Observation Component
Some observations have multiple component observations. These component observations are expressed as separate code-value pairs that share the same attributes. An example includes systolic and diastolic component observations for blood pressure measurement.
Appears in
Constraints
Unique key(s)
- Observation, Observation Component Code
- XOR("Observation Component Value *" attributes)
Stereotype(s)
n/a
Attributes
| Attribute | Type | Multiplicity | Attribute note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Observation Component Code | Codeable Concept | 1 | Uniquely specifies the observation component.
Value Set: To be developed. |
| Observation Component Interpretation Type Code | Codeable Concept | 0..* | Uniquely specifies rough qualitative interpretation(s) of the observation component value (e.g., better, worse, significant change up, significant change down).
Value Set: To be developed. |
| Observation Component Value Code | Codeable Concept | 0..1 | Uniquely specifies the actual value of the observation component (as a code from a code system in a value set).
The value set is specific to the observation being captured. |
| Observation Component Value Quantity | Quantity | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as a decimal quantity).
Quantity.Unit of Measure Code is optional, and not applicable when the observation component code already states or presupposes a specific unit of measure. |
| Observation Component Value Integer | Integer | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as an integer). |
| Observation Component Value Date Time | Date Time | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as a date time).
Note: the time part is optional; the date part can have any of following granularities (in any format): (i) year, month, day; or year, day of year (ii) year, month; (iii) year only. |
| Observation Component Value Time | Time | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as a time: 1 or more of hours, minutes, seconds, fractions of seconds). |
| Observation Component Value Description | String | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as a textual description). |
| Observation Component Value Indicator | Indicator | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as an indicator). |
| Observation Component Value Range | Range | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as a range).
Range.Unit of Measure Code, for both low end and high end, is optional, and not applicable when the observation component code already states or presupposes a specific unit of measure. |
| Observation Component Value Ratio | Ratio | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as a ratio).
Ratio.Unit of Measure Code, for both numerator and denominator, is optional, and not applicable when the observation component code already states or presupposes a specific unit of measure. |
| Observation Component Value Sampled Data | Sampled Data | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as sampled data: origin (zero/baseline decimal value and unit of measure), period between samples (milliseconds), dimensions, and optionally one or more of: factor, lower limit of detection, upper limit of detection, data as string). |
| Observation Component Value Period | Period | 0..1 | The actual value of the observation component (as a period). |
Relationships
| From class | From multiplicity | Relationship | To class | To multiplicity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Observation | 0..* | has (composition) | Observation Component | 0..* |
| Blood Pressure Panel Detail | 0..* | uses | Observation Component | 0..* |
| Pulse Oximetry Panel Detail | 0..* | uses | Observation Component | 0..* |
| Observation Component | 0..* | has (composition) | Observation Reference Range | 0..* |
Contact us
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How to cite:
Canadian Institute for Health Information. Observation Component. Accessed November 02, 2026.
