Pathology Messaging - HL7 V3 API

Use this API to request laboratory tests and send the results back to the requester, usually the patient's GP or consultant. Results can also be copied to other healthcare providers for information.

One request can lead to several results reports and each report is complete in its own right. If incomplete reports are issued, a final report carries all the reported information, replacing the the originals entirely.

This API is not widely adopted - it is only used as part of the NHS Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme which involves a limited number of pathology laboratories.

It will be superseded by the Pathology Messaging - FHIR API.

Before you begin any development work using this API, contact us to discuss your best options.

This API has been in a V1.2 draft state since 2008. 

This API is a platinum service, meaning it is operational and supported 24 x 7 x 365.

For more details, see service levels.

This API is an HL7 V3 API. 

For more details, see HL7 V3.

Message Handling System (MHS) adaptor

To remove the complexity of building your own Message Handling System, we offer a pre-assured, client side MHS adaptor that you can integrate into your own infrastructure.

It makes it easier to connect to the NHS Spine and perform business operations by exposing a RESTful API that confirms to the HL7 V3 standard. 

For a full list of interactions for this API, see the Laboratory section in the Spine Message Implementation Manual (MIM).