Lessons Learned
The mapping of the Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) test catalogue to the pan Canadian
LOINC Observation Code Database (pCLOCD) requires extensive preparation of the catalogue
data. The pCLOCD is published in Excel or Access format, it is expected that mapping projects
have access to a mapping tool (see Lessons Learned LOINC Mapping – Planning Stage
document). LIS data preparation takes time and should be planned for during the initial stages of a
Repository project.
Considerations:
Has a mapping strategy been identified? Are there defined and approved mapping criteria?
- Has the approval process been defined?
- What format is the LIS data extract in? What format is required by the mapping tool?
- What elements are provided in the LIS data extract? Do they align with the mapping criteria?
- What can be done to clean up the data to prepare it for mapping?
- Are there elements in the data that will not be required for mapping, such as punctuation?
- Can it be removed?
- Are there acronyms or abbreviations that could be spelled out to improve mapping?
- Are there words that can be removed such as ‘stat’ or ‘routine’?
- LOINC code mapping requires a minimum of 3-4 key pieces of information for each lab test, the test name, the specimen being tested, the timing of the test if it is a timed test such as 24 hour and the units of measure reported for a quantitative test.
- Additional information about specific tests may be required to identify the correct LOINC code.
- Where are the specifics of each test located and who has access to the information?
- Can the LIS test list be subdivided into specific groups to make the tests within it more meaningful? For example Chemistry, Hematology etc.
- Does the LIS test list contain tests that are ordered and resulted? Or is it confined to resulting tests? If the LIS test list contains both orders and resulting tests (e.g. CBC and Hemoglobin), is there an association between the two?
- Are there inactive or deprecated terms included in the extract? How are they identified?
- Does each test have a unique identifier?
- Are there organization specific tests that may not have meaning outside of the organization? (e.g. Dr Smiths Chemistry Panel)
- Are the same tests used in different areas? If so, are they used differently in each area?
- Can the associated LOINC codes be imported into the LIS once the mapping is complete?
- Check to see if the LIS has a specific field for the LOINC code and if so, how many characters does it accommodate?
- Has a Change Management strategy been developed to provide ongoing updates to the LIS extract information based on changes to the LIS system?