have; 1) a single value here, 2) both a value and a set of related or component values, or 3) only a set of related or component values. If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

                          Control0..1
                          This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-7, inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-01
                          TypeQuantity, dateTime, boolean, string, SampledData, Period, Ratio, integer, time, Range, CodeableConcept
                          [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                          Is Modifierfalse
                          Must Supporttrue
                          Obligations
                            ObligationsActorSource
                            SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                            SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                            SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                            SHALL:processSHC App
                            Summarytrue
                            Requirements

                            An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                            36. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.value
                            Definition

                            The value of the measured amount. The value includes an implicit precision in the presentation of the value.

                            ShortNumerical value (with implicit precision)
                            Comments

                            The implicit precision in the value should always be honored. Monetary values have their own rules for handling precision (refer to standard accounting text books).

                            Control0..1
                            Typedecimal
                            Is Modifierfalse
                            Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                            Must Supporttrue
                            Obligations
                              ObligationsActor
                              SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                              SHALL:processSHC App
                              Summarytrue
                              Requirements

                              Precision is handled implicitly in almost all cases of measurement.

                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              38. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.comparator
                              Definition

                              How the value should be understood and represented - whether the actual value is greater or less than the stated value due to measurement issues; e.g. if the comparator is "<" , then the real value is < stated value.

                              Short< | <= | >= | > - how to understand the value
                              Control0..1
                              BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from QuantityComparatorhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/quantity-comparator|4.0.1
                              (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/quantity-comparator|4.0.1)

                              How the Quantity should be understood and represented.

                              Typecode
                              Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because the comparator modifies the interpretation of the value significantly. If there is no comparator, then there is no modification of the value
                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                              Summarytrue
                              Requirements

                              Need a framework for handling measures where the value is <5ug/L or >400mg/L due to the limitations of measuring methodology.

                              Meaning if MissingIf there is no comparator, then there is no modification of the value
                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                              40. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.system
                              Definition

                              The identification of the system that provides the coded form of the unit.

                              ShortSystem that defines coded unit form
                              Control0..1
                              This element is affected by the following invariants: qty-3
                              Typeuri
                              Is Modifierfalse
                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                              Must Supporttrue
                              Obligations
                                ObligationsActor
                                SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                SHALL:processSHC App
                                Summarytrue
                                Requirements

                                Need to know the system that defines the coded form of the unit.

                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                42. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.code
                                Definition

                                A computer processable form of the unit in some unit representation system.

                                ShortCoded form of the unit
                                Comments

                                The preferred system is UCUM, but SNOMED CT can also be used (for customary units) or ISO 4217 for currency. The context of use may additionally require a code from a particular system.

                                Control0..1
                                Typecode
                                Is Modifierfalse
                                Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                Must Supporttrue
                                Obligations
                                  ObligationsActor
                                  SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                  SHALL:processSHC App
                                  Summarytrue
                                  Requirements

                                  Need a computable form of the unit that is fixed across all forms. UCUM provides this for quantities, but SNOMED CT provides many units of interest.

                                  Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                  44. Observation.dataAbsentReason
                                  Definition

                                  Provides a reason why the expected value in the element Observation.value[x] is missing.

                                  ShortWhy the result is missing
                                  Comments

                                  Null or exceptional values can be represented two ways in FHIR Observations. One way is to simply include them in the value set and represent the exceptions in the value. For example, measurement values for a serology test could be "detected", "not detected", "inconclusive", or "specimen unsatisfactory".

                                  The alternate way is to use the value element for actual observations and use the explicit dataAbsentReason element to record exceptional values. For example, the dataAbsentReason code "error" could be used when the measurement was not completed. Note that an observation may only be reported if there are values to report. For example differential cell counts values may be reported only when > 0. Because of these options, use-case agreements are required to interpret general observations for null or exceptional values.

                                  Control0..1
                                  This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-6, inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-01
                                  BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from DataAbsentReasonhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
                                  (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason)

                                  Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.

                                  TypeCodeableConcept
                                  Is Modifierfalse
                                  Must Supporttrue
                                  Obligations
                                    ObligationsActorSource
                                    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                    Summaryfalse
                                    Requirements

                                    For many results it is necessary to handle exceptional values in measurements.

                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                    46. Observation.interpretation
                                    Definition

                                    A categorical assessment of an observation value. For example, high, low, normal.

                                    ShortHigh, low, normal, etc.
                                    Comments

                                    Historically used for laboratory results (known as 'abnormal flag' ), its use extends to other use cases where coded interpretations are relevant. Often reported as one or more simple compact codes this element is often placed adjacent to the result value in reports and flow sheets to signal the meaning/normalcy status of the result.

                                    Control0..*
                                    BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from ObservationInterpretationCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation
                                    (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation)

                                    Codes identifying interpretations of observations.

                                    TypeCodeableConcept
                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                    Must Supporttrue
                                    Obligations
                                      ObligationsActorSource
                                      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                      Summaryfalse
                                      Requirements

                                      For some results, particularly numeric results, an interpretation is necessary to fully understand the significance of a result.

                                      Alternate NamesAbnormal Flag
                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                      48. Observation.specimen
                                      Definition

                                      The specimen that was used when this observation was made.

                                      ShortSpecimen used for this observation
                                      Comments

                                      Should only be used if not implicit in code found in Observation.code. Observations are not made on specimens themselves; they are made on a subject, but in many cases by the means of a specimen. Note that although specimens are often involved, they are not always tracked and reported explicitly. Also note that observation resources may be used in contexts that track the specimen explicitly (e.g. Diagnostic Report).

                                      Control0..1
                                      TypeReference(AU Base Specimen, Specimen)
                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                      Must Supporttrue
                                      Obligations
                                        ObligationsActorSource
                                        SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                        SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                        Summaryfalse
                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                        50. Observation.referenceRange
                                        Definition

                                        Guidance on how to interpret the value by comparison to a normal or recommended range. Multiple reference ranges are interpreted as an "OR". In other words, to represent two distinct target populations, two referenceRange elements would be used.

                                        ShortProvides guide for interpretation
                                        Comments

                                        Most observations only have one generic reference range. Systems MAY choose to restrict to only supplying the relevant reference range based on knowledge about the patient (e.g., specific to the patient's age, gender, weight and other factors), but this might not be possible or appropriate. Whenever more than one reference range is supplied, the differences between them SHOULD be provided in the reference range and/or age properties.

                                        Control0..*
                                        TypeBackboneElement
                                        Is Modifierfalse
                                        Must Supporttrue
                                        Obligations
                                          ObligationsActorSource
                                          SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                          SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                          Summaryfalse
                                          Requirements

                                          Knowing what values are considered "normal" can help evaluate the significance of a particular result. Need to be able to provide multiple reference ranges for different contexts.

                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                          obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text (low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists())
                                          obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text (low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists())
                                          52. Observation.referenceRange.modifierExtension
                                          Definition

                                          May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

                                          Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

                                          ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
                                          Comments

                                          There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                          Control0..*
                                          TypeExtension
                                          Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
                                          Summarytrue
                                          Requirements

                                          Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

                                          Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                          ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                          54. Observation.referenceRange.low
                                          Definition

                                          The value of the low bound of the reference range. The low bound of the reference range endpoint is inclusive of the value (e.g. reference range is >=5 - <=9). If the low bound is omitted, it is assumed to be meaningless (e.g. reference range is <=2.3).

                                          ShortLow Range, if relevant
                                          Control0..1
                                          This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-3
                                          TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                          Must Supporttrue
                                          Obligations
                                            ObligationsActorSource
                                            SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                            SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                            Summaryfalse
                                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                            56. Observation.referenceRange.high
                                            Definition

                                            The value of the high bound of the reference range. The high bound of the reference range endpoint is inclusive of the value (e.g. reference range is >=5 - <=9). If the high bound is omitted, it is assumed to be meaningless (e.g. reference range is >= 2.3).

                                            ShortHigh Range, if relevant
                                            Control0..1
                                            This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-3
                                            TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
                                            Is Modifierfalse
                                            Must Supporttrue
                                            Obligations
                                              ObligationsActorSource
                                              SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                              SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                              Summaryfalse
                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                              58. Observation.referenceRange.type
                                              Definition

                                              Codes to indicate the what part of the targeted reference population it applies to. For example, the normal or therapeutic range.

                                              ShortReference range qualifier
                                              Comments

                                              This SHOULD be populated if there is more than one range. If this element is not present then the normal range is assumed.

                                              Control0..1
                                              BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-meaning
                                              (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-meaning)

                                              Code for the meaning of a reference range.

                                              TypeCodeableConcept
                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                              Must Supporttrue
                                              Obligations
                                                ObligationsActorSource
                                                SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                Summaryfalse
                                                Requirements

                                                Need to be able to say what kind of reference range this is - normal, recommended, therapeutic, etc., - for proper interpretation.

                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                60. Observation.referenceRange.text
                                                Definition

                                                Text based reference range in an observation which may be used when a quantitative range is not appropriate for an observation. An example would be a reference value of "Negative" or a list or table of "normals".

                                                ShortText based reference range in an observation
                                                Control0..1
                                                Typestring
                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                Must Supporttrue
                                                Obligations
                                                  ObligationsActorSource
                                                  SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                  SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                  Summaryfalse
                                                  Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                  62. Observation.hasMember
                                                  Definition

                                                  This observation is a group observation (e.g. a battery, a panel of tests, a set of vital sign measurements) that includes the target as a member of the group.

                                                  ShortIndividual observations in a group, study, or panelRelated resource that belongs to the Observation group
                                                  Comments

                                                  When using this element, an observation will typically have either a value or a set of related resources, although both may be present in some cases. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below. Note that a system may calculate results from QuestionnaireResponse into a final score and represent the score as an Observation.


                                                  When using this element, an observation will typically have either a value or a set of related resources, although both may be present in some cases. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below. Note that a system may calculate results from QuestionnaireResponse into a final score and represent the score as an Observation.

                                                  Control0..*
                                                  This element is affected by the following invariants: inv-obs-0
                                                  TypeReference(AU Core Pathology Result Observation, Observation, QuestionnaireResponse, MolecularSequence)
                                                  Is Modifierfalse
                                                  Must Supporttrue
                                                  Obligations
                                                    ObligationsActorSource
                                                    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                    Summarytrue
                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                    64. Observation.component
                                                    Definition

                                                    Some observations have multiple component observations. These component observations are expressed as separate code value pairs that share the same attributes. Examples include systolic and diastolic component observations for blood pressure measurement and multiple component observations for genetics observations.

                                                    ShortIndividual tests in a group or panelComponent results
                                                    Comments

                                                    For a discussion on the ways Observations can be assembled in groups together see Notes below.

                                                    Control0..*
                                                    TypeBackboneElement
                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                    Must Supporttrue
                                                    Obligations
                                                      ObligationsActorSource
                                                      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                      Summarytrue
                                                      Requirements

                                                      Component observations share the same attributes in the Observation resource as the primary observation and are always treated a part of a single observation (they are not separable). However, the reference range for the primary observation value is not inherited by the component values and is required when appropriate for each component observation.

                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                      au-core-obs-03: The component shall at least have a value or a data absent reason (value.exists() or dataAbsentReason.exists())
                                                      66. Observation.component.modifierExtension
                                                      Definition

                                                      May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

                                                      Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

                                                      ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
                                                      Comments

                                                      There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                      Control0..*
                                                      TypeExtension
                                                      Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
                                                      Summarytrue
                                                      Requirements

                                                      Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

                                                      Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                      ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                      68. Observation.component.code
                                                      Definition

                                                      Describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "code".

                                                      ShortIndividual pathology testType of component observation (code / type)
                                                      Comments

                                                      All code-value and component.code-component.value pairs need to be taken into account to correctly understand the meaning of the observation.

                                                      Control1..1
                                                      BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from For example codes, see RCPA SPIA Pathology Reporting .http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-codes
                                                      (extensible to https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/spia-pathology-reporting-1)
                                                      TypeCodeableConcept
                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                      Must Supporttrue
                                                      Obligations
                                                        ObligationsActorSource
                                                        SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                        SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                        Summarytrue
                                                        Requirements

                                                        Knowing what kind of observation is being made is essential to understanding the observation.

                                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                        70. Observation.component.value[x]
                                                        Definition

                                                        The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

                                                        ShortActual component result
                                                        Comments

                                                        Used when observation has a set of component observations. An observation may have both a value (e.g. an Apgar score) and component observations (the observations from which the Apgar score was derived). If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

                                                        Control0..1
                                                        This element is affected by the following invariants: inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-03
                                                        TypeChoice of: Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period
                                                        [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                        Is Modifierfalse
                                                        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                        Must Supporttrue
                                                        Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
                                                        Obligations
                                                          ObligationsActorSource
                                                          SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                          SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                          Summarytrue
                                                          Requirements

                                                          An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                          72. Observation.component.dataAbsentReason
                                                          Definition

                                                          Provides a reason why the expected value in the element Observation.component.value[x] is missing.

                                                          ShortWhy the component result is missing
                                                          Comments

                                                          "Null" or exceptional values can be represented two ways in FHIR Observations. One way is to simply include them in the value set and represent the exceptions in the value. For example, measurement values for a serology test could be "detected", "not detected", "inconclusive", or "test not done".

                                                          The alternate way is to use the value element for actual observations and use the explicit dataAbsentReason element to record exceptional values. For example, the dataAbsentReason code "error" could be used when the measurement was not completed. Because of these options, use-case agreements are required to interpret general observations for exceptional values.

                                                          Control0..1
                                                          This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-6, inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-03
                                                          BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from DataAbsentReasonhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason
                                                          (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason)

                                                          Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.

                                                          TypeCodeableConcept
                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                          Must Supporttrue
                                                          Obligations
                                                            ObligationsActorSource
                                                            SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                            SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                            Summaryfalse
                                                            Requirements

                                                            For many results it is necessary to handle exceptional values in measurements.

                                                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))

                                                            Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be foundhere

                                                            0. Observation
                                                            2. Observation.status
                                                            Obligations
                                                              ObligationsActor
                                                              SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
                                                              SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
                                                              SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                              SHALL:processSHC App
                                                              4. Observation.code
                                                              6. Observation.code.coding
                                                              Must Supporttrue
                                                              Obligations
                                                                ObligationsActor
                                                                SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                8. Observation.subject
                                                                Obligations
                                                                  ObligationsActor
                                                                  SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
                                                                  SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
                                                                  SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                  10. Observation.effective[x]
                                                                  [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                  SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.effective[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                  • type @ $this
                                                                  • 12. Observation.effective[x]:effectiveDateTime
                                                                    Slice NameeffectiveDateTime
                                                                    Control0..1
                                                                    TypedateTime
                                                                    [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                    Must Supporttrue
                                                                    Obligations
                                                                      ObligationsActor
                                                                      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
                                                                      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
                                                                      SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                      SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                      14. Observation.value[x]
                                                                      [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                      SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.value[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                      • type @ $this
                                                                      • 16. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity
                                                                        Slice NamevalueQuantity
                                                                        Control0..1
                                                                        TypeQuantity
                                                                        [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                        Must Supporttrue
                                                                        Obligations
                                                                          ObligationsActor
                                                                          SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                          SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                          18. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.value
                                                                          Must Supporttrue
                                                                          Obligations
                                                                            ObligationsActor
                                                                            SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                            SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                            20. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.system
                                                                            Must Supporttrue
                                                                            Obligations
                                                                              ObligationsActor
                                                                              SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                              SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                              22. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.code
                                                                              Must Supporttrue
                                                                              Obligations
                                                                                ObligationsActor
                                                                                SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                SHALL:processSHC App

                                                                                Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be foundhere

                                                                                0. Observation
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                A pathology test result for a patient. This observation may be a simple test or a panel/study.

                                                                                ShortA pathology test result in an Australian healthcare context
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                Used for simple observations such as device measurements, laboratory atomic results, vital signs, height, weight, smoking status, comments, etc. Other resources are used to provide context for observations such as laboratory reports, etc.

                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                Alternate NamesVital Signs, Measurement, Results, Tests
                                                                                Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
                                                                                dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
                                                                                dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
                                                                                dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
                                                                                dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
                                                                                obs-6: dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present (dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty())
                                                                                obs-7: If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present (value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty())
                                                                                inv-obs-0: A pathology result shall at least have value or data absent reason or a child observation with a value or data absent reason (value.exists() or dataAbsentReason.exists() or hasMember.exists() or component.value.exists() or component.dataAbsentReason.exists())
                                                                                au-core-obs-01: If there is no component or hasMember element then at least value or data absent reason shall be present ((component.empty() and hasMember.empty()) implies (dataAbsentReason.exists() or value.exists()))
                                                                                2. Observation.id
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                The logical id of the resource, as used in the URL for the resource. Once assigned, this value never changes.

                                                                                ShortLogical id of this artifact
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                The only time that a resource does not have an id is when it is being submitted to the server using a create operation.

                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                Typeid
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                4. Observation.meta
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                The metadata about the resource. This is content that is maintained by the infrastructure. Changes to the content might not always be associated with version changes to the resource.

                                                                                ShortMetadata about the resource
                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                TypeMeta
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                6. Observation.implicitRules
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

                                                                                ShortA set of rules under which this content was created
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                Typeuri
                                                                                Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because the implicit rules may provide additional knowledge about the resource that modifies it's meaning or interpretation
                                                                                Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                8. Observation.language
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                The base language in which the resource is written.

                                                                                ShortLanguage of the resource content
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                Language is provided to support indexing and accessibility (typically, services such as text to speech use the language tag). The html language tag in the narrative applies to the narrative. The language tag on the resource may be used to specify the language of other presentations generated from the data in the resource. Not all the content has to be in the base language. The Resource.language should not be assumed to apply to the narrative automatically. If a language is specified, it should it also be specified on the div element in the html (see rules in HTML5 for information about the relationship between xml:lang and the html lang attribute).

                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguages
                                                                                (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages)

                                                                                A human language.

                                                                                Additional BindingsPurpose
                                                                                AllLanguagesMax Binding
                                                                                Typecode
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                10. Observation.text
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                A human-readable narrative that contains a summary of the resource and can be used to represent the content of the resource to a human. The narrative need not encode all the structured data, but is required to contain sufficient detail to make it "clinically safe" for a human to just read the narrative. Resource definitions may define what content should be represented in the narrative to ensure clinical safety.

                                                                                ShortText summary of the resource, for human interpretation
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                Contained resources do not have narrative. Resources that are not contained SHOULD have a narrative. In some cases, a resource may only have text with little or no additional discrete data (as long as all minOccurs=1 elements are satisfied). This may be necessary for data from legacy systems where information is captured as a "text blob" or where text is additionally entered raw or narrated and encoded information is added later.

                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                TypeNarrative
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                Alternate Namesnarrative, html, xhtml, display
                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                12. Observation.contained
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                These resources do not have an independent existence apart from the resource that contains them - they cannot be identified independently, and nor can they have their own independent transaction scope.

                                                                                ShortContained, inline Resources
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                This should never be done when the content can be identified properly, as once identification is lost, it is extremely difficult (and context dependent) to restore it again. Contained resources may have profiles and tags In their meta elements, but SHALL NOT have security labels.

                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                TypeResource
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                Alternate Namesinline resources, anonymous resources, contained resources
                                                                                14. Observation.extension
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                TypeExtension
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                16. Observation.modifierExtension
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

                                                                                Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

                                                                                ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                TypeExtension
                                                                                Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the resource that contains them
                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

                                                                                Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                18. Observation.identifier
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                A unique identifier assigned to this observation.

                                                                                ShortBusiness Identifier for observation
                                                                                NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                TypeIdentifier
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                Allows observations to be distinguished and referenced.

                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                20. Observation.basedOn
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                A plan, proposal or order that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this event. For example, a MedicationRequest may require a patient to have laboratory test performed before it is dispensed.

                                                                                ShortFulfills plan, proposal or order
                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                TypeReference(CarePlan, DeviceRequest, ImmunizationRecommendation, MedicationRequest, NutritionOrder, ServiceRequest)
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                Allows tracing of authorization for the event and tracking whether proposals/recommendations were acted upon.

                                                                                Alternate NamesFulfills
                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                22. Observation.partOf
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                A larger event of which this particular Observation is a component or step. For example, an observation as part of a procedure.

                                                                                ShortPart of referenced event
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                To link an Observation to an Encounter use encounter. See the Notes below for guidance on referencing another Observation.

                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                TypeReference(MedicationAdministration, MedicationDispense, MedicationStatement, Procedure, Immunization, ImagingStudy)
                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                Alternate NamesContainer
                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                24. Observation.status
                                                                                Definition

                                                                                The status of the result value.

                                                                                Shortregistered | preliminary | final | amended +
                                                                                Comments

                                                                                This element is labeled as a modifier because the status contains codes that mark the resource as not currently valid.

                                                                                Control1..1
                                                                                BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ObservationStatus
                                                                                (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-status|4.0.1)

                                                                                Codes providing the status of an observation.

                                                                                Typecode
                                                                                Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because it is a status element that contains status entered-in-error which means that the resource should not be treated as valid
                                                                                Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                Must Supporttrue
                                                                                Obligations
                                                                                  ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                  SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                  SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                  SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
                                                                                  SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
                                                                                  SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                  SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                                  Summarytrue
                                                                                  Requirements

                                                                                  Need to track the status of individual results. Some results are finalized before the whole report is finalized.

                                                                                  Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                  26. Observation.category
                                                                                  Definition

                                                                                  A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

                                                                                  ShortClassification of the service requested as laboratory + more specific discipline where available
                                                                                  Comments

                                                                                  A fixed category denoting a laboratory service identifies the type of observation and supports handling and searching of observations. A second category to provide a finer grain of discipline, e.g. Haematology should be provided if possible.

                                                                                  Control1..*
                                                                                  BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from ObservationCategoryCodes
                                                                                  (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category)

                                                                                  Codes for high level observation categories.

                                                                                  TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                  Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                  Must Supporttrue
                                                                                  Obligations
                                                                                    ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                    Summaryfalse
                                                                                    Requirements

                                                                                    Used for filtering what observations are retrieved and displayed.

                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                    SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                    • value @ coding.system
                                                                                    • value @ coding.code
                                                                                    • 28. Observation.category:lab
                                                                                      Slice Namelab
                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                      A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

                                                                                      ShortObservation generated by laboratories
                                                                                      Comments

                                                                                      In addition to the required category valueset, this element allows various categorization schemes based on the owner’s definition of the category and effectively multiple categories can be used at once. The level of granularity is defined by the category concepts in the value set.

                                                                                      Control1..1
                                                                                      BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from ObservationCategoryCodes
                                                                                      (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-category)

                                                                                      Codes for high level observation categories.

                                                                                      TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                      Summaryfalse
                                                                                      Requirements

                                                                                      Used for filtering what observations are retrieved and displayed.

                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                      30. Observation.category:lab.id
                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                      Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                                                                                      ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                                                                                      Control0..1
                                                                                      Typestring
                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                      XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                                                                                      Summaryfalse
                                                                                      32. Observation.category:lab.extension
                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                      May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                      ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                      Comments

                                                                                      There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                      Control0..*
                                                                                      TypeExtension
                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                      Summaryfalse
                                                                                      Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                      ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                      SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                      • value @ url
                                                                                      • 34. Observation.category:lab.coding
                                                                                        Definition

                                                                                        A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

                                                                                        ShortCode defined by a terminology system
                                                                                        Comments

                                                                                        Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

                                                                                        Control1..*
                                                                                        TypeCoding
                                                                                        Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                        Summarytrue
                                                                                        Requirements

                                                                                        Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

                                                                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                        36. Observation.category:lab.coding.id
                                                                                        Definition

                                                                                        Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                                                                                        ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                                                                                        Control0..1
                                                                                        Typestring
                                                                                        Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                        XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                                                                                        Summaryfalse
                                                                                        38. Observation.category:lab.coding.extension
                                                                                        Definition

                                                                                        May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                        ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                        Comments

                                                                                        There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                        Control0..*
                                                                                        TypeExtension
                                                                                        Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                        Summaryfalse
                                                                                        Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                        ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                        SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.coding.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                        • value @ url
                                                                                        • 40. Observation.category:lab.coding.system
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

                                                                                          ShortIdentity of the terminology system
                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                          The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

                                                                                          Control1..1
                                                                                          Typeuri
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                          Summarytrue
                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                          Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

                                                                                          Fixed Valuehttp://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                          42. Observation.category:lab.coding.version
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          The version of the code system which was used when choosing this code. Note that a well-maintained code system does not need the version reported, because the meaning of codes is consistent across versions. However this cannot consistently be assured, and when the meaning is not guaranteed to be consistent, the version SHOULD be exchanged.

                                                                                          ShortVersion of the system - if relevant
                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                          Where the terminology does not clearly define what string should be used to identify code system versions, the recommendation is to use the date (expressed in FHIR date format) on which that version was officially published as the version date.

                                                                                          NoteThis is a business version Id, not a resource version Id (see discussion)
                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                          Typestring
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                          Summarytrue
                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                          44. Observation.category:lab.coding.code
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

                                                                                          ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
                                                                                          Control1..1
                                                                                          Typecode
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                          Summarytrue
                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                          Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

                                                                                          Fixed Valuelaboratory
                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                          46. Observation.category:lab.coding.display
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          A representation of the meaning of the code in the system, following the rules of the system.

                                                                                          ShortRepresentation defined by the system
                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                          Typestring
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                          Summarytrue
                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                          Need to be able to carry a human-readable meaning of the code for readers that do not know the system.

                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                          48. Observation.category:lab.coding.userSelected
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          Indicates that this coding was chosen by a user directly - e.g. off a pick list of available items (codes or displays).

                                                                                          ShortIf this coding was chosen directly by the user
                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                          Amongst a set of alternatives, a directly chosen code is the most appropriate starting point for new translations. There is some ambiguity about what exactly 'directly chosen' implies, and trading partner agreement may be needed to clarify the use of this element and its consequences more completely.

                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                          Typeboolean
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                          Summarytrue
                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                          This has been identified as a clinical safety criterium - that this exact system/code pair was chosen explicitly, rather than inferred by the system based on some rules or language processing.

                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                          50. Observation.category:lab.text
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

                                                                                          ShortPlain text representation of the concept
                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                          Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                          Typestring
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                          Summarytrue
                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                          The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                          52. Observation.category:specificDiscipline
                                                                                          Slice NamespecificDiscipline
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

                                                                                          ShortSpecific discipline of pathology
                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                          In addition to the required category valueset, this element allows various categorization schemes based on the owner’s definition of the category and effectively multiple categories can be used at once. The level of granularity is defined by the category concepts in the value set.

                                                                                          Control0..*
                                                                                          BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from Pathology Diagnostic Service Category .
                                                                                          (extensible to https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/pathology-diagnostic-service-category-1)
                                                                                          TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          Summaryfalse
                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                          Used for filtering what observations are retrieved and displayed.

                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                          54. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.id
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                                                                                          ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                          Typestring
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                                                                                          Summaryfalse
                                                                                          56. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.extension
                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                          May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                          ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                          There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                          Control0..*
                                                                                          TypeExtension
                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                          Summaryfalse
                                                                                          Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                          ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                          SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                          • value @ url
                                                                                          • 58. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.coding
                                                                                            Definition

                                                                                            A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

                                                                                            ShortCode defined by a terminology system
                                                                                            Comments

                                                                                            Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

                                                                                            Control0..*
                                                                                            TypeCoding
                                                                                            Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                            Summarytrue
                                                                                            Requirements

                                                                                            Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

                                                                                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                            60. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.coding.id
                                                                                            Definition

                                                                                            Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                                                                                            ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                                                                                            Control0..1
                                                                                            Typestring
                                                                                            Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                            XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                                                                                            Summaryfalse
                                                                                            62. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.coding.extension
                                                                                            Definition

                                                                                            May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                            ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                            Comments

                                                                                            There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                            Control0..*
                                                                                            TypeExtension
                                                                                            Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                            Summaryfalse
                                                                                            Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                            ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                            SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.category.coding.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                            • value @ url
                                                                                            • 64. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.coding.system
                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                              The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

                                                                                              ShortIdentity of the terminology system
                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                              The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

                                                                                              Control1..1
                                                                                              Typeuri
                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                              Requirements

                                                                                              Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

                                                                                              Fixed Valuehttp://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0074
                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                              66. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.coding.version
                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                              The version of the code system which was used when choosing this code. Note that a well-maintained code system does not need the version reported, because the meaning of codes is consistent across versions. However this cannot consistently be assured, and when the meaning is not guaranteed to be consistent, the version SHOULD be exchanged.

                                                                                              ShortVersion of the system - if relevant
                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                              Where the terminology does not clearly define what string should be used to identify code system versions, the recommendation is to use the date (expressed in FHIR date format) on which that version was officially published as the version date.

                                                                                              NoteThis is a business version Id, not a resource version Id (see discussion)
                                                                                              Control0..1
                                                                                              Typestring
                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                              68. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.coding.code
                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                              A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

                                                                                              ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
                                                                                              Control0..1
                                                                                              Typecode
                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                              Requirements

                                                                                              Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                              70. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.coding.display
                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                              A representation of the meaning of the code in the system, following the rules of the system.

                                                                                              ShortRepresentation defined by the system
                                                                                              Control0..1
                                                                                              Typestring
                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                              Requirements

                                                                                              Need to be able to carry a human-readable meaning of the code for readers that do not know the system.

                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                              72. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.coding.userSelected
                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                              Indicates that this coding was chosen by a user directly - e.g. off a pick list of available items (codes or displays).

                                                                                              ShortIf this coding was chosen directly by the user
                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                              Amongst a set of alternatives, a directly chosen code is the most appropriate starting point for new translations. There is some ambiguity about what exactly 'directly chosen' implies, and trading partner agreement may be needed to clarify the use of this element and its consequences more completely.

                                                                                              Control0..1
                                                                                              Typeboolean
                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                              Requirements

                                                                                              This has been identified as a clinical safety criterium - that this exact system/code pair was chosen explicitly, rather than inferred by the system based on some rules or language processing.

                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                              74. Observation.category:specificDiscipline.text
                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                              A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

                                                                                              ShortPlain text representation of the concept
                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                              Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

                                                                                              Control0..1
                                                                                              Typestring
                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                              Requirements

                                                                                              The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                              76. Observation.code
                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                              Describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "name".

                                                                                              ShortPathology test or test group
                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                              All code-value and, if present, component.code-component.value pairs need to be taken into account to correctly understand the meaning of the observation.

                                                                                              Control1..1
                                                                                              BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from RCPA SPIA Pathology Reporting .
                                                                                              (extensible to https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/spia-pathology-reporting-1)
                                                                                              TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                              Must Supporttrue
                                                                                              Obligations
                                                                                                ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                                Knowing what kind of observation is being made is essential to understanding the observation.

                                                                                                Alternate NamesName
                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                78. Observation.code.id
                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                                                                                                ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                                Typestring
                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                                80. Observation.code.extension
                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                                ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                                Comments

                                                                                                There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                                TypeExtension
                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                                Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                                SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.code.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                                • value @ url
                                                                                                • 82. Observation.code.coding
                                                                                                  Definition

                                                                                                  A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

                                                                                                  ShortCode defined by a terminology system
                                                                                                  Comments

                                                                                                  Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

                                                                                                  Control0..*
                                                                                                  TypeCoding
                                                                                                  Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                  Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                  Obligations
                                                                                                    ObligationsActor
                                                                                                    SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                                    Summarytrue
                                                                                                    Requirements

                                                                                                    Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

                                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                    84. Observation.code.text
                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                    A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

                                                                                                    ShortPlain text representation of the concept
                                                                                                    Comments

                                                                                                    Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

                                                                                                    Control0..1
                                                                                                    Typestring
                                                                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                    Summarytrue
                                                                                                    Requirements

                                                                                                    The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

                                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                    86. Observation.subject
                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                    The patient, or group of patients, location, or device this observation is about and into whose record the observation is placed. If the actual focus of the observation is different from the subject (or a sample of, part, or region of the subject), the focus element or the code itself specifies the actual focus of the observation.

                                                                                                    ShortWho and/or what the observation is about
                                                                                                    Comments

                                                                                                    One would expect this element to be a cardinality of 1..1. The only circumstance in which the subject can be missing is when the observation is made by a device that does not know the patient. In this case, the observation SHALL be matched to a patient through some context/channel matching technique, and at this point, the observation should be updated.

                                                                                                    Control1..1
                                                                                                    TypeReference(AU Core Patient)
                                                                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                    Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                    Obligations
                                                                                                      ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
                                                                                                      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
                                                                                                      SHALL:populateSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                                      Summarytrue
                                                                                                      Requirements

                                                                                                      Observations have no value if you don't know who or what they're about.

                                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                      88. Observation.focus
                                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                                      The actual focus of an observation when it is not the patient of record representing something or someone associated with the patient such as a spouse, parent, fetus, or donor. For example, fetus observations in a mother's record. The focus of an observation could also be an existing condition, an intervention, the subject's diet, another observation of the subject, or a body structure such as tumor or implanted device. An example use case would be using the Observation resource to capture whether the mother is trained to change her child's tracheostomy tube. In this example, the child is the patient of record and the mother is the focus.

                                                                                                      ShortWhat the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
                                                                                                      Comments

                                                                                                      Typically, an observation is made about the subject - a patient, or group of patients, location, or device - and the distinction between the subject and what is directly measured for an observation is specified in the observation code itself ( e.g., "Blood Glucose") and does not need to be represented separately using this element. Use specimen if a reference to a specimen is required. If a code is required instead of a resource use either bodysite for bodysites or the standard extension focusCode.

                                                                                                      Control0..*
                                                                                                      TypeReference(Resource)
                                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                      Summarytrue
                                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                      90. Observation.encounter
                                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                                      The healthcare event (e.g. a patient and healthcare provider interaction) during which this observation is made.

                                                                                                      ShortHealthcare event during which this observation is made
                                                                                                      Comments

                                                                                                      This will typically be the encounter the event occurred within, but some events may be initiated prior to or after the official completion of an encounter but still be tied to the context of the encounter (e.g. pre-admission laboratory tests).

                                                                                                      Control0..1
                                                                                                      TypeReference(Encounter)
                                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                      Summarytrue
                                                                                                      Requirements

                                                                                                      For some observations it may be important to know the link between an observation and a particular encounter.

                                                                                                      Alternate NamesContext
                                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                      92. Observation.effective[x]
                                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                                      The time or time-period the observed value is asserted as being true. For biological subjects - e.g. human patients - this is usually called the "physiologically relevant time". This is usually either the time of the procedure or of specimen collection, but very often the source of the date/time is not known, only the date/time itself.

                                                                                                      ShortTime of specimen collection
                                                                                                      Comments

                                                                                                      At least a date should be present unless this observation is a historical report. For recording imprecise or "fuzzy" times (For example, a blood glucose measurement taken "after breakfast") use the Timing datatype which allow the measurement to be tied to regular life events.

                                                                                                      Control1..1
                                                                                                      This element is affected by the following invariants: au-core-obs-02
                                                                                                      TypeChoice of: dateTime, Period
                                                                                                      [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                      Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                      Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
                                                                                                      Obligations
                                                                                                        ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                        SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                        SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                        Summarytrue
                                                                                                        Requirements

                                                                                                        Knowing when an observation was deemed true is important to its relevance as well as determining trends.

                                                                                                        Alternate NamesOccurrence
                                                                                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                        au-core-obs-02: Date shall be at least to day or, if not available, the Data Absent Reason extension shall be present ((($this is dateTime implies $this.toString().length() >= 10) and extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason').value.exists().not()) xor ($this is dateTime implies ($this.hasValue().not() and extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason').value.exists())))
                                                                                                        SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.effective[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                                        • type @ $this
                                                                                                        • 94. Observation.effective[x]:effectiveDateTime
                                                                                                          Slice NameeffectiveDateTime
                                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                                          The time or time-period the observed value is asserted as being true. For biological subjects - e.g. human patients - this is usually called the "physiologically relevant time". This is usually either the time of the procedure or of specimen collection, but very often the source of the date/time is not known, only the date/time itself.

                                                                                                          ShortTime of specimen collection
                                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                                          At least a date should be present unless this observation is a historical report. For recording imprecise or "fuzzy" times (For example, a blood glucose measurement taken "after breakfast") use the Timing datatype which allow the measurement to be tied to regular life events.

                                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                                          This element is affected by the following invariants: au-core-obs-02
                                                                                                          TypedateTime
                                                                                                          [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                          Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                          Obligations
                                                                                                            ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                            SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                            SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                            SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responder
                                                                                                            SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requester
                                                                                                            SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                                            SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                                                            Summarytrue
                                                                                                            Requirements

                                                                                                            Knowing when an observation was deemed true is important to its relevance as well as determining trends.

                                                                                                            Alternate NamesOccurrence
                                                                                                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                            au-core-obs-02: Date shall be at least to day or, if not available, the Data Absent Reason extension shall be present ((($this is dateTime implies $this.toString().length() >= 10) and extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason').value.exists().not()) xor ($this is dateTime implies ($this.hasValue().not() and extension('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason').value.exists())))
                                                                                                            96. Observation.issued
                                                                                                            Definition

                                                                                                            The date and time this version of the observation was made available to providers, typically after the results have been reviewed and verified.

                                                                                                            ShortDate/Time this version was made available
                                                                                                            Comments

                                                                                                            For Observations that don’t require review and verification, it may be the same as the lastUpdated time of the resource itself. For Observations that do require review and verification for certain updates, it might not be the same as the lastUpdated time of the resource itself due to a non-clinically significant update that doesn’t require the new version to be reviewed and verified again.

                                                                                                            Control0..1
                                                                                                            Typeinstant
                                                                                                            Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                            Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                            Summarytrue
                                                                                                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                            98. Observation.performer
                                                                                                            Definition

                                                                                                            Who was responsible for asserting the observed value as "true".

                                                                                                            ShortWho is responsible for the observation
                                                                                                            Control0..*
                                                                                                            TypeReference(AU Core Practitioner, AU Core PractitionerRole, AU Core Organization, AU Core Patient, AU Core RelatedPerson)
                                                                                                            Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                            Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                            Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
                                                                                                            Obligations
                                                                                                              ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                              SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                              SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                                              Requirements

                                                                                                              May give a degree of confidence in the observation and also indicates where follow-up questions should be directed.

                                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                              100. Observation.value[x]
                                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                                              The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

                                                                                                              ShortActual result
                                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                                              An observation may have; 1) a single value here, 2) both a value and a set of related or component values, or 3) only a set of related or component values. If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

                                                                                                              Control0..1
                                                                                                              This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-7, inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-01
                                                                                                              TypeChoice of: Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period
                                                                                                              [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                              Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                              Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
                                                                                                              Obligations
                                                                                                                ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                                                An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

                                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.value[x]. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                                                • type @ $this
                                                                                                                • 102. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity
                                                                                                                  Slice NamevalueQuantity
                                                                                                                  Definition

                                                                                                                  The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

                                                                                                                  ShortActual result
                                                                                                                  Comments

                                                                                                                  An observation may have; 1) a single value here, 2) both a value and a set of related or component values, or 3) only a set of related or component values. If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

                                                                                                                  Control0..1
                                                                                                                  This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-7, inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-01
                                                                                                                  TypeQuantity
                                                                                                                  [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                                                                  Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                  Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                  Obligations
                                                                                                                    ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                    SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                                                    SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                                                                    Summarytrue
                                                                                                                    Requirements

                                                                                                                    An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

                                                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                    104. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.id
                                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                                    Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                                                                                                                    ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                                                                                                                    Control0..1
                                                                                                                    Typestring
                                                                                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                    XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                                                                                                                    Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                    106. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.extension
                                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                                    May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                                                    ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                                                    Comments

                                                                                                                    There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                                                    Control0..*
                                                                                                                    TypeExtension
                                                                                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                    Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                    Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                                                    SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Observation.value[x].extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
                                                                                                                    • value @ url
                                                                                                                    • 108. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.value
                                                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                                                      The value of the measured amount. The value includes an implicit precision in the presentation of the value.

                                                                                                                      ShortNumerical value (with implicit precision)
                                                                                                                      Comments

                                                                                                                      The implicit precision in the value should always be honored. Monetary values have their own rules for handling precision (refer to standard accounting text books).

                                                                                                                      Control0..1
                                                                                                                      Typedecimal
                                                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                                      Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                      Obligations
                                                                                                                        ObligationsActor
                                                                                                                        SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                                                        SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                                                                        Summarytrue
                                                                                                                        Requirements

                                                                                                                        Precision is handled implicitly in almost all cases of measurement.

                                                                                                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                        110. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.comparator
                                                                                                                        Definition

                                                                                                                        How the value should be understood and represented - whether the actual value is greater or less than the stated value due to measurement issues; e.g. if the comparator is "<" , then the real value is < stated value.

                                                                                                                        Short< | <= | >= | > - how to understand the value
                                                                                                                        Control0..1
                                                                                                                        BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from QuantityComparator
                                                                                                                        (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/quantity-comparator|4.0.1)

                                                                                                                        How the Quantity should be understood and represented.

                                                                                                                        Typecode
                                                                                                                        Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because the comparator modifies the interpretation of the value significantly. If there is no comparator, then there is no modification of the value
                                                                                                                        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                                        Summarytrue
                                                                                                                        Requirements

                                                                                                                        Need a framework for handling measures where the value is <5ug/L or >400mg/L due to the limitations of measuring methodology.

                                                                                                                        Meaning if MissingIf there is no comparator, then there is no modification of the value
                                                                                                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                        112. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.unit
                                                                                                                        Definition

                                                                                                                        A human-readable form of the unit.

                                                                                                                        ShortUnit representation
                                                                                                                        Control0..1
                                                                                                                        Typestring
                                                                                                                        Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                                        Summarytrue
                                                                                                                        Requirements

                                                                                                                        There are many representations for units of measure and in many contexts, particular representations are fixed and required. I.e. mcg for micrograms.

                                                                                                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                        114. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.system
                                                                                                                        Definition

                                                                                                                        The identification of the system that provides the coded form of the unit.

                                                                                                                        ShortSystem that defines coded unit form
                                                                                                                        Control0..1
                                                                                                                        This element is affected by the following invariants: qty-3
                                                                                                                        Typeuri
                                                                                                                        Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                                        Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                        Obligations
                                                                                                                          ObligationsActor
                                                                                                                          SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                                                          SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                                                                          Summarytrue
                                                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                                                          Need to know the system that defines the coded form of the unit.

                                                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                          116. Observation.value[x]:valueQuantity.code
                                                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                                                          A computer processable form of the unit in some unit representation system.

                                                                                                                          ShortCoded form of the unit
                                                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                                                          The preferred system is UCUM, but SNOMED CT can also be used (for customary units) or ISO 4217 for currency. The context of use may additionally require a code from a particular system.

                                                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                                                          Typecode
                                                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                                          Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                          Obligations
                                                                                                                            ObligationsActor
                                                                                                                            SHALL:populate-if-knownSHC Host FHIR Server
                                                                                                                            SHALL:processSHC App
                                                                                                                            Summarytrue
                                                                                                                            Requirements

                                                                                                                            Need a computable form of the unit that is fixed across all forms. UCUM provides this for quantities, but SNOMED CT provides many units of interest.

                                                                                                                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                            118. Observation.dataAbsentReason
                                                                                                                            Definition

                                                                                                                            Provides a reason why the expected value in the element Observation.value[x] is missing.

                                                                                                                            ShortWhy the result is missing
                                                                                                                            Comments

                                                                                                                            Null or exceptional values can be represented two ways in FHIR Observations. One way is to simply include them in the value set and represent the exceptions in the value. For example, measurement values for a serology test could be "detected", "not detected", "inconclusive", or "specimen unsatisfactory".

                                                                                                                            The alternate way is to use the value element for actual observations and use the explicit dataAbsentReason element to record exceptional values. For example, the dataAbsentReason code "error" could be used when the measurement was not completed. Note that an observation may only be reported if there are values to report. For example differential cell counts values may be reported only when > 0. Because of these options, use-case agreements are required to interpret general observations for null or exceptional values.

                                                                                                                            Control0..1
                                                                                                                            This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-6, inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-01
                                                                                                                            BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from DataAbsentReason
                                                                                                                            (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason)

                                                                                                                            Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.

                                                                                                                            TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                            Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                            Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                            Obligations
                                                                                                                              ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                              SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                              SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                              Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                              Requirements

                                                                                                                              For many results it is necessary to handle exceptional values in measurements.

                                                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                              120. Observation.interpretation
                                                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                                                              A categorical assessment of an observation value. For example, high, low, normal.

                                                                                                                              ShortHigh, low, normal, etc.
                                                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                                                              Historically used for laboratory results (known as 'abnormal flag' ), its use extends to other use cases where coded interpretations are relevant. Often reported as one or more simple compact codes this element is often placed adjacent to the result value in reports and flow sheets to signal the meaning/normalcy status of the result.

                                                                                                                              Control0..*
                                                                                                                              BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from ObservationInterpretationCodes
                                                                                                                              (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation)

                                                                                                                              Codes identifying interpretations of observations.

                                                                                                                              TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                              Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                              Obligations
                                                                                                                                ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                                                                For some results, particularly numeric results, an interpretation is necessary to fully understand the significance of a result.

                                                                                                                                Alternate NamesAbnormal Flag
                                                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                122. Observation.note
                                                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                                                Comments about the observation or the results.

                                                                                                                                ShortComments about the observation
                                                                                                                                Comments

                                                                                                                                May include general statements about the observation, or statements about significant, unexpected or unreliable results values, or information about its source when relevant to its interpretation.

                                                                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                                                                TypeAnnotation
                                                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                                                                Need to be able to provide free text additional information.

                                                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                124. Observation.bodySite
                                                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                                                Indicates the site on the subject's body where the observation was made (i.e. the target site).

                                                                                                                                ShortObserved body part
                                                                                                                                Comments

                                                                                                                                Only used if not implicit in code found in Observation.code. In many systems, this may be represented as a related observation instead of an inline component.

                                                                                                                                If the use case requires BodySite to be handled as a separate resource (e.g. to identify and track separately) then use the standard extension bodySite.

                                                                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                                                                BindingFor example codes, see SNOMEDCTBodyStructures
                                                                                                                                (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site)

                                                                                                                                Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.

                                                                                                                                TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                126. Observation.method
                                                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                                                Indicates the mechanism used to perform the observation.

                                                                                                                                ShortHow it was done
                                                                                                                                Comments

                                                                                                                                Only used if not implicit in code for Observation.code.

                                                                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                                                                BindingFor example codes, see ObservationMethods
                                                                                                                                (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-methods)

                                                                                                                                Methods for simple observations.

                                                                                                                                TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                                                                In some cases, method can impact results and is thus used for determining whether results can be compared or determining significance of results.

                                                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                128. Observation.specimen
                                                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                                                The specimen that was used when this observation was made.

                                                                                                                                ShortSpecimen used for this observation
                                                                                                                                Comments

                                                                                                                                Should only be used if not implicit in code found in Observation.code. Observations are not made on specimens themselves; they are made on a subject, but in many cases by the means of a specimen. Note that although specimens are often involved, they are not always tracked and reported explicitly. Also note that observation resources may be used in contexts that track the specimen explicitly (e.g. Diagnostic Report).

                                                                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                                                                TypeReference(AU Base Specimen)
                                                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                Obligations
                                                                                                                                  ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                  SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                  SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                  Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                  Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                  130. Observation.device
                                                                                                                                  Definition

                                                                                                                                  The device used to generate the observation data.

                                                                                                                                  Short(Measurement) Device
                                                                                                                                  Comments

                                                                                                                                  Note that this is not meant to represent a device involved in the transmission of the result, e.g., a gateway. Such devices may be documented using the Provenance resource where relevant.

                                                                                                                                  Control0..1
                                                                                                                                  TypeReference(Device, DeviceMetric)
                                                                                                                                  Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                  Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                  Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                  132. Observation.referenceRange
                                                                                                                                  Definition

                                                                                                                                  Guidance on how to interpret the value by comparison to a normal or recommended range. Multiple reference ranges are interpreted as an "OR". In other words, to represent two distinct target populations, two referenceRange elements would be used.

                                                                                                                                  ShortProvides guide for interpretation
                                                                                                                                  Comments

                                                                                                                                  Most observations only have one generic reference range. Systems MAY choose to restrict to only supplying the relevant reference range based on knowledge about the patient (e.g., specific to the patient's age, gender, weight and other factors), but this might not be possible or appropriate. Whenever more than one reference range is supplied, the differences between them SHOULD be provided in the reference range and/or age properties.

                                                                                                                                  Control0..*
                                                                                                                                  TypeBackboneElement
                                                                                                                                  Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                  Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                  Obligations
                                                                                                                                    ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                    Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                    Requirements

                                                                                                                                    Knowing what values are considered "normal" can help evaluate the significance of a particular result. Need to be able to provide multiple reference ranges for different contexts.

                                                                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                    obs-3: Must have at least a low or a high or text (low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists())
                                                                                                                                    134. Observation.referenceRange.id
                                                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                                                    Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                                                                                                                                    ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                                                                                                                                    Control0..1
                                                                                                                                    Typestring
                                                                                                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                    XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                                                                                                                                    Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                    136. Observation.referenceRange.extension
                                                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                                                    May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                                                                    ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                                                                    Comments

                                                                                                                                    There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                                                                    Control0..*
                                                                                                                                    TypeExtension
                                                                                                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                    Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                    Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                                                                    138. Observation.referenceRange.modifierExtension
                                                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                                                    May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

                                                                                                                                    Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

                                                                                                                                    ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
                                                                                                                                    Comments

                                                                                                                                    There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                                                                    Control0..*
                                                                                                                                    TypeExtension
                                                                                                                                    Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
                                                                                                                                    Summarytrue
                                                                                                                                    Requirements

                                                                                                                                    Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

                                                                                                                                    Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
                                                                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                                                                    140. Observation.referenceRange.low
                                                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                                                    The value of the low bound of the reference range. The low bound of the reference range endpoint is inclusive of the value (e.g. reference range is >=5 - <=9). If the low bound is omitted, it is assumed to be meaningless (e.g. reference range is <=2.3).

                                                                                                                                    ShortLow Range, if relevant
                                                                                                                                    Control0..1
                                                                                                                                    This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-3
                                                                                                                                    TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
                                                                                                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                    Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                    Obligations
                                                                                                                                      ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                      Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                      142. Observation.referenceRange.high
                                                                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                                                                      The value of the high bound of the reference range. The high bound of the reference range endpoint is inclusive of the value (e.g. reference range is >=5 - <=9). If the high bound is omitted, it is assumed to be meaningless (e.g. reference range is >= 2.3).

                                                                                                                                      ShortHigh Range, if relevant
                                                                                                                                      Control0..1
                                                                                                                                      This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-3
                                                                                                                                      TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
                                                                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                      Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                      Obligations
                                                                                                                                        ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                        SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                        SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                        Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                        144. Observation.referenceRange.type
                                                                                                                                        Definition

                                                                                                                                        Codes to indicate the what part of the targeted reference population it applies to. For example, the normal or therapeutic range.

                                                                                                                                        ShortReference range qualifier
                                                                                                                                        Comments

                                                                                                                                        This SHOULD be populated if there is more than one range. If this element is not present then the normal range is assumed.

                                                                                                                                        Control0..1
                                                                                                                                        BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes
                                                                                                                                        (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-meaning)

                                                                                                                                        Code for the meaning of a reference range.

                                                                                                                                        TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                                        Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                        Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                        Obligations
                                                                                                                                          ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                          SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                          SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                          Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                                                                          Need to be able to say what kind of reference range this is - normal, recommended, therapeutic, etc., - for proper interpretation.

                                                                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                          146. Observation.referenceRange.appliesTo
                                                                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                                                                          Codes to indicate the target population this reference range applies to. For example, a reference range may be based on the normal population or a particular sex or race. Multiple appliesTo are interpreted as an "AND" of the target populations. For example, to represent a target population of African American females, both a code of female and a code for African American would be used.

                                                                                                                                          ShortReference range population
                                                                                                                                          Comments

                                                                                                                                          This SHOULD be populated if there is more than one range. If this element is not present then the normal population is assumed.

                                                                                                                                          Control0..*
                                                                                                                                          BindingFor example codes, see ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes
                                                                                                                                          (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/referencerange-appliesto)

                                                                                                                                          Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.

                                                                                                                                          TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                          Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                                                                          Need to be able to identify the target population for proper interpretation.

                                                                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                          148. Observation.referenceRange.age
                                                                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                                                                          The age at which this reference range is applicable. This is a neonatal age (e.g. number of weeks at term) if the meaning says so.

                                                                                                                                          ShortApplicable age range, if relevant
                                                                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                                                                          TypeRange
                                                                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                          Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                          Requirements

                                                                                                                                          Some analytes vary greatly over age.

                                                                                                                                          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                          150. Observation.referenceRange.text
                                                                                                                                          Definition

                                                                                                                                          Text based reference range in an observation which may be used when a quantitative range is not appropriate for an observation. An example would be a reference value of "Negative" or a list or table of "normals".

                                                                                                                                          ShortText based reference range in an observation
                                                                                                                                          Control0..1
                                                                                                                                          Typestring
                                                                                                                                          Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                                                          Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                          Obligations
                                                                                                                                            ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                            SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                            SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                            Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                            152. Observation.hasMember
                                                                                                                                            Definition

                                                                                                                                            This observation is a group observation (e.g. a battery, a panel of tests, a set of vital sign measurements) that includes the target as a member of the group.

                                                                                                                                            ShortIndividual observations in a group, study, or panel
                                                                                                                                            Comments

                                                                                                                                            When using this element, an observation will typically have either a value or a set of related resources, although both may be present in some cases. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below. Note that a system may calculate results from QuestionnaireResponse into a final score and represent the score as an Observation.

                                                                                                                                            Control0..*
                                                                                                                                            This element is affected by the following invariants: inv-obs-0
                                                                                                                                            TypeReference(AU Core Pathology Result Observation)
                                                                                                                                            Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                            Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                            Obligations
                                                                                                                                              ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                              SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                              SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                              154. Observation.derivedFrom
                                                                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                                                                              The target resource that represents a measurement from which this observation value is derived. For example, a calculated anion gap or a fetal measurement based on an ultrasound image.

                                                                                                                                              ShortRelated measurements the observation is made from
                                                                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                                                                              All the reference choices that are listed in this element can represent clinical observations and other measurements that may be the source for a derived value. The most common reference will be another Observation. For a discussion on the ways Observations can assembled in groups together, see Notes below.

                                                                                                                                              Control0..*
                                                                                                                                              TypeReference(DocumentReference, ImagingStudy, Media, QuestionnaireResponse, Observation, MolecularSequence)
                                                                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                              Summarytrue
                                                                                                                                              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                              156. Observation.component
                                                                                                                                              Definition

                                                                                                                                              Some observations have multiple component observations. These component observations are expressed as separate code value pairs that share the same attributes. Examples include systolic and diastolic component observations for blood pressure measurement and multiple component observations for genetics observations.

                                                                                                                                              ShortIndividual tests in a group or panel
                                                                                                                                              Comments

                                                                                                                                              For a discussion on the ways Observations can be assembled in groups together see Notes below.

                                                                                                                                              Control0..*
                                                                                                                                              TypeBackboneElement
                                                                                                                                              Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                              Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                              Obligations
                                                                                                                                                ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                                SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                                SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                                                                                Component observations share the same attributes in the Observation resource as the primary observation and are always treated a part of a single observation (they are not separable). However, the reference range for the primary observation value is not inherited by the component values and is required when appropriate for each component observation.

                                                                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                                au-core-obs-03: The component shall at least have a value or a data absent reason (value.exists() or dataAbsentReason.exists())
                                                                                                                                                158. Observation.component.id
                                                                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                                                                Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

                                                                                                                                                ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
                                                                                                                                                Control0..1
                                                                                                                                                Typestring
                                                                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                                XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
                                                                                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                                160. Observation.component.extension
                                                                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                                                                May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

                                                                                                                                                ShortAdditional content defined by implementations
                                                                                                                                                Comments

                                                                                                                                                There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                                                                                TypeExtension
                                                                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                                Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                                Alternate Namesextensions, user content
                                                                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                                ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                                                                                162. Observation.component.modifierExtension
                                                                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                                                                May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

                                                                                                                                                Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

                                                                                                                                                ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
                                                                                                                                                Comments

                                                                                                                                                There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

                                                                                                                                                Control0..*
                                                                                                                                                TypeExtension
                                                                                                                                                Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
                                                                                                                                                Summarytrue
                                                                                                                                                Requirements

                                                                                                                                                Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

                                                                                                                                                Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
                                                                                                                                                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                                ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
                                                                                                                                                164. Observation.component.code
                                                                                                                                                Definition

                                                                                                                                                Describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "code".

                                                                                                                                                ShortIndividual pathology test
                                                                                                                                                Comments

                                                                                                                                                All code-value and component.code-component.value pairs need to be taken into account to correctly understand the meaning of the observation.

                                                                                                                                                Control1..1
                                                                                                                                                BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from RCPA SPIA Pathology Reporting .
                                                                                                                                                (extensible to https://healthterminologies.gov.au/fhir/ValueSet/spia-pathology-reporting-1)
                                                                                                                                                TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                                                Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                                Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                                Obligations
                                                                                                                                                  ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                                  SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                                  SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                                  Summarytrue
                                                                                                                                                  Requirements

                                                                                                                                                  Knowing what kind of observation is being made is essential to understanding the observation.

                                                                                                                                                  Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                                  166. Observation.component.value[x]
                                                                                                                                                  Definition

                                                                                                                                                  The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

                                                                                                                                                  ShortActual component result
                                                                                                                                                  Comments

                                                                                                                                                  Used when observation has a set of component observations. An observation may have both a value (e.g. an Apgar score) and component observations (the observations from which the Apgar score was derived). If a value is present, the datatype for this element should be determined by Observation.code. A CodeableConcept with just a text would be used instead of a string if the field was usually coded, or if the type associated with the Observation.code defines a coded value. For additional guidance, see the Notes section below.

                                                                                                                                                  Control0..1
                                                                                                                                                  This element is affected by the following invariants: inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-03
                                                                                                                                                  TypeChoice of: Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period
                                                                                                                                                  [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
                                                                                                                                                  Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                                  Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                                                                                                                                                  Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                                  Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
                                                                                                                                                  Obligations
                                                                                                                                                    ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                                    SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                                    SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                                    Summarytrue
                                                                                                                                                    Requirements

                                                                                                                                                    An observation exists to have a value, though it might not if it is in error, or if it represents a group of observations.

                                                                                                                                                    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                                    168. Observation.component.dataAbsentReason
                                                                                                                                                    Definition

                                                                                                                                                    Provides a reason why the expected value in the element Observation.component.value[x] is missing.

                                                                                                                                                    ShortWhy the component result is missing
                                                                                                                                                    Comments

                                                                                                                                                    "Null" or exceptional values can be represented two ways in FHIR Observations. One way is to simply include them in the value set and represent the exceptions in the value. For example, measurement values for a serology test could be "detected", "not detected", "inconclusive", or "test not done".

                                                                                                                                                    The alternate way is to use the value element for actual observations and use the explicit dataAbsentReason element to record exceptional values. For example, the dataAbsentReason code "error" could be used when the measurement was not completed. Because of these options, use-case agreements are required to interpret general observations for exceptional values.

                                                                                                                                                    Control0..1
                                                                                                                                                    This element is affected by the following invariants: obs-6, inv-obs-0, au-core-obs-03
                                                                                                                                                    BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from DataAbsentReason
                                                                                                                                                    (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/data-absent-reason)

                                                                                                                                                    Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.

                                                                                                                                                    TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                                                    Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                                    Must Supporttrue
                                                                                                                                                    Obligations
                                                                                                                                                      ObligationsActorSource
                                                                                                                                                      SHALL:populate-if-knownAU Core Responderfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                                      SHALL:no-errorAU Core Requesterfrom AU Core Pathology Result Observation
                                                                                                                                                      Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                                      Requirements

                                                                                                                                                      For many results it is necessary to handle exceptional values in measurements.

                                                                                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                                      170. Observation.component.interpretation
                                                                                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                                                                                      A categorical assessment of an observation value. For example, high, low, normal.

                                                                                                                                                      ShortHigh, low, normal, etc.
                                                                                                                                                      Comments

                                                                                                                                                      Historically used for laboratory results (known as 'abnormal flag' ), its use extends to other use cases where coded interpretations are relevant. Often reported as one or more simple compact codes this element is often placed adjacent to the result value in reports and flow sheets to signal the meaning/normalcy status of the result.

                                                                                                                                                      Control0..*
                                                                                                                                                      BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from ObservationInterpretationCodes
                                                                                                                                                      (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/observation-interpretation)

                                                                                                                                                      Codes identifying interpretations of observations.

                                                                                                                                                      TypeCodeableConcept
                                                                                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                                      Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                                      Requirements

                                                                                                                                                      For some results, particularly numeric results, an interpretation is necessary to fully understand the significance of a result.

                                                                                                                                                      Alternate NamesAbnormal Flag
                                                                                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                                                                                                                                                      172. Observation.component.referenceRange
                                                                                                                                                      Definition

                                                                                                                                                      Guidance on how to interpret the value by comparison to a normal or recommended range.

                                                                                                                                                      ShortProvides guide for interpretation of component result
                                                                                                                                                      Comments

                                                                                                                                                      Most observations only have one generic reference range. Systems MAY choose to restrict to only supplying the relevant reference range based on knowledge about the patient (e.g., specific to the patient's age, gender, weight and other factors), but this might not be possible or appropriate. Whenever more than one reference range is supplied, the differences between them SHOULD be provided in the reference range and/or age properties.

                                                                                                                                                      Control0..*
                                                                                                                                                      TypeSeettp://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Observation#Observation.referenceRange
                                                                                                                                                      Is Modifierfalse
                                                                                                                                                      Summaryfalse
                                                                                                                                                      Requirements

                                                                                                                                                      Knowing what values are considered "normal" can help evaluate the significance of a particular result. Need to be able to provide multiple reference ranges for different contexts.

                                                                                                                                                      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))