General

The display segment is mandatory (refer to conformance point HL7au:000008) to assure the contents of the pathology report be interpreted in the context that the pathology provider intended. Although there are a number of allowed display formats (XHTML, RTF, PDF or HL7 text) are able to 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

XHTML stands for Extensible Hypertext Markup Language and was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Using compliant XHTML for 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 accommodates mobile devices which is a growing market.

For an informative use of XHTML in HL7 V2 messages refer to Appendix E "Guidelines for the use of HTML display segments in HL7 V2 messages" in HB 262-2012 "Guidelines for messaging between diagnostics providers and health service providers".

Example Message

DMc seeking a new example from Jared

Use of PDF as display segments

Overview

PDF stands for Portable Document Format and was developed by Adobe Systems. The specification is available from Adobe (http://www.adobe.com/devnet/pdf/pdf_reference.html) or from ISO (http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=51502).

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 retains the content and layout the pathology provider intended.

Example Message Segment

OBX|4|ED|PDF^^AUSPDI||^application^pdf^Base64^VGhpcyBpcyBiYXNlNjQgY29udGVudCB0aGF0IGlzIHVzZWQgaW4gdGhpcyBkZW1vbnN0cmF0aW9uIHBkZiByZXBvcnQu||||||F