Analysis of laboratory data transmission between two healthcare institutions using a widely used point-to-point health information exchange platform: a case report.

Objective: The objective was to identify information loss that could affect clinical care in laboratory data transmission between 2 health care institutions via a Health Information Exchange platform.

Materials And Methods: Data transmission results of 9 laboratory tests, including LOINC codes, were compared in the following: between sending and receiving electronic health record (EHR) systems, the individual Health Level Seven International (HL7) Version 2 messages across the instrument, laboratory information system, and sending EHR.

Results: Loss of information for similar tests indicated the following potential patient safety issues: (1) consistently missing specimen source; (2) lack of reporting of analytical technique or instrument platform; (3) inconsistent units and reference ranges; (4) discordant LOINC code use; and (5) increased complexity with multiple HL7 versions.