Clinical laboratory sciences data transmission: the NPU coding system

Area of Science:

• Clinical laboratory science
• Health informatics
• Standardization in healthcare

Background:

• Accurate and accessible health information is crucial for professionals, citizens, and authorities globally.
• Standardized electronic exchange of clinical laboratory results is essential for modern healthcare services.
• Existing systems may lack a universally accepted terminology for laboratory result values.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe the NPU (Nomenclature, Properties and Units) coding system.
• To highlight the system's structure, adherence to international standards, and accessibility.
• To emphasize the benefits of the NPU system for clinical laboratory professionals, particularly in accreditation.

Main Methods:

• The NPU system defines terms for identifying laboratory result values (property values).
• It follows recommendations from BIPM, ISO, IUPAC, and IFCC.
• The system uses structured definitions specifying the examined entity, component, and property, with optional units and specifications.

Main Results:

• The NPU coding system provides a standardized terminology for laboratory data.
• It is structured according to major international standards (BIPM, ISO, IUPAC, IFCC).
• The system is freely accessible online and has been used nationally in Denmark and Sweden for over a decade, with translations into six languages.

Conclusions:

• The NPU coding system offers a valuable, internationally recognized terminology for clinical laboratory sciences.
• Its structure and accessibility facilitate seamless integration into health networks.
• Adoption of the NPU system presents significant advantages for clinical laboratory professionals, especially for accreditation purposes.