Q&A – READ Coding Lab results

Question:

We have had several IT Service Desk calls recently regarding tests received into mail manager not being able to be mapped to appropriate READ code. We have been working with our Diagnostics colleagues to map to suitable READ codes. The tests that we have not yet been able to identify a suitable READ code for are:

FIBR – Fibrillarin

RNAP– RNA Polmerase Ab’

Can I ask if anyone currently has suggested READ codes for these?

Answer:

The short answer is that there are no suitable Read codes to record either of these tests which are not frequently performed in primary care.

SNOMED CT does not have  Fibrillarin – it would need a new concept.

SNOMED CT only has one for Polymerase antibody which is a Procedure concept, so should not really be used for recording an observation or value.  So again, probably needs a new concept in SNOMED CT.

If necessary the best way to code in Read would be a high level so maybe:

44C..      Enzymes – misc.- serum

This would only work if the text somewhere, in the result, the words of the actual test done are stored and displayed in systems, so that the specific meaning is not lost.

Otherwise would suggest these cannot be stored as structured data and should be degraded to a text record of some kind.

If you want to request a new SNOMED CT code please contact Terminology helpdesk via email at nss.terminologyhelp@nhs.net or telephone 0131-275-7283