Code system of concepts describing how a specimen and/or container needs to be handled from the time of collection through the initiation of testing. Used in HL7 Version 2.x messaging in the SPM, SAC, PAC and OM4 segments.
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This code system http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/v2-0376 defines the following codes:
| Code | Display | Definition | V2 Table Status | V2 Concept Comment | V2 Concept Comment As Published |
| C37 | Body temperature | Body temperature | A | Critical to keep at body temperature: 36 - 38( C. | Critical to keep at body temperature: 36 - 38( C. |
| AMB | Ambient temperature | Ambient temperature | A | Keep at ambient (room) temperature, approximately 22 ( 2 degrees C. Accidental refrigeration or freezing is of little consequence | Keep at ambient (room) temperature, approximately 22 ( 2 degrees C. Accidental refrigeration or freezing is of little consequence |
| CAMB | Critical ambient temperature | Critical ambient temperature | A | Critical ambient - must not be refrigerated or frozen. | Critical ambient - must not be refrigerated or frozen. |
| REF | Refrigerated temperature | Refrigerated temperature | A | Keep at refrigerated temperature: 4-8( C. Accidental warming or freezing is of little consequence | Keep at refrigerated temperature: 4-8( C. Accidental warming or freezing is of little consequence |
| CREF | Critical refrigerated temperature | Critical refrigerated temperature | A | Critical refrigerated - must not be allowed to freeze or warm until immediately prior to testing | Critical refrigerated - must not be allowed to freeze or warm until immediately prior to testing |
| FRZ | Frozen temperature | Frozen temperature | A | Keep at frozen temperature: -4( C. Accidental thawing is of little consequence | Keep at frozen temperature: -4( C. Accidental thawing is of little consequence |
| CFRZ | Critical frozen temperature | Critical frozen temperature | A | Critical frozen - must not be allowed to thaw until immediately prior to testing | Critical frozen - must not be allowed to thaw until immediately prior to testing |
| DFRZ | Deep frozen | Deep frozen | A | Deep frozen: -16 to -20( C. | Deep frozen: -16 to -20( C. |
| UFRZ | Ultra frozen | Ultra frozen | A | Ultra cold frozen: ~ -75 to -85( C. (ultra cold freezer is typically at temperature of dry ice). | Ultra cold frozen: ~ -75 to -85( C. (ultra cold freezer is typically at temperature of dry ice). |
| NTR | Liquid nitrogen | Liquid nitrogen | A | Keep in liquid nitrogen. | Keep in liquid nitrogen. |
| PRTL | Protect from light | Protect from light | A | Protect from light (e.g., wrap in aluminum foil). | Protect from light (e.g., wrap in aluminum foil). |
| CATM | Protect from air | Protect from air | A | Critical. Do not expose to atmosphere. Do not uncap. | Critical. Do not expose to atmosphere. Do not uncap. |
| DRY | Dry | Dry | A | Keep in a dry environment. | Keep in a dry environment. |
| PSO | No shock | No shock | A | Protect from shock. | Protect from shock. |
| PSA | Do not shake | Do not shake | A | Do not shake. | Do not shake. |
| UPR | Upright | Upright | A | Keep upright. Do not turn upside down. | Keep upright. Do not turn upside down. |
| MTLF | Metal Free | Metal Free | A | Container is free of heavy metals including lead. | Container is free of heavy metals including lead. |