England Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PaLM) Technical Framework
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England Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PaLM) Technical Framework - Local Development build (v0.1.0) built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) Build Tools. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: Specimen - Detailed Descriptions

Draft as of 2026-11-04

Definitions for the Specimen resource profile

See the documentation on how to interpret the contents of this table

0. Specimen
Definition

Laboratory specimen


A sample to be used for analysis.

ShortLaboratory SpecimenSample for analysis
Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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())
2. Specimen.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. Specimen.extension:focus
Slice Namefocus
Definition

Specimen focus, Extension to represent the entity from which the specimen is collected when it is not the subject of record.

ShortThe entity the specimen was collected from, when it is not the subject of record
Comments

For an animal specimen source the AnimalSpecimenEuLab profile is expected to be used.

Control0..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeExtension(Specimen Focus) (Extension Type: Reference(Patient, RelatedPerson, Group, Device, Substance, Location, BiologicallyDerivedProduct))
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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())
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
6. Specimen.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())
8. Specimen.identifier
Definition

Id for specimen.

ShortExternal Identifier
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
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 Specimen.identifier. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ type

Slicing Note: The rules on this element (including its children) apply to all the slices, but are not repeated in them

10. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber
Slice NameplacerSpecimenNumber
Definition

Id for specimen.

ShortSpecimen number assigned by the Order Placer, e.g. on the specimen label (HL7 v2 SPM-2.1 Placer Assigned Identifier)External Identifier
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..1*
TypeIdentifier(Correlation Identifier)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
12. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.use
Definition

The purpose of this identifier.

Shortusual | official | temp | secondary | old (If known)
Comments

Applications can assume that an identifier is permanent unless it explicitly says that it is temporary.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from IdentifierUsehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-use|4.0.1
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-use|4.0.1)

Identifies the purpose for this identifier, if known .

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary id for a permanent one.
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows the appropriate identifier for a particular context of use to be selected from among a set of identifiers.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
14. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.type
Definition

A coded type for the identifier that can be used to determine which identifier to use for a specific purpose.

ShortDescription of identifier
Comments

This element deals only with general categories of identifiers. It SHOULD not be used for codes that correspond 1..1 with the Identifier.system. Some identifiers may fall into multiple categories due to common usage. Where the system is known, a type is unnecessary because the type is always part of the system definition. However systems often need to handle identifiers where the system is not known. There is not a 1:1 relationship between type and system, since many different systems have the same type.

Control10..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from Unless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from NW IdentifierTypehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-type|4.0.1
(required to https://examplesihe.org.uk/ValueSet/NWIdentifierType)
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows users to make use of identifiers when the identifier system is not known.

Pattern Value
{
  "coding" : [
    {
      "system" : "http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0203",
      "code" : "PLAC"
    }
  ]
}
<type>
  <coding>
    <system value="http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0203"/>
    <code value="PLAC"/>
  </coding>
</type>
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
16. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.system
Definition

Establishes the namespace for the value - that is, a URL that describes a set values that are unique.

ShortRecommended. This may be defined by a EPR/LIMS system.The namespace for the identifier value
Comments

Identifier.system is always case sensitive.

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

There are many sets of identifiers. To perform matching of two identifiers, we need to know what set we're dealing with. The system identifies a particular set of unique identifiers.

ExampleGeneral: http://www.acme.com/identifiers/patient
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
18. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.value
Definition

The portion of the identifier typically relevant to the user and which is unique within the context of the system.

ShortThe value MUST be unique to the organisationThe value that is unique
Comments

If the value is a full URI, then the system SHALL be urn:ietf:rfc:3986. The value's primary purpose is computational mapping. As a result, it may be normalized for comparison purposes (e.g. removing non-significant whitespace, dashes, etc.) A value formatted for human display can be conveyed using the Rendered Value extension. Identifier.value is to be treated as case sensitive unless knowledge of the Identifier.system allows the processer to be confident that non-case-sensitive processing is safe.

Control10..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
ExampleGeneral: 123456
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
20. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner
Definition

Organization that issued/manages the identifier.

ShortOrganization that issued id (may be just text)
Comments

The Identifier.assigner may omit the .reference element and only contain a .display element reflecting the name or other textual information about the assigning organization.

Control0..1
TypeReference(Organization)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
22. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier
Definition

An identifier for the target resource. This is used when there is no way to reference the other resource directly, either because the entity it represents is not available through a FHIR server, or because there is no way for the author of the resource to convert a known identifier to an actual location. There is no requirement that a Reference.identifier point to something that is actually exposed as a FHIR instance, but it SHALL point to a business concept that would be expected to be exposed as a FHIR instance, and that instance would need to be of a FHIR resource type allowed by the reference.

ShortLogical reference, when literal reference is not known
Comments

When an identifier is provided in place of a reference, any system processing the reference will only be able to resolve the identifier to a reference if it understands the business context in which the identifier is used. Sometimes this is global (e.g. a national identifier) but often it is not. For this reason, none of the useful mechanisms described for working with references (e.g. chaining, includes) are possible, nor should servers be expected to be able resolve the reference. Servers may accept an identifier based reference untouched, resolve it, and/or reject it - see CapabilityStatement.rest.resource.referencePolicy.

When both an identifier and a literal reference are provided, the literal reference is preferred. Applications processing the resource are allowed - but not required - to check that the identifier matches the literal reference

Applications converting a logical reference to a literal reference may choose to leave the logical reference present, or remove it.

Reference is intended to point to a structure that can potentially be expressed as a FHIR resource, though there is no need for it to exist as an actual FHIR resource instance - except in as much as an application wishes to actual find the target of the reference. The content referred to be the identifier must meet the logical constraints implied by any limitations on what resource types are permitted for the reference. For example, it would not be legitimate to send the identifier for a drug prescription if the type were Reference(Observation|DiagnosticReport). One of the use-cases for Reference.identifier is the situation where no FHIR representation exists (where the type is Reference (Any).

NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control10..1
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
24. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.use
Definition

The purpose of this identifier.

Shortusual | official | temp | secondary | old (If known)
Comments

Applications can assume that an identifier is permanent unless it explicitly says that it is temporary.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from IdentifierUsehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-use|4.0.1
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-use|4.0.1)

Identifies the purpose for this identifier, if known .

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary id for a permanent one.
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows the appropriate identifier for a particular context of use to be selected from among a set of identifiers.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
26. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.system
Definition

Establishes the namespace for the value - that is, a URL that describes a set values that are unique.

ShortThe namespace for the identifier value
Comments

Identifier.system is always case sensitive.

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

There are many sets of identifiers. To perform matching of two identifiers, we need to know what set we're dealing with. The system identifies a particular set of unique identifiers.

Pattern Value
{
  "system" : "https://fhir.nhs.uk/Id/ods-organization-code"
}
<system value="https://fhir.nhs.uk/Id/ods-organization-code"/>
ExampleGeneral: http://www.acme.com/identifiers/patient
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
28. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.value
Definition

The portion of the identifier typically relevant to the user and which is unique within the context of the system.

ShortThe value that is unique
Comments

If the value is a full URI, then the system SHALL be urn:ietf:rfc:3986. The value's primary purpose is computational mapping. As a result, it may be normalized for comparison purposes (e.g. removing non-significant whitespace, dashes, etc.) A value formatted for human display can be conveyed using the Rendered Value extension. Identifier.value is to be treated as case sensitive unless knowledge of the Identifier.system allows the processer to be confident that non-case-sensitive processing is safe.

Control10..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
ExampleGeneral: 123456
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust: R0A
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
30. Specimen.accessionIdentifier
Definition

The identifier assigned by the lab when accessioning specimen(s). This is not necessarily the same as the specimen identifier, depending on local lab procedures.

ShortLaboratory number assigned when received (HL7 v2 SPM-2.2 Filler Assigned Identifier)Identifier assigned by the lab
Control0..1
TypeIdentifier(Accession Identifier)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
32. Specimen.status
Definition

The availability of the specimen.

Shortavailable | unavailable | unsatisfactory | entered-in-error
Comments

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

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from SpecimenStatushttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/specimen-status|4.0.1
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/specimen-status|4.0.1)

Codes providing the status/availability of a specimen.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labelled 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
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
34. Specimen.type
Definition

The kind of material that forms the specimen.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-4 Specimen Type (SNOMED CT specimen)Kind of material that forms the specimen
Comments

If the specimen.type conveys information about the site the specimen has been collected from, then, if the bodySite if present it shall be coherent with the type. For a non-identifiable animal specimen source (e.g. 710069003 | Tick specimen (specimen) |), Specimen.type with the appropriate code shall be used.


The type can change the way that a specimen is handled and drives what kind of analyses can properly be performed on the specimen. It is frequently used in diagnostic work flow decision making systems.

Control10..1
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from For example codes, see Specimen Typeshttp://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v2-0487
(preferred to http://hl7.eu/fhir/laboratory/ValueSet/lab-specimenType-eu-lab)
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
36. Specimen.subject
Definition

Where the specimen came from. This may be from patient(s), from a location (e.g., the source of an environmental sample), or a sampling of a substance or a device.

ShortWhere the specimen came from. This may be from patient(s), from a location (e.g., the source of an environmental sample), or a sampling of a substance or a device
Control10..1
TypeReference(Patient, Patient, Group, Device, Substance, Location)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Must know the subject context.

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

Time when specimen was received for processing or testing.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-18 Specimen Received Date/TimeThe time when specimen was received for processing
Control0..1
TypedateTime
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
40. Specimen.collection
Definition

Details concerning the specimen collection.

ShortCollection details
Control0..1
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
42. Specimen.collection.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())
44. Specimen.collection.collected[x]
Definition

Time when specimen was collected from subject - the physiologically relevant time.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-17 Specimen Collection Date/TimeCollection time
Control0..1
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
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
46. Specimen.collection.method
Definition

A coded value specifying the technique that is used to perform the procedure.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-7 Specimen Collection MethodTechnique used to perform collection
Control0..1
BindingFor example codes, see FHIRSpecimenCollectionMethodhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/specimen-collection-method|4.0.1
(example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/specimen-collection-method|4.0.1)

The technique that is used to perform the procedure.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
48. Specimen.collection.bodySite
Definition

Anatomical location from which the specimen was collected (if subject is a patient). This is the target site. This element is not used for environmental specimens.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-8 Specimen Source SiteAnatomical collection site
Comments

If the specimen.type conveys information about the site the specimen has been collected from, then, if the bodySite is present, it shall be coherent with the type


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

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from For example codes, see SNOMEDCTBodyStructureshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site|4.0.1
(preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site)
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
50. Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension:bodySite
Slice NamebodySite
Definition

R5: Specimen.collection.bodySite additional types (CodeableReference(http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/BodyStructure)) additional types from child elements (reference)

ShortR5: bodySite additional types
Comments

Element Specimen.collection.bodySite is mapped to FHIR R4 element Specimen.collection.bodySite as SourceIsBroaderThanTarget. The mappings for Specimen.collection.bodySite do not cover the following types: CodeableReference. The mappings for Specimen.collection.bodySite do not cover the following types based on type expansion: reference. Reasons for using BodyStructure reference include: 1.) Need to identify a specific site instance (e.g. a specific mole), 2.) a single pre-coordinated coded concept for the body site does not exist, 3.) a desire to represent bodySite using multiple attributes (e.g. modifiers).

Control0..1
TypeExtension(R5: bodySite additional types) (Extension Type: Reference(Cross-version Profile for R5.BodyStructure for use in FHIR R4, BodyStructure))
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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())
52. Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension:bodySite.extension
Definition

An Extension


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.

ShortExtensionAdditional 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..0*
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())
ele-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 Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
54. Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension:bodySite.url
Definition

Source of the definition for the extension code - a logical name or a URL.

Shortidentifies the meaning of the extension
Comments

The definition may point directly to a computable or human-readable definition of the extensibility codes, or it may be a logical URI as declared in some other specification. The definition SHALL be a URI for the Structure Definition defining the extension.

Control1..1
Typeuri
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
Fixed Value
{
  "url" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/5.0/StructureDefinition/extension-Specimen.collection.bodySite"
}
<url value="http://hl7.org/fhir/5.0/StructureDefinition/extension-Specimen.collection.bodySite"/>
56. Specimen.note
Definition

To communicate any details or issues about the specimen or during the specimen collection. (for example: broken vial, sent with patient, frozen).

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-14 Specimen DescriptionComments
Control0..*
TypeAnnotation
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))

See the documentation on how to interpret the contents of this table

0. Specimen
2. Specimen.identifier
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Must Supporttrue
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Specimen.identifier. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ type

Slicing Note: The rules on this element (including its children) apply to all the slices, but are not repeated in them

4. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber
Slice NameplacerSpecimenNumber
ShortSpecimen number assigned by the Order Placer, e.g. on the specimen label (HL7 v2 SPM-2.1 Placer Assigned Identifier)
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..1
TypeIdentifier(Correlation Identifier)
Must Supporttrue
6. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.type
Control1..?
Pattern Value
{
  "coding" : [
    {
      "system" : "http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0203",
      "code" : "PLAC"
    }
  ]
}
<type>
  <coding>
    <system value="http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0203"/>
    <code value="PLAC"/>
  </coding>
</type>
8. Specimen.accessionIdentifier
ShortLaboratory number assigned when received (HL7 v2 SPM-2.2 Filler Assigned Identifier)
TypeIdentifier(Accession Identifier)
Must Supporttrue
10. Specimen.type
ShortHL7 v2 SPM-4 Specimen Type (SNOMED CT specimen)
Control1..?
Must Supporttrue
12. Specimen.subject
Control1..?
TypeReference(Patient)
Must Supporttrue
14. Specimen.receivedTime
ShortHL7 v2 SPM-18 Specimen Received Date/Time
Must Supporttrue
16. Specimen.collection
Must Supporttrue
18. Specimen.collection.collected[x]
ShortHL7 v2 SPM-17 Specimen Collection Date/Time
[x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
Must Supporttrue
20. Specimen.collection.method
ShortHL7 v2 SPM-7 Specimen Collection Method
22. Specimen.collection.bodySite
ShortHL7 v2 SPM-8 Specimen Source Site
Must Supporttrue
24. Specimen.note
ShortHL7 v2 SPM-14 Specimen Description

See the documentation on how to interpret the contents of this table

0. Specimen
Definition

Laboratory specimen

ShortLaboratory Specimen
Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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())
2. Specimen.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. Specimen.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. Specimen.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. Specimen.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|4.0.1)

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. Specimen.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. Specimen.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. Specimen.extension
Definition

An Extension

ShortExtension
Control0..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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 Specimen.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
16. Specimen.extension:focus
Slice Namefocus
Definition

Specimen focus, Extension to represent the entity from which the specimen is collected when it is not the subject of record.

ShortThe entity the specimen was collected from, when it is not the subject of record
Comments

For an animal specimen source the AnimalSpecimenEuLab profile is expected to be used.

Control0..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeExtension(Specimen Focus) (Extension Type: Reference(Patient, RelatedPerson, Group, Device, Substance, Location, BiologicallyDerivedProduct))
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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. Specimen.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())
20. Specimen.identifier
Definition

Id for specimen.

ShortExternal Identifier
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
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 Specimen.identifier. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ type

Slicing Note: The rules on this element (including its children) apply to all the slices, but are not repeated in them

22. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber
Slice NameplacerSpecimenNumber
Definition

Id for specimen.

ShortSpecimen number assigned by the Order Placer, e.g. on the specimen label (HL7 v2 SPM-2.1 Placer Assigned Identifier)
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..1
TypeIdentifier(Correlation Identifier)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
24. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.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
26. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.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 Specimen.identifier.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
28. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.use
Definition

The purpose of this identifier.

Shortusual | official | temp | secondary | old (If known)
Comments

Applications can assume that an identifier is permanent unless it explicitly says that it is temporary.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from IdentifierUse
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-use|4.0.1)

Identifies the purpose for this identifier, if known .

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary id for a permanent one.
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows the appropriate identifier for a particular context of use to be selected from among a set of identifiers.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
30. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.type
Definition

A coded type for the identifier that can be used to determine which identifier to use for a specific purpose.

ShortDescription of identifier
Comments

This element deals only with general categories of identifiers. It SHOULD not be used for codes that correspond 1..1 with the Identifier.system. Some identifiers may fall into multiple categories due to common usage. Where the system is known, a type is unnecessary because the type is always part of the system definition. However systems often need to handle identifiers where the system is not known. There is not a 1:1 relationship between type and system, since many different systems have the same type.

Control1..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from NW IdentifierType
(required to https://examplesihe.org.uk/ValueSet/NWIdentifierType)
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows users to make use of identifiers when the identifier system is not known.

Pattern Value
{
  "coding" : [
    {
      "system" : "http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0203",
      "code" : "PLAC"
    }
  ]
}
<type>
  <coding>
    <system value="http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0203"/>
    <code value="PLAC"/>
  </coding>
</type>
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
32. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.system
Definition

Establishes the namespace for the value - that is, a URL that describes a set values that are unique.

ShortRecommended. This may be defined by a EPR/LIMS system.
Comments

Identifier.system is always case sensitive.

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

There are many sets of identifiers. To perform matching of two identifiers, we need to know what set we're dealing with. The system identifies a particular set of unique identifiers.

ExampleGeneral: http://www.acme.com/identifiers/patient
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
34. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.value
Definition

The portion of the identifier typically relevant to the user and which is unique within the context of the system.

ShortThe value MUST be unique to the organisation
Comments

If the value is a full URI, then the system SHALL be urn:ietf:rfc:3986. The value's primary purpose is computational mapping. As a result, it may be normalized for comparison purposes (e.g. removing non-significant whitespace, dashes, etc.) A value formatted for human display can be conveyed using the Rendered Value extension. Identifier.value is to be treated as case sensitive unless knowledge of the Identifier.system allows the processer to be confident that non-case-sensitive processing is safe.

Control1..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
ExampleGeneral: 123456
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
36. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.period
Definition

Time period during which identifier is/was valid for use.

ShortTime period when id is/was valid for use
Control0..1
TypePeriod
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
38. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner
Definition

Organization that issued/manages the identifier.

ShortOrganization that issued id (may be just text)
Comments

The Identifier.assigner may omit the .reference element and only contain a .display element reflecting the name or other textual information about the assigning organization.

Control0..1
TypeReference(Organization)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
40. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.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
42. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.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 Specimen.identifier.assigner.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
44. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.reference
Definition

A reference to a location at which the other resource is found. The reference may be a relative reference, in which case it is relative to the service base URL, or an absolute URL that resolves to the location where the resource is found. The reference may be version specific or not. If the reference is not to a FHIR RESTful server, then it should be assumed to be version specific. Internal fragment references (start with '#') refer to contained resources.

ShortLiteral reference, Relative, internal or absolute URL
Comments

Using absolute URLs provides a stable scalable approach suitable for a cloud/web context, while using relative/logical references provides a flexible approach suitable for use when trading across closed eco-system boundaries. Absolute URLs do not need to point to a FHIR RESTful server, though this is the preferred approach. If the URL conforms to the structure "/[type]/[id]" then it should be assumed that the reference is to a FHIR RESTful server.

Control0..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: ref-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()))
46. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.type
Definition

The expected type of the target of the reference. If both Reference.type and Reference.reference are populated and Reference.reference is a FHIR URL, both SHALL be consistent.

The type is the Canonical URL of Resource Definition that is the type this reference refers to. References are URLs that are relative to http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/ e.g. "Patient" is a reference to http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Patient. Absolute URLs are only allowed for logical models (and can only be used in references in logical models, not resources).

ShortType the reference refers to (e.g. "Patient")
Comments

This element is used to indicate the type of the target of the reference. This may be used which ever of the other elements are populated (or not). In some cases, the type of the target may be determined by inspection of the reference (e.g. a RESTful URL) or by resolving the target of the reference; if both the type and a reference is provided, the reference SHALL resolve to a resource of the same type as that specified.

Control0..1
BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from ResourceType
(extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/resource-types|4.0.1)

Aa resource (or, for logical models, the URI of the logical model).

Typeuri
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()))
48. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier
Definition

An identifier for the target resource. This is used when there is no way to reference the other resource directly, either because the entity it represents is not available through a FHIR server, or because there is no way for the author of the resource to convert a known identifier to an actual location. There is no requirement that a Reference.identifier point to something that is actually exposed as a FHIR instance, but it SHALL point to a business concept that would be expected to be exposed as a FHIR instance, and that instance would need to be of a FHIR resource type allowed by the reference.

ShortLogical reference, when literal reference is not known
Comments

When an identifier is provided in place of a reference, any system processing the reference will only be able to resolve the identifier to a reference if it understands the business context in which the identifier is used. Sometimes this is global (e.g. a national identifier) but often it is not. For this reason, none of the useful mechanisms described for working with references (e.g. chaining, includes) are possible, nor should servers be expected to be able resolve the reference. Servers may accept an identifier based reference untouched, resolve it, and/or reject it - see CapabilityStatement.rest.resource.referencePolicy.

When both an identifier and a literal reference are provided, the literal reference is preferred. Applications processing the resource are allowed - but not required - to check that the identifier matches the literal reference

Applications converting a logical reference to a literal reference may choose to leave the logical reference present, or remove it.

Reference is intended to point to a structure that can potentially be expressed as a FHIR resource, though there is no need for it to exist as an actual FHIR resource instance - except in as much as an application wishes to actual find the target of the reference. The content referred to be the identifier must meet the logical constraints implied by any limitations on what resource types are permitted for the reference. For example, it would not be legitimate to send the identifier for a drug prescription if the type were Reference(Observation|DiagnosticReport). One of the use-cases for Reference.identifier is the situation where no FHIR representation exists (where the type is Reference (Any).

NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control1..1
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
50. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.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
52. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.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 Specimen.identifier.assigner.identifier.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
54. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.use
Definition

The purpose of this identifier.

Shortusual | official | temp | secondary | old (If known)
Comments

Applications can assume that an identifier is permanent unless it explicitly says that it is temporary.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from IdentifierUse
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-use|4.0.1)

Identifies the purpose for this identifier, if known .

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary id for a permanent one.
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows the appropriate identifier for a particular context of use to be selected from among a set of identifiers.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
56. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.type
Definition

A coded type for the identifier that can be used to determine which identifier to use for a specific purpose.

ShortDescription of identifier
Comments

This element deals only with general categories of identifiers. It SHOULD not be used for codes that correspond 1..1 with the Identifier.system. Some identifiers may fall into multiple categories due to common usage. Where the system is known, a type is unnecessary because the type is always part of the system definition. However systems often need to handle identifiers where the system is not known. There is not a 1:1 relationship between type and system, since many different systems have the same type.

Control0..1
BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from Identifier Type Codes
(extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-type|4.0.1)

A coded type for an identifier that can be used to determine which identifier to use for a specific purpose.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows users to make use of identifiers when the identifier system is not known.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
58. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.system
Definition

Establishes the namespace for the value - that is, a URL that describes a set values that are unique.

ShortThe namespace for the identifier value
Comments

Identifier.system is always case sensitive.

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

There are many sets of identifiers. To perform matching of two identifiers, we need to know what set we're dealing with. The system identifies a particular set of unique identifiers.

Pattern Value
{
  "system" : "https://fhir.nhs.uk/Id/ods-organization-code"
}
<system value="https://fhir.nhs.uk/Id/ods-organization-code"/>
ExampleGeneral: http://www.acme.com/identifiers/patient
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
60. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.value
Definition

The portion of the identifier typically relevant to the user and which is unique within the context of the system.

ShortThe value that is unique
Comments

If the value is a full URI, then the system SHALL be urn:ietf:rfc:3986. The value's primary purpose is computational mapping. As a result, it may be normalized for comparison purposes (e.g. removing non-significant whitespace, dashes, etc.) A value formatted for human display can be conveyed using the Rendered Value extension. Identifier.value is to be treated as case sensitive unless knowledge of the Identifier.system allows the processer to be confident that non-case-sensitive processing is safe.

Control1..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
ExampleGeneral: 123456
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust: R0A
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
62. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.period
Definition

Time period during which identifier is/was valid for use.

ShortTime period when id is/was valid for use
Control0..1
TypePeriod
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
64. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.identifier.assigner
Definition

Organization that issued/manages the identifier.

ShortOrganization that issued id (may be just text)
Comments

The Identifier.assigner may omit the .reference element and only contain a .display element reflecting the name or other textual information about the assigning organization.

Control0..1
TypeReference(Organization)
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
66. Specimen.identifier:placerSpecimenNumber.assigner.display
Definition

Plain text narrative that identifies the resource in addition to the resource reference.

ShortText alternative for the resource
Comments

This is generally not the same as the Resource.text of the referenced resource. The purpose is to identify what's being referenced, not to fully describe it.

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. Specimen.accessionIdentifier
Definition

The identifier assigned by the lab when accessioning specimen(s). This is not necessarily the same as the specimen identifier, depending on local lab procedures.

ShortLaboratory number assigned when received (HL7 v2 SPM-2.2 Filler Assigned Identifier)
Control0..1
TypeIdentifier(Accession Identifier)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
70. Specimen.status
Definition

The availability of the specimen.

Shortavailable | unavailable | unsatisfactory | entered-in-error
Comments

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

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from SpecimenStatus
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/specimen-status|4.0.1)

Codes providing the status/availability of a specimen.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labelled 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
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
72. Specimen.type
Definition

The kind of material that forms the specimen.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-4 Specimen Type (SNOMED CT specimen)
Comments

If the specimen.type conveys information about the site the specimen has been collected from, then, if the bodySite if present it shall be coherent with the type. For a non-identifiable animal specimen source (e.g. 710069003 | Tick specimen (specimen) |), Specimen.type with the appropriate code shall be used.

Control1..1
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from Specimen Types
(preferred to http://hl7.eu/fhir/laboratory/ValueSet/lab-specimenType-eu-lab)
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
74. Specimen.subject
Definition

Where the specimen came from. This may be from patient(s), from a location (e.g., the source of an environmental sample), or a sampling of a substance or a device.

ShortWhere the specimen came from. This may be from patient(s), from a location (e.g., the source of an environmental sample), or a sampling of a substance or a device
Control1..1
TypeReference(Patient)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Must know the subject context.

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

Time when specimen was received for processing or testing.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-18 Specimen Received Date/Time
Control0..1
TypedateTime
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
78. Specimen.parent
Definition

Reference to the parent (source) specimen which is used when the specimen was either derived from or a component of another specimen.

ShortSpecimen from which this specimen originated
Comments

The parent specimen could be the source from which the current specimen is derived by some processing step (e.g. an aliquot or isolate or extracted nucleic acids from clinical samples) or one of many specimens that were combined to create a pooled sample.

Control0..*
TypeReference(Specimen: Laboratory)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
80. Specimen.request
Definition

Details concerning a service request that required a specimen to be collected.

ShortWhy the specimen was collected.
Comments

If the specimen information are known when the order is created then the ServiceRequest.specimen should be used. If the ServiceRequest can be updated when the specimen is collected then the ServiceRequest.specimen or the Specimen.request could be used. Otherwise the relationship is recorded in the Specimen.request element

Control0..*
TypeReference(ServiceRequest)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
82. Specimen.collection
Definition

Details concerning the specimen collection.

ShortCollection details
Control0..1
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
84. Specimen.collection.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
86. Specimen.collection.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())
88. Specimen.collection.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())
90. Specimen.collection.collector
Definition

Person who collected the specimen.

ShortWho collected the specimen
Comments

In FHIR R4 this element can only refer to a Practitioner or a PractitionerRole. When the specimen was collected by the patient or by a related person, the reference is conveyed in the alternate-reference extension instead.

Control0..1
TypeReference(Practitioner, PractitionerRole)
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
92. Specimen.collection.collector.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
94. Specimen.collection.collector.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 Specimen.collection.collector.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
96. Specimen.collection.collector.extension:collector
Slice Namecollector
Definition

Used when the target of the reference has a type that is not allowed by the definition of the element. In general, this should only arise when wrangling between versions using cross-version extensions.

ShortPatient or related person who collected the specimen
Comments

Given that a reference SHALL have a display or reference, using this extension implies that there's a display present.

Control0..1
TypeExtension(Alternate Reference) (Extension Type: Reference(Resource))
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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())
98. Specimen.collection.collector.extension:collector.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
100. Specimen.collection.collector.extension:collector.extension
Definition

An Extension

ShortExtension
Control0..0
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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 Specimen.collection.collector.extension.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
102. Specimen.collection.collector.extension:collector.url
Definition

Source of the definition for the extension code - a logical name or a URL.

Shortidentifies the meaning of the extension
Comments

The definition may point directly to a computable or human-readable definition of the extensibility codes, or it may be a logical URI as declared in some other specification. The definition SHALL be a URI for the Structure Definition defining the extension.

Control1..1
Typeuri
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
Fixed Value
{
  "url" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/alternate-reference"
}
<url value="http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/alternate-reference"/>
104. Specimen.collection.collector.extension:collector.value[x]
Definition

Value of extension - must be one of a constrained set of the data types (see Extensibility for a list).

ShortValue of extension
Control1..1
TypeReference(Patient (EU core), RelatedPerson)
[x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
106. Specimen.collection.collector.reference
Definition

A reference to a location at which the other resource is found. The reference may be a relative reference, in which case it is relative to the service base URL, or an absolute URL that resolves to the location where the resource is found. The reference may be version specific or not. If the reference is not to a FHIR RESTful server, then it should be assumed to be version specific. Internal fragment references (start with '#') refer to contained resources.

ShortLiteral reference, Relative, internal or absolute URL
Comments

Using absolute URLs provides a stable scalable approach suitable for a cloud/web context, while using relative/logical references provides a flexible approach suitable for use when trading across closed eco-system boundaries. Absolute URLs do not need to point to a FHIR RESTful server, though this is the preferred approach. If the URL conforms to the structure "/[type]/[id]" then it should be assumed that the reference is to a FHIR RESTful server.

Control0..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: ref-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()))
108. Specimen.collection.collector.type
Definition

The expected type of the target of the reference. If both Reference.type and Reference.reference are populated and Reference.reference is a FHIR URL, both SHALL be consistent.

The type is the Canonical URL of Resource Definition that is the type this reference refers to. References are URLs that are relative to http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/ e.g. "Patient" is a reference to http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Patient. Absolute URLs are only allowed for logical models (and can only be used in references in logical models, not resources).

ShortType the reference refers to (e.g. "Patient")
Comments

This element is used to indicate the type of the target of the reference. This may be used which ever of the other elements are populated (or not). In some cases, the type of the target may be determined by inspection of the reference (e.g. a RESTful URL) or by resolving the target of the reference; if both the type and a reference is provided, the reference SHALL resolve to a resource of the same type as that specified.

Control0..1
BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from ResourceType
(extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/resource-types|4.0.1)

Aa resource (or, for logical models, the URI of the logical model).

Typeuri
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()))
110. Specimen.collection.collector.identifier
Definition

An identifier for the target resource. This is used when there is no way to reference the other resource directly, either because the entity it represents is not available through a FHIR server, or because there is no way for the author of the resource to convert a known identifier to an actual location. There is no requirement that a Reference.identifier point to something that is actually exposed as a FHIR instance, but it SHALL point to a business concept that would be expected to be exposed as a FHIR instance, and that instance would need to be of a FHIR resource type allowed by the reference.

ShortLogical reference, when literal reference is not known
Comments

When an identifier is provided in place of a reference, any system processing the reference will only be able to resolve the identifier to a reference if it understands the business context in which the identifier is used. Sometimes this is global (e.g. a national identifier) but often it is not. For this reason, none of the useful mechanisms described for working with references (e.g. chaining, includes) are possible, nor should servers be expected to be able resolve the reference. Servers may accept an identifier based reference untouched, resolve it, and/or reject it - see CapabilityStatement.rest.resource.referencePolicy.

When both an identifier and a literal reference are provided, the literal reference is preferred. Applications processing the resource are allowed - but not required - to check that the identifier matches the literal reference

Applications converting a logical reference to a literal reference may choose to leave the logical reference present, or remove it.

Reference is intended to point to a structure that can potentially be expressed as a FHIR resource, though there is no need for it to exist as an actual FHIR resource instance - except in as much as an application wishes to actual find the target of the reference. The content referred to be the identifier must meet the logical constraints implied by any limitations on what resource types are permitted for the reference. For example, it would not be legitimate to send the identifier for a drug prescription if the type were Reference(Observation|DiagnosticReport). One of the use-cases for Reference.identifier is the situation where no FHIR representation exists (where the type is Reference (Any).

NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..1
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
112. Specimen.collection.collector.display
Definition

Plain text narrative that identifies the resource in addition to the resource reference.

ShortText alternative for the resource
Comments

This is generally not the same as the Resource.text of the referenced resource. The purpose is to identify what's being referenced, not to fully describe it.

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()))
114. Specimen.collection.collected[x]
Definition

Time when specimen was collected from subject - the physiologically relevant time.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-17 Specimen Collection Date/Time
Control0..1
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
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
116. Specimen.collection.duration
Definition

The span of time over which the collection of a specimen occurred.

ShortHow long it took to collect specimen
Control0..1
TypeDuration
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
118. Specimen.collection.quantity
Definition

The quantity of specimen collected; for instance the volume of a blood sample, or the physical measurement of an anatomic pathology sample.

ShortThe quantity of specimen collected
Control0..1
TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
sqty-1: The comparator is not used on a SimpleQuantity (comparator.empty())
120. Specimen.collection.method
Definition

A coded value specifying the technique that is used to perform the procedure.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-7 Specimen Collection Method
Control0..1
BindingFor example codes, see FHIRSpecimenCollectionMethod
(example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/specimen-collection-method|4.0.1)

The technique that is used to perform the procedure.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
122. Specimen.collection.bodySite
Definition

Anatomical location from which the specimen was collected (if subject is a patient). This is the target site. This element is not used for environmental specimens.

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-8 Specimen Source Site
Comments

If the specimen.type conveys information about the site the specimen has been collected from, then, if the bodySite is present, it shall be coherent with the type

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from SNOMEDCTBodyStructures
(preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/body-site)
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
124. Specimen.collection.bodySite.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
126. Specimen.collection.bodySite.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 Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
128. Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension:bodySite
Slice NamebodySite
Definition

R5: Specimen.collection.bodySite additional types (CodeableReference(http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/BodyStructure)) additional types from child elements (reference)

ShortR5: bodySite additional types
Comments

Element Specimen.collection.bodySite is mapped to FHIR R4 element Specimen.collection.bodySite as SourceIsBroaderThanTarget. The mappings for Specimen.collection.bodySite do not cover the following types: CodeableReference. The mappings for Specimen.collection.bodySite do not cover the following types based on type expansion: reference. Reasons for using BodyStructure reference include: 1.) Need to identify a specific site instance (e.g. a specific mole), 2.) a single pre-coordinated coded concept for the body site does not exist, 3.) a desire to represent bodySite using multiple attributes (e.g. modifiers).

Control0..1
TypeExtension(R5: bodySite additional types) (Extension Type: Reference(Cross-version Profile for R5.BodyStructure for use in FHIR R4, BodyStructure))
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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())
130. Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension:bodySite.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
132. Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension:bodySite.extension
Definition

An Extension

ShortExtension
Control0..0
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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 Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
134. Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension:bodySite.url
Definition

Source of the definition for the extension code - a logical name or a URL.

Shortidentifies the meaning of the extension
Comments

The definition may point directly to a computable or human-readable definition of the extensibility codes, or it may be a logical URI as declared in some other specification. The definition SHALL be a URI for the Structure Definition defining the extension.

Control1..1
Typeuri
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
Fixed Value
{
  "url" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/5.0/StructureDefinition/extension-Specimen.collection.bodySite"
}
<url value="http://hl7.org/fhir/5.0/StructureDefinition/extension-Specimen.collection.bodySite"/>
136. Specimen.collection.bodySite.extension:bodySite.value[x]
Definition

Anatomical location from which the specimen was collected (if subject is a patient). This is the target site. This element is not used for environmental specimens.

ShortAnatomical collection site
Comments

Reasons for using BodyStructure reference include: 1.) Need to identify a specific site instance (e.g. a specific mole), 2.) a single pre-coordinated coded concept for the body site does not exist, 3.) a desire to represent bodySite using multiple attributes (e.g. modifiers).

Control0..1
TypeReference(BodyStructure (EU core))
[x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
138. Specimen.collection.bodySite.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()))
140. Specimen.collection.bodySite.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()))
142. Specimen.collection.fastingStatus[x]
Definition

Abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time prior to sample collection.

ShortWhether or how long patient abstained from food and/or drink
Comments

Representing fasting status using this element is preferred to representing it with an observation using a 'pre-coordinated code' such as LOINC 2005-7 (Calcium [Moles/​time] in 2 hour Urine --12 hours fasting), or using a component observation such asObservation.component code` = LOINC 49541-6 (Fasting status - Reported).

Control0..1
BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from Hl7VSRelevantClincialInformation (3.0.0)
(extensible to http://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v2-0916|3.0.0)

Codes describing the fasting status of the patient.

TypeChoice of: CodeableConcept, Duration
[x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

Many diagnostic tests require fasting to facilitate accurate interpretation.

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

Details concerning processing and processing steps for the specimen.

ShortProcessing and processing step details
Control0..*
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
146. Specimen.processing.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
148. Specimen.processing.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())
150. Specimen.processing.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())
152. Specimen.processing.description
Definition

Textual description of procedure.

ShortTextual description of procedure
Control0..1
Typestring
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()))
154. Specimen.processing.procedure
Definition

A coded value specifying the procedure used to process the specimen.

ShortIndicates the treatment step applied to the specimen
Control0..1
BindingFor example codes, see SpecimenProcessingProcedure
(example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/specimen-processing-procedure|4.0.1)

Type indicating the technique used to process the specimen.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
156. Specimen.processing.additive
Definition

Material used in the processing step.

ShortMaterial used in the processing step
Control0..*
TypeReference(Substance, Substance: Specimen Additive Substance)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
158. Specimen.processing.time[x]
Definition

A record of the time or period when the specimen processing occurred. For example the time of sample fixation or the period of time the sample was in formalin.

ShortDate and time of specimen processing
Control0..1
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
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
160. Specimen.container
Definition

The container holding the specimen. The recursive nature of containers; i.e. blood in tube in tray in rack is not addressed here.

ShortDirect container of specimen (tube/slide, etc.)
Control0..*
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
162. Specimen.container.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
164. Specimen.container.extension
Definition

An Extension

ShortExtension
Control1..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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 Specimen.container.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
166. Specimen.container.extension:device
Slice Namedevice
Definition

R5: Specimen.container.device (new:Reference(Device))

ShortR5: Device resource for the container (new)
Comments

Element Specimen.container.device has a context of Specimen.container based on following the parent source element upwards and mapping to Specimen. Element Specimen.container.device has no mapping targets in FHIR R4. Typically, this is because the element has been added (is a new element).

Control1..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeExtension(R5: Device resource for the container (new)) (Extension Type: Reference(Cross-version Profile for R5.Device for use in FHIR R4, Device))
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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())
168. Specimen.container.extension:device.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
170. Specimen.container.extension:device.extension
Definition

An Extension

ShortExtension
Control0..0
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
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 Specimen.container.extension.extension. The slices are Unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
172. Specimen.container.extension:device.url
Definition

Source of the definition for the extension code - a logical name or a URL.

Shortidentifies the meaning of the extension
Comments

The definition may point directly to a computable or human-readable definition of the extensibility codes, or it may be a logical URI as declared in some other specification. The definition SHALL be a URI for the Structure Definition defining the extension.

Control1..1
Typeuri
Is Modifierfalse
XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
Summaryfalse
Fixed Value
{
  "url" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/5.0/StructureDefinition/extension-Specimen.container.device"
}
<url value="http://hl7.org/fhir/5.0/StructureDefinition/extension-Specimen.container.device"/>
174. Specimen.container.extension:device.value[x]
Definition

The device resource for the the container holding the specimen. If the container is in a holder then the referenced device will point to a parent device.

ShortDevice resource for the container
Control1..1
TypeReference(Device)
[x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
176. Specimen.container.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())
178. Specimen.container.identifier
Definition

Id for container. There may be multiple; a manufacturer's bar code, lab assigned identifier, etc. The container ID may differ from the specimen id in some circumstances.

ShortId for the container
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
180. Specimen.container.description
Definition

Textual description of the container.

ShortTextual description of the container
Control0..1
Typestring
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()))
182. Specimen.container.type
Definition

The type of container associated with the specimen (e.g. slide, aliquot, etc.).

ShortKind of container directly associated with specimen
Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from Specimen Container
(preferred to http://hl7.eu/fhir/laboratory/ValueSet/lab-specimenContainer-eu-lab)
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
184. Specimen.container.capacity
Definition

The capacity (volume or other measure) the container may contain.

ShortContainer volume or size
Control0..1
TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
sqty-1: The comparator is not used on a SimpleQuantity (comparator.empty())
186. Specimen.container.specimenQuantity
Definition

The quantity of specimen in the container; may be volume, dimensions, or other appropriate measurements, depending on the specimen type.

ShortQuantity of specimen within container
Control0..1
TypeQuantity(SimpleQuantity)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
sqty-1: The comparator is not used on a SimpleQuantity (comparator.empty())
188. Specimen.container.additive[x]
Definition

Introduced substance to preserve, maintain or enhance the specimen. Examples: Formalin, Citrate, EDTA.

ShortAdditive associated with container
Control0..0
BindingFor example codes, see Hl7VSAdditivePreservative (3.0.0)
(example to http://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v2-0371|3.0.0)

Substance added to specimen container.

TypeChoice of: CodeableConcept, Reference(Substance)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
190. Specimen.condition
Definition

A mode or state of being that describes the nature of the specimen.

ShortState of the specimen
Comments

Specimen condition is an observation made about the specimen. It's a point-in-time assessment. It can be used to assess its quality or appropriateness for a specific test.

Control0..*
BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from Hl7VSSpecimenCondition (3.0.0)
(extensible to http://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v2-0493|3.0.0)

Codes describing the state of the specimen.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

The specimen condition can be used to assess its quality or appropriateness for a specific test.

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

To communicate any details or issues about the specimen or during the specimen collection. (for example: broken vial, sent with patient, frozen).

ShortHL7 v2 SPM-14 Specimen Description
Control0..*
TypeAnnotation
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))