Which data format(s) are recommended by NAACCR to laboratories for reporting pathology report text information electronically to central registries?

• A. HL7
• B. Both a and b
• C. Pipe-delimited
• D. Neither a nor b

Answer: (B)

The tested concept is how NAACCR supports multiple data-exchange formats for reporting pathology text to central registries. NAACCR recognizes both a structured healthcare messaging standard and a simple flat-file format as acceptable ways to transmit pathology report text electronically. HL7 is the widely used standard for exchanging clinical data between systems, and it can carry pathology report information in its segments, enabling consistent parsing and mapping by the registry. Pipe-delimited files are a straightforward, plain-text format that labs can generate or export, making bulk submissions easy to process and integrate with registry data fields. Because NAACCR supports both options, labs can choose the method that best fits their systems and workflow.

So, both formats are recommended. They offer flexibility for different IT environments and submission needs, allowing efficient and interoperable reporting of pathology text to central registries.