Eswatini HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide
1.0.0 - draft Eswatini

Eswatini HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide - Local Development build (v1.0.0) built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) Build Tools. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: Eswatini Lab Test Specimen Profile

Official URL: https://eswatinihie.com/fhir/StructureDefinition/SzLabSpecimen Version: 1.0.0
Active as of 2026-08-21 Computable Name: SzLabSpecimen

The Eswatini Laboratory Specimen Profile defines the constraints and usage of the HL7® FHIR® Specimen resource for representing biological specimens collected for laboratory investigation within the Eswatini National Digital Health Ecosystem. It provides a standardized and interoperable approach for documenting specimen collection, handling, and identification to support accurate laboratory testing and reliable diagnostic workflows. This profile ensures that specimen information is captured and exchanged in a consistent, traceable, and nationally aligned manner, strengthening the integrity of laboratory results and patient care.

Scope and Usage

This profile SHALL be used by systems that create, manage, or exchange laboratory specimen information, including:

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems Diagnostic and referral systems National health information exchange (HIE) services

The profile applies to specimens collected for laboratory testing, including:

Blood, urine, stool, and other body fluids Tissue and swab specimens Samples collected in facilities or community settings Specimens collected for routine, follow‑up, or programme‑specific testing

Each Specimen represents a physical sample obtained from a patient for diagnostic purposes.

Usages:

You can also check for usages in the FHIR IG Statistics

Formal Views of Profile Content

Description of Profiles, Differentials, Snapshots and how the different presentations work.

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Specimen 0..* Specimen Sample for analysis
... id Σ 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... type SΣ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of specimen being collected
Binding: hl7VS-specimenType (preferred)
... subject Σ 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the specimen being collected
... collection 1..1 BackboneElement Specimen collection information
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... collector SΣ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Specimen collector
.... collected[x] SΣ 1..1 dateTime Specimen collection date

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Specimen.status Base required SpecimenStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.type Base preferred hl7VS-specimenType 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Specimen If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Specimen If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Specimen If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Specimen If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Specimen A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()

This structure is derived from Specimen

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Specimen 0..* Specimen Sample for analysis
... id 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... type S 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of specimen being collected
Binding: hl7VS-specimenType (preferred)
... subject 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the specimen being collected
.... collector S 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Specimen collector
.... collected[x] S 1..1 dateTime Specimen collection date

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings (Differential)

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Specimen.type Base preferred hl7VS-specimenType 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Specimen 0..* Specimen Sample for analysis
... id Σ 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... meta Σ 0..1 Meta Metadata about the resource
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... text 0..1 Narrative Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
This profile does not constrain the narrative in regard to content, language, or traceability to data elements
... contained 0..* Resource Contained, inline Resources
... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... identifier Σ 0..* Identifier External Identifier
... accessionIdentifier Σ 0..1 Identifier Identifier assigned by the lab
... status ?!Σ 0..1 code available | unavailable | unsatisfactory | entered-in-error
Binding: SpecimenStatus (required): Codes providing the status/availability of a specimen.
... type SΣ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of specimen being collected
Binding: hl7VS-specimenType (preferred)
... subject Σ 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the specimen being collected
... receivedTime Σ 0..1 dateTime The time when specimen was received for processing
... parent 0..* Reference(Specimen) Specimen from which this specimen originated
... request 0..* Reference(ServiceRequest) Why the specimen was collected
... collection 1..1 BackboneElement Specimen collection information
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... collector SΣ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Specimen collector
.... collected[x] SΣ 1..1 dateTime Specimen collection date
.... duration Σ 0..1 Duration How long it took to collect specimen
.... quantity 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) The quantity of specimen collected
.... method 0..1 CodeableConcept Technique used to perform collection
Binding: FHIRSpecimenCollectionMethod (example): The technique that is used to perform the procedure.
.... bodySite 0..1 CodeableConcept Anatomical collection site
Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.
.... fastingStatus[x] Σ 0..1 Whether or how long patient abstained from food and/or drink
Binding: hl7VS-relevantClincialInformation (extensible): Codes describing the fasting status of the patient.
..... fastingStatusCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
..... fastingStatusDuration Duration
... processing 0..* BackboneElement Processing and processing step details
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... description 0..1 string Textual description of procedure
.... procedure 0..1 CodeableConcept Indicates the treatment step applied to the specimen
Binding: SpecimenProcessingProcedure (example): Type indicating the technique used to process the specimen.
.... additive 0..* Reference(Substance) Material used in the processing step
.... time[x] 0..1 Date and time of specimen processing
..... timeDateTime dateTime
..... timePeriod Period
... container 0..* BackboneElement Direct container of specimen (tube/slide, etc.)
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Id for the container
.... description 0..1 string Textual description of the container
.... type 0..1 CodeableConcept Kind of container directly associated with specimen
Binding: SpecimenContainerType (example): Type of specimen container.
.... capacity 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) Container volume or size
.... specimenQuantity 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) Quantity of specimen within container
.... additive[x] 0..1 Additive associated with container
Binding: hl7VS-additivePreservative (example): Substance added to specimen container.
..... additiveCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
..... additiveReference Reference(Substance)
... condition Σ 0..* CodeableConcept State of the specimen
Binding: hl7VS-specimenCondition (extensible): Codes describing the state of the specimen.
... note 0..* Annotation Comments

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Specimen.language Base preferred Common Languages 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.status Base required SpecimenStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.type Base preferred hl7VS-specimenType 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Specimen.collection.​method Base example FHIR Specimen Collection Method 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.collection.​bodySite Base example SNOMED CT Body Structures 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.collection.​fastingStatus[x] Base extensible hl7VS-relevantClincialInformation 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Specimen.processing.​procedure Base example Specimen processing procedure 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.container.type Base example Specimen Container Type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.container.additive[x] Base example hl7VS-additivePreservative 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Specimen.condition Base extensible hl7VS-specimenCondition 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Specimen If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Specimen If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Specimen If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Specimen If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Specimen A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()

This structure is derived from Specimen

Key Elements View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Specimen 0..* Specimen Sample for analysis
... id Σ 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... type SΣ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of specimen being collected
Binding: hl7VS-specimenType (preferred)
... subject Σ 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the specimen being collected
... collection 1..1 BackboneElement Specimen collection information
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... collector SΣ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Specimen collector
.... collected[x] SΣ 1..1 dateTime Specimen collection date

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Specimen.status Base required SpecimenStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.type Base preferred hl7VS-specimenType 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Specimen If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Specimen If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Specimen If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Specimen If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Specimen A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()

Differential View

This structure is derived from Specimen

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Specimen 0..* Specimen Sample for analysis
... id 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... type S 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of specimen being collected
Binding: hl7VS-specimenType (preferred)
... subject 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the specimen being collected
.... collector S 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Specimen collector
.... collected[x] S 1..1 dateTime Specimen collection date

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings (Differential)

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Specimen.type Base preferred hl7VS-specimenType 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3

Snapshot View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Specimen 0..* Specimen Sample for analysis
... id Σ 1..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... meta Σ 0..1 Meta Metadata about the resource
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... text 0..1 Narrative Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
This profile does not constrain the narrative in regard to content, language, or traceability to data elements
... contained 0..* Resource Contained, inline Resources
... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... identifier Σ 0..* Identifier External Identifier
... accessionIdentifier Σ 0..1 Identifier Identifier assigned by the lab
... status ?!Σ 0..1 code available | unavailable | unsatisfactory | entered-in-error
Binding: SpecimenStatus (required): Codes providing the status/availability of a specimen.
... type SΣ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of specimen being collected
Binding: hl7VS-specimenType (preferred)
... subject Σ 0..1 Reference(Eswatini Patient Profile) Patient associated with the specimen being collected
... receivedTime Σ 0..1 dateTime The time when specimen was received for processing
... parent 0..* Reference(Specimen) Specimen from which this specimen originated
... request 0..* Reference(ServiceRequest) Why the specimen was collected
... collection 1..1 BackboneElement Specimen collection information
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... collector SΣ 1..1 Reference(Eswatini Practitioner Profile) Specimen collector
.... collected[x] SΣ 1..1 dateTime Specimen collection date
.... duration Σ 0..1 Duration How long it took to collect specimen
.... quantity 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) The quantity of specimen collected
.... method 0..1 CodeableConcept Technique used to perform collection
Binding: FHIRSpecimenCollectionMethod (example): The technique that is used to perform the procedure.
.... bodySite 0..1 CodeableConcept Anatomical collection site
Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.
.... fastingStatus[x] Σ 0..1 Whether or how long patient abstained from food and/or drink
Binding: hl7VS-relevantClincialInformation (extensible): Codes describing the fasting status of the patient.
..... fastingStatusCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
..... fastingStatusDuration Duration
... processing 0..* BackboneElement Processing and processing step details
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... description 0..1 string Textual description of procedure
.... procedure 0..1 CodeableConcept Indicates the treatment step applied to the specimen
Binding: SpecimenProcessingProcedure (example): Type indicating the technique used to process the specimen.
.... additive 0..* Reference(Substance) Material used in the processing step
.... time[x] 0..1 Date and time of specimen processing
..... timeDateTime dateTime
..... timePeriod Period
... container 0..* BackboneElement Direct container of specimen (tube/slide, etc.)
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Id for the container
.... description 0..1 string Textual description of the container
.... type 0..1 CodeableConcept Kind of container directly associated with specimen
Binding: SpecimenContainerType (example): Type of specimen container.
.... capacity 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) Container volume or size
.... specimenQuantity 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) Quantity of specimen within container
.... additive[x] 0..1 Additive associated with container
Binding: hl7VS-additivePreservative (example): Substance added to specimen container.
..... additiveCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
..... additiveReference Reference(Substance)
... condition Σ 0..* CodeableConcept State of the specimen
Binding: hl7VS-specimenCondition (extensible): Codes describing the state of the specimen.
... note 0..* Annotation Comments

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Specimen.language Base preferred Common Languages 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.status Base required SpecimenStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.type Base preferred hl7VS-specimenType 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Specimen.collection.​method Base example FHIR Specimen Collection Method 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.collection.​bodySite Base example SNOMED CT Body Structures 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.collection.​fastingStatus[x] Base extensible hl7VS-relevantClincialInformation 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Specimen.processing.​procedure Base example Specimen processing procedure 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.container.type Base example Specimen Container Type 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Specimen.container.additive[x] Base example hl7VS-additivePreservative 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3
Specimen.condition Base extensible hl7VS-specimenCondition 📦3.0.0 THO v7.3

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Specimen If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Specimen If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Specimen If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Specimen If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Specimen A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()

This structure is derived from Specimen

 

Other representations of profile: CSV, Excel, Schematron

Notes:

Core Data Requirements

The profile constrains the base Specimen resource to ensure capture of essential specimen information, including:

Specimen identifier to uniquely identify the sample Specimen type describing the nature of the collected material Subject (Patient) from whom the specimen was collected Collection details, including date and time of collection Specimen status, representing availability or suitability for testing

These elements ensure that specimens can be correctly matched to laboratory requests, results, and patients.

Interoperability and National Alignment

This profile is designed to:

Conform to HL7 FHIR R4 Specimen semantics Support interoperability within the Eswatini National HIE Enable consistent exchange of specimen information across laboratories and facilities Support national diagnostic, surveillance, and reporting workflows

By standardizing specimen data, the profile reduces errors, improves diagnostic accuracy, and enhances interoperability across the laboratory network.

Data Quality and Conformance

Systems claiming conformance to this profile SHALL:

Populate all required and Must Support elements defined by the profile Ensure specimen identifiers and collection details are accurate and complete Maintain alignment between specimen data, laboratory requests, and results

Optional elements from the base Specimen resource may be used where relevant, provided they do not conflict with the constraints defined in this profile.

Extensibility

The Eswatini Laboratory Specimen Profile supports extensibility through standard FHIR mechanisms. Additional specimen‑related details—such as transport conditions, rejection reasons, or programme‑specific attributes—may be introduced using FHIR extensions, subject to national governance and approval.

Summary

The Eswatini Laboratory Specimen Profile provides a standardized and interoperable representation of laboratory specimen data, forming a critical link between laboratory requests and results. Adoption of this profile strengthens diagnostic workflows, improves data quality, and enhances interoperability across laboratories and healthcare providers throughout the Kingdom of Eswatini.