There would be benefit in creating Covid-19 Test Groups containing items such as Covid testing for active infection vs Covid antibody tests which could be utilized for FHIR Clinical Decision Support, etc. It would be easier to create code filters against an overall group than multiple specific tests, esp with need for rapid development and resilience to changing test codes. An obvious division point would be testing for active infection (positive/negative test) vs antibody testing (positive/negative). It would be reasonable to have the testing for active infection broken into several groups based upon type of test. Value set code grouping takes longer to develop than LOINC grouping.
We will have SARS-CoV-2 Groups in the upcoming release in June. I’m planning to include the individual Groups shown below:
SARS-CoV-2 virus detection (including molecular, antigen, and culture codes)
SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection
SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests
For virus detection, we only have one code each for antigen and culture so far, so those won’t have individual Groups. Also, I don’t think more specific antibody Groups would make sense, because we have a mix of IgG, IgA, IgM, IgG+IgM, and any antibody (IgA+IgG+IgM), so there are no clear breakpoints.
I would welcome your feedback about other Groups that might be useful.
Hello! I’m still following information on convalescent plasma, and perhaps in time there would be a group on the transfusion aspect of this. Unsure if they would treat the donor/blood product unit in the same fashion as transfusion medicine, or if it would be closer to stem cell dosages. More to come! Pam
