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Although the use of a display segment is mandatory and there are a number of allowed display formats (XHTML, RTF, PDF or HL7 text) there isn't a prescribed format to be used. The display format type used will depend on the display features  required. This appendix provides detail on the display format types of XHTML and PDF.

Note: If more than one display segment is used then each display type must contain the same report detail.

Use of XHTML as display segments

Overview

Using XHTML stands for eXtensibile HyperText Markup Language and was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Using compliant XHTML as the display segment enables the report to be viewed on a variety of platforms.  It allows the use of the XHTML features for word wrapping and separation of report components. XHTML also accommodate mobile devices which is to be a growing market.

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Use of PDF as display segments

Overview

PDF stands for Portable Document Format and was developed by Adobe Systems. 

With more pathology reports being viewed by clinicians and consumers via messaging from pathology providers, portals and viewing of health records, PDF provides the confidence to the pathology providers that their report will be viewed in it's entirety and will not be viewed out of context. Pathology providers are very concerned that only a small component of their report will be made viewable and hence the result may be taken out of context of the whole report. PDF gives the identical content and layout the pathology providers desire.

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