---
type: "resource-definitions"
title: "SpecimenDefinition Definitions"
resource: "SpecimenDefinition"
---

# SpecimenDefinition Definitions

<a id="SpecimenDefinition"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition
Kind of specimen

**Definition:** A kind of specimen with associated set of requirements.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Mappings:** v2=OM4; rim=Role[classCode=SPEC]; w5=clinical.diagnostics


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.url"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.url
Logical canonical URL to reference this SpecimenDefinition (globally unique)

**Definition:** An absolute URL that is used to identify this SpecimenDefinition when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance. This SHALL be a URL, SHOULD be globally unique, and SHOULD be an address at which this SpecimenDefinition is (or will be) published. The URL SHOULD include the major version of the SpecimenDefinition. For more information see Technical and Business Versions.

**Comments:** Can be a urn:uuid: or a urn:oid:, but real http: addresses are preferred. This is the URI that will be used when making canonical references to this resource.

**Requirements:** Allows the SpecimenDefinition to be referenced by a single globally unique identifier.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [uri](/uri)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.identifier"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.identifier
Business identifier

**Definition:** A business identifier assigned to this SpecimenDefinition.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [Identifier](/Identifier)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.version"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.version
Business version of the SpecimenDefinition

**Definition:** The identifier that is used to identify this version of the SpecimenDefinition when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the SpecimenDefinition author and is not expected to be globally unique.

**Comments:** There may be multiple different instances of a SpecimenDefinition that have the same identifier but different versions.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [string](/string)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x]"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x]
How to compare versions

**Definition:** Indicates the mechanism used to compare versions to determine which is more current.

**Comments:** If set as a string, this is a FHIRPath expression that has two additional context variables passed in - %version1 and %version2 and will return a negative number if version1 is newer, a positive number if version2 and a 0 if the version ordering can't be successfully be determined.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [string](/string), [Coding](/Coding)

**Binding:** extensible:[version-algorithm](/valueset-version-algorithm)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.name"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.name
Name for this {{title}} (computer friendly)

**Definition:** A natural language name identifying the {{title}}. This name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation.

**Comments:** The name is not expected to be globally unique. The name should be a simple alphanumeric type name to ensure that it is machine-processing friendly.

**Requirements:** Support human navigation and code generation.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [string](/string)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.title"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.title
Name for this SpecimenDefinition (Human friendly)

**Definition:** A short, descriptive, user-friendly title for the SpecimenDefinition.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [string](/string)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.derivedFromCanonical"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.derivedFromCanonical
Based on FHIR definition of another SpecimenDefinition

**Definition:** The canonical URL pointing to another FHIR-defined SpecimenDefinition that is adhered to in whole or in part by this definition.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [canonical](/canonical)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.derivedFromUri"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.derivedFromUri
Based on external definition

**Definition:** The URL pointing to an externally-defined type of specimen, guideline or other definition that is adhered to in whole or in part by this definition.

**Requirements:** Specimen definitions may be refinements of other definitions.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [uri](/uri)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.status"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.status
draft | active | retired | unknown

**Definition:** The current state of theSpecimenDefinition.

**Comments:** A nominal state-transition diagram can be found in the [Definition pattern](definition.html#statemachine) documentation
Unknown does not represent "other" - one of the defined statuses must apply. Unknown is used when the authoring system is not sure what the current status is.

See guidance around (not) making local changes to elements [here](canonicalresource.html#localization).

**Cardinality:** 1..1

**Type:** [code](/code)

**Binding:** required:[publication-status](/valueset-publication-status)

**Summary:** true

**Is Modifier:** true (Reason: Not known why this is labelled a modifier)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.experimental"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.experimental
If this SpecimenDefinition is not for real usage

**Definition:** A flag to indicate that this SpecimenDefinition is not authored for  genuine usage.

**Comments:** Allows filtering of SpecimenDefinition that are appropriate for use vs. not.. Experimental resources might include example instances in implementation guides, instances created solely for testing purposes, etc

**Meaning if Missing:** If absent, this resource is treated as though it is not experimental.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [boolean](/boolean)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.subject[x]"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.subject[x]
Type of subject for specimen collection

**Definition:** A code or group definition that describes the intended subject  from which this kind of specimen is to be collected.

**Comments:** Examples: person, animal, device, water ….

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept), Reference([Group](/Group))

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.date"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.date
Date status first applied

**Definition:** For draft definitions, indicates the date of initial creation. For active definitions, represents the date of activation. For withdrawn definitions, indicates the date of withdrawal.

**Comments:** See guidance around (not) making local changes to elements [here](canonicalresource.html#localization).

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [dateTime](/dateTime)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.publisher"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.publisher
The name of the individual or organization that published the SpecimenDefinition

**Definition:** Helps establish the "authority/credibility" of the SpecimenDefinition. May also allow for contact.

**Requirements:** Usually an organization, but may be an individual. The publisher (or steward) of the SpecimenDefinition is the organization or individual primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the SpecimenDefinition. This is not necessarily the same individual or organization that developed and initially authored the content. The publisher is the primary point of contact for questions or issues with the SpecimenDefinition. This item SHOULD be populated unless the information is available from context.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [string](/string)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.contact"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.contact
Contact details for the publisher

**Definition:** Contact details to assist a user in finding and communicating with the publisher.

**Comments:** May be a web site, an email address, a telephone number, etc.

See guidance around (not) making local changes to elements [here](canonicalresource.html#localization).

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [ContactDetail](/ContactDetail)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.description"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.description
Natural language description of the SpecimenDefinition

**Definition:** A free text natural language description of the SpecimenDefinition from the consumer's perspective.

**Comments:** This description can be used to capture details such as comments about misuse, instructions for clinical use and interpretation, literature references, examples from the paper world, etc. It is not a rendering of the module as conveyed in the text field of the resource itself. This item SHOULD be populated unless the information is available from context.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [markdown](/markdown)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.useContext"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.useContext
Content intends to support these contexts

**Definition:** The content was developed with a focus and intent of supporting the contexts that are listed. These terms may be used to assist with indexing and searching of specimen definitions.

**Comments:** When multiple usageContexts are specified, there is no expectation for whether all or any of the contexts apply.

**Requirements:** Assist in searching for appropriate content.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [UsageContext](/UsageContext)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.jurisdiction"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.jurisdiction
Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the this SpecimenDefinition (if applicable)

**Definition:** A jurisdiction in which the SpecimenDefinition is intended to be used.

**Comments:** DEPRECATION NOTE: For consistency, implementations are encouraged to migrate to using the new 'jurisdiction' code in the useContext element.  (I.e. useContext.code indicating http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/usage-context-type#jurisdiction and useContext.valueCodeableConcept indicating the jurisdiction.)

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** extensible:[jurisdiction](/valueset-jurisdiction)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.purpose"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.purpose
Why this SpecimenDefinition is defined

**Definition:** Explains why this SpecimeDefinition is needed and why it has been designed as it has.

**Comments:** This element does not describe the usage of the SpecimenDefinition. Rather it is for traceability of ''why'' the resource is either needed or ''why'' it is defined as it is. This may be used to point to source materials or specifications that drove the structure of this SpecimenDefinition.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [markdown](/markdown)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.copyright"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.copyright
Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use

**Definition:** Copyright statement relating to the SpecimenDefinition and/or its contents. Copyright statements are notices of intellectual property ownership and can include restrictions on the use and publishing of the SpecimenDefinition.

**Requirements:** Consumers of the SpecimenDefinition must be able to determine any legal restrictions on the use of the artifact and/or its content.

**Aliases:** License, Restrictions

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [markdown](/markdown)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.copyrightLabel"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.copyrightLabel
Copyright holder and year(s)

**Definition:** A short string (<50 characters), suitable for inclusion in a page footer that identifies the copyright holder, effective period, and optionally whether rights are restricted. (e.g. 'All rights reserved', 'Some rights reserved').

**Comments:** The copyright symbol and the '(c)' textual representation SHOULD NOT be included in this string. It will be added by software when rendering the notation. Full details about licensing, restrictions, warrantees, etc. goes in the more general 'copyright' element.

**Requirements:** Defines the content expected to be rendered in all representations of the artifact.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [string](/string)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.approvalDate"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.approvalDate
When SpecimenDefinition was approved by publisher

**Definition:** The date on which the asset content was approved by the publisher. Approval happens once when the content is officially approved for usage.

**Comments:** The date may be more recent than the approval date because of minor changes / editorial corrections.

See guidance around (not) making local changes to elements [here](canonicalresource.html#localization).

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [date](/date)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.lastReviewDate"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.lastReviewDate
The date on which the asset content was last reviewed by the publisher

**Definition:** The date on which the asset content was last reviewed. Review happens periodically after that, but doesn't change the original approval date.

**Comments:** If specified, this is usually after the approval date.

See guidance around (not) making local changes to elements [here](canonicalresource.html#localization).

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [date](/date)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.effectivePeriod"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.effectivePeriod
The effective date range for the SpecimenDefinition

**Definition:** The period during which the SpecimenDefinition content was or is planned to be effective.

**Comments:** The effective period for a SpecimenDefinition determines when the content is applicable for usage and is independent of publication and review dates.

See guidance around (not) making local changes to elements [here](canonicalresource.html#localization).

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [Period](/Period)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeCollected"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeCollected
Kind of material to collect

**Definition:** The kind of material to be collected.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[v2-0487](/valueset-v2-0487)

**Summary:** true

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-6


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.patientPreparation"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.patientPreparation
Patient preparation for collection

**Definition:** Preparation of the patient for specimen collection.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[prepare-patient-prior-specimen-collection](/valueset-prepare-patient-prior-specimen-collection)

**Summary:** true

**Mappings:** v2=OM1-37


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.timeAspect"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.timeAspect
Time aspect for collection

**Definition:** Time aspect of specimen collection (duration or offset).

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [string](/string)

**Summary:** true

**Mappings:** v2=OM1-43, OM1-44


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.collection"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.collection
Specimen collection procedure

**Definition:** The action to be performed for collecting the specimen.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[specimen-collection](/valueset-specimen-collection)

**Summary:** true


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested
Specimen in container intended for testing by lab

**Definition:** Specimen conditioned in a container as expected by the testing laboratory.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [BackboneElement](/BackboneElement)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.isDerived"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.isDerived
Primary or secondary specimen

**Definition:** Primary of secondary specimen.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [boolean](/boolean)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-2


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.type"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.type
Type of intended specimen

**Definition:** The kind of specimen conditioned for testing expected by lab.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[v2-0487](/valueset-v2-0487)

**Mappings:** w5=FiveWs.what[x]


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.preference"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.preference
preferred | alternate

**Definition:** The preference for this type of conditioned specimen.

**Cardinality:** 1..1

**Type:** [code](/code)

**Binding:** required:[specimen-contained-preference](/valueset-specimen-contained-preference)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-16


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container
The specimen's container

**Definition:** The specimen's container.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [BackboneElement](/BackboneElement)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.material"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.material
The material type used for the container

**Definition:** The type of material of the container.

**Comments:** Examples: glass, plastic, metal.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[container-material](/valueset-container-material)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.type"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.type
Kind of container associated with the kind of specimen

**Definition:** The type of container used to contain this kind of specimen.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[specimen-container-type](/valueset-specimen-container-type)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.cap"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.cap
Color of container cap

**Definition:** Color of container cap.

**Requirements:** From ISO 6710-2017 Table F.1 Recommended colour codes.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[container-cap](/valueset-container-cap)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.description"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.description
The description of the kind of container

**Definition:** The textual description of the kind of container.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [markdown](/markdown)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-3


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.capacity"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.capacity
The capacity of this kind of container

**Definition:** The capacity (volume or other measure) of this kind of container.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [Quantity](/Quantity)([SimpleQuantity](/SimpleQuantity))

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-4, OM4-5


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.minimumVolume[x]"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.minimumVolume[x]
Minimum volume

**Definition:** The minimum volume to be conditioned in the container.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [Quantity](/Quantity)([SimpleQuantity](/SimpleQuantity)), [string](/string)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-11


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.additive"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.additive
Additive associated with container

**Definition:** Substance introduced in the kind of container to preserve, maintain or enhance the specimen. Examples: Formalin, Citrate, EDTA.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [BackboneElement](/BackboneElement)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-7


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.additive.additive[x]"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.additive.additive[x]
Additive associated with container

**Definition:** Substance introduced in the kind of container to preserve, maintain or enhance the specimen. Examples: Formalin, Citrate, EDTA.

**Cardinality:** 1..1

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept), Reference([SubstanceDefinition](/SubstanceDefinition))

**Binding:** example:[v2-0371](/valueset-v2-0371)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-7


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.preparation"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.container.preparation
Special processing applied to the container for this specimen type

**Definition:** Special processing that should be applied to the container for this kind of specimen.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [markdown](/markdown)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-8


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.requirement"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.requirement
Requirements for specimen delivery and special handling

**Definition:** Requirements for delivery and special handling of this kind of conditioned specimen.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [markdown](/markdown)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-12


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.retentionTime"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.retentionTime
The usual time for retaining this kind of specimen

**Definition:** The usual time that a specimen of this kind is retained after the ordered tests are completed, for the purpose of additional testing.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [Duration](/Duration)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-14


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.singleUse"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.singleUse
Specimen for single use only

**Definition:** Specimen can be used by only one test or panel if the value is "true".

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [boolean](/boolean)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.rejectionCriterion"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.rejectionCriterion
Criterion specified for specimen rejection

**Definition:** Criterion for rejection of the specimen in its container by the laboratory.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[rejection-criteria](/valueset-rejection-criteria)

**Mappings:** v2=OM1-39


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling
Specimen handling before testing

**Definition:** Set of instructions for preservation/transport of the specimen at a defined temperature interval, prior the testing process.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [BackboneElement](/BackboneElement)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling.temperatureQualifier"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling.temperatureQualifier
Qualifies the interval of temperature

**Definition:** It qualifies the interval of temperature, which characterizes an occurrence of handling. Conditions that are not related to temperature may be handled in the instruction element.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[handling-condition](/valueset-handling-condition)

**Mappings:** v2=OM4-15


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling.temperatureRange"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling.temperatureRange
Temperature range for these handling instructions

**Definition:** The temperature interval for this set of handling instructions.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [Range](/Range)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling.maxDuration"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling.maxDuration
Maximum preservation time

**Definition:** The maximum time interval of preservation of the specimen with these conditions.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [Duration](/Duration)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling.instruction"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.handling.instruction
Preservation instruction

**Definition:** Additional textual instructions for the preservation or transport of the specimen. For instance, 'Protect from light exposure'.

**Cardinality:** 0..1

**Type:** [markdown](/markdown)


<a id="SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.testingDestination"></a>

## SpecimenDefinition.typeTested.testingDestination
Where the specimen will be tested

**Definition:** Where the specimen will be tested: e.g., lab, sector, device or any combination of these.

**Cardinality:** 0..*

**Type:** [CodeableConcept](/CodeableConcept)

**Binding:** example:[diagnostic-service-sections](/valueset-diagnostic-service-sections)