The owners of three key health data standards recently announced they are cooperating to help define and assign responsibilities — and avoid duplication — in the development of laboratory test terminology.

The owners of the three standards that contain laboratory test terminology, the Logical Observation Identifiers, Names, Codes (LOINC), Nomenclature, Properties and Units (NPU), and the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine—Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT), seek to ensure that SNOMED CT works effectively in combination with either LOINC or NPU. Designed to run for up to six months, the trial is will seek to identify any country-specific aspects of laboratory test terminology that may not be suitable for inclusion in the international release of SNOMED CT.

The National Library of Medicine is the US member of the International Health Terminology Standards Organization (IHTSDO), which develops and maintains international health terminology, notably SNOMED CT, to support the safe, accurate, and effective exchange of health information.

For additional information, contact Vivian Auld, Senior Specialist for Health Data Standards, National Library of Medicine.

Note: The January 2009 International Release of SNOMED CT is now available to IHTSDO Members and Affiliate License holders.