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ASTM Protocol
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Visual representations (diagrams, pictures, icons, pictograms, screenshots, spare parts, ...) are not
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 ASTM PROTOCOL
Revision Table

Revision Table

0931999 October 2012 Creation.

0931999A December 2013 Addition of an information about rank of transmission.

Addition of an information on characters encoding.
Update of the chapter 6.7 Maufacturer information
record.

0931999B September 2016 Chapter 6.4 «Result Record» addition of an information

about the unit for a rediluted test.
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Revision Table
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TOC
Table of contents

1 Physical characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2 Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1 Global definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.2 Définitions of characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4 System - Settings menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.1 Access to Setting 2 menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.2 Description of parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5 Exchange Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5.1 Definition of line modules on the analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5.2 Definition of phases of communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5.3 Host computer  Analyzer exchanges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5.4 Analyzer  Host computer exchanges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

5.4.1 Setting up phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.4.2 Transfert phase (Analyzer  Host computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.4.3 Termination phase (Analyzer  Host computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.4.4 Example of an exchange (Analyzer  Host computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

6 Record definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

6.1 Message header record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

6.2 Patient information record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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6.3 Test order record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

6.4 Result record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

6.5 Request Information Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

6.6 Message Terminator record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

6.7 Maufacturer information record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

7 Typical contents of some messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

7.1 Result transmission (Analyzer  Host computer). . . . . . . . . 29

7.2 Request for a working list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

7.3 Working list return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

8 Flowcharts (ASTM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

8.1 Sequencing of Reception / Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

8.2 Acquisition of a frame sent by the host computer . . . . . . . . . 32

8.3 Establishment phase (Analyzer  Host computer). . . . . . . . 33

8.4 Transfer phase (Analyzer  Host computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

8.5 Termination phase (Analyzer  Host computer) . . . . . . . . . 35

9 Example of traces (ASTM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

9.1 Transmission of patient file (Analyzer  Host computer) . . . 37

9.2 Request for a working list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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9.3 Working list return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

9.4 Transmission of a quality control result

(Analyzer  Host computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9.5 Test of the line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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Physical characteristics
1

1 Physical characteristics

Interface Series type, standard RS232C

Connections Connections:DB-9 plug on the analyzer

Pin 2=reception input
Pin 3=transmission output
Pin 5=ground

Exchange protocol No hardware control line is connected

Baud rate* 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800 or 9600 baud

Parity* Even, odd or none

Data bit* 7 or 8

Stop bit* 1 or 2

* These parameters have to be specified in the System - Settings, tab Settings 2 of the
software of the analyzer
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1 Physical characteristics
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Standards
2

2 Standards
The ASTM connection protocol on the analyzer is based on the two following standards:
- E 1381-91: Specification for Low-Level Protocol to transfer messages between Clinical
Laboratory Instruments and Computer Systems,
- E 1394-91: Standard Specification for transferring information between Clinical
Instruments and Computer Systems.
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2 Standards
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Terminology
3
3 Terminology

3.1 Global definitions

Sender Device that has a message to send and that initiates the
transmission process.

Upload Data transmitted from the analyzer to the host computer.

Receiver Device that responds to the sender.

Download Data transmitted from the host computer to the analyzer.

Frame All framing required for transmission of data.

This framing will include: <STX [frame number] [DATA] <ETB> or
<ETX> [C1] [C2] <CR> <LF>.

Frame Number The frame number allows the receiver to distinguish between new
(Fn) and retransmitted frames, ASCII digit ranging from 0 to 7.
The frame number begins at 1 with the first frame of transfer
phase. It is incremented by one for every new frame transmitted.
After 7, the frame number starts over at 0, and continues this way.

Message A group of records that begins with a Header record, and ends
with a Terminator record.

Record This is the [DATA] as described within the frame.

If the DATA is longer than 240 characters, then it must be split into
two parts and sent in two frames.
The intermediate frame will use the <ETB> character and the
ending frame will use the <ETX> character.
For our application:
- In download mode, a frame may include several records, indeed
a message.
- In upload mode, one frame is used for sending each record.
List of selected records:
- H (Header)
- P (Patient)
- O (Order)
- R (Result)
- Q (Query)
- L (Terminator),
- M (Manufacturer)
(See description in chapter 6)
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3 Terminology

3.2 Définitions of characters

<ACK> (06h) Acknowledge without error

<NACK> (15h) Acknowledge with error

<STX> (02h) Start of text transmission

<ETX> (03h) End of text transmission

[C1] Most significant character of checksum

[C2] Least significant character of checksum

<ENQ> (05h) Request for line (enquiry)

<ETB> (17h) End of transmission block

<EOT> (04h) End of transmission

<CR> (0Dh) Carriage return

<LF> (0Ah) Line feed

Checksum of a frame: binary sum of all characters except <STX>, [C1], [C2], <CR> and
<LF>.
Only the 8 less significant bits are shown in two hexadecimal characters (For example, a
checksum equal to 122 will be shown as 7A in hexadecimal, the two ASCII characters 7[C1]
and A[C2] will be sent one after the other).

The characters transmitted during the communication ASTM have to respect the
encoding defined by the code-page Windows-1252.
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System - Settings menu
4

4 System - Settings menu

4.1 Access to Setting 2 menu

From the main screen:
- Press the System tab
- Select the Settings menu
- Press the Settings 2 tab
This menu in the analyzer program is used, amongst other things, to program the
communication parameters between an analyzer and a host computer. The access is
restricted by a code system.

Fig. 1 - System - Settings Setting 2 tab screen

4.2 Description of parameters

- Station #: number by which the host computer identifies the analyzer
Maximum= 99
- Speed (bauds): chosen transmission speed: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 Baud
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- Parity: type of parity chosen: no, even or odd

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4 System - Settings menu

- Number of Data Bits: 7 or 8

- Number of Stop Bits: 1 or 2
- Number of Retries On Error: number of times the analyzer returns the frame when it
receives a character different from <ACK> or <EOT>.
In accordance with the Standard E 1381-91, this number has to be set to 6.
- Control patient Data:
- YES, when the working list is remotely loaded, the analyzer records 4 patient
information fields (a maximum of 38 characters for processing and control) and the
operator may check them. These 38 characters are defined on the analyzer as follows:

Info 1 16 characters maximum

Info 2 12 characters maximum
Info 3 6 characters maximum
Info 4 4 characters maximum

Total 38 characters max.

- NO, when the working list is remotely loaded, the analyzer records the 4 patient
information fields but the operator cannot check them.
For more the details, see chapter 6.2.

- Send Sequence #: automatically incremented number generation (between 1 through

9999, number reset at 9999) located in the Order, field 4 that is the Instrument
Speciment ID field (not activated by default).
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Exchange Protocol
5

5 Exchange Protocol

5.1 Definition of line modules on the analyzer

- Idle = no communication in progress
- Tx = transmission by the analyzer
- Rx = reception by the analyzer

5.2 Definition of phases of communication

ASTM communication is composed of three phases:
- Establishment phase: line picked up by the host computer or the analyzer.
- Transfer phase: transmission of the different records which compose the message (see
Records Definitions, chapter 6).
- Termination phase: the line is released.

5.3 Host computer  Analyzer exchanges

Responses of the analyzer to characters transmitted by the host computer:
1 Reception of the <ENQ> character transmitted by the host computer
If the analyzer is in the Idle mode, it transmits an <ACK> character (06h) and then
changes to reception line mode Rx.
If after 30 seconds, no character is received, the analyzer returns to the Idle line mode.

2 Reception of the <EOT> character transmitted by the host computer

- If the analyzer is in the Rx reception line mode and a header record has been received,
the analyzer then changes to Idle line mode (releasing the line).
The analyzer analyses the records received.
- The analyzer is in Tx transmission line mode, the <EOT> character is considered as
an acknowledgement (see chapter 5.4.2).

3 Reception of other characters transmitted by the host computer

The analyzer proceeds to enter the characters received. After entering a complete
frame the analyzer verifies the checksum. If this is satisfactory, the analyzer
acknowledges by returning an <ACK> character (06h).
If not, a <NACK> character (15h) is returned. Following the upload of the characters
<ACK> or <NACK>, if after 30 seconds, no character is received, then the analyzer
returns to the Idle line mode.
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5 Exchange Protocol

5.4 Analyzer  Host computer exchanges

5.4.1 Setting up phase

If the line mode is Idle, the analyzer sends an <ENQ> character (enquiry).

Possible responses from the host computer:

1 Transmission of an <ACK> character by the host computer
The analyzer changes to Tx transmission line mode and initiates the frame transfer
phase if it is in normal mode, or initiates the termination phase (transmission of an [EOT]
character) if it is in the line test mode.

2 Transmission of an <ENQ> character by the host computer

The analyzer waits 5 seconds and then returns an <ENQ> character.

3 Transmission of other characters by the host computer

The analyzer waits 10 seconds and then returns the <ENQ> character. When the value
"Number of Retries On Error" defined in the Settings 2 menu (see chapter 4) is
achieved, the analyzer changes to termination phase (transmission of an <EOT>
character) and displays an error message.

4 No response from the host computer

The analyzer waits 15 seconds, and then changes to termination phase (transmission
of an <EOT> character) and displays an error message.

5.4.2 Transfert phase (Analyzer  Host computer)

Transmission of the first record by the analyzer.

Possible responses from the host computer:

1 Transmission of the <ACK> or <EOT> characters by the host computer
The analyzer sends the next frame.

The analyzer considers the <EOT> character as an acknowledgement character and

continues to transmit frames.

2 Transmission of other characters by the host computer

The analyzer waits 10 seconds before returning the frame. If the number of retries is
superior to the one defined in the System - Settings, Settings 2 tab (see chapter 4), the
analyzer changes to termination phase (transmission of an <EOT> character) and displays
an error message.
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Exchange Protocol
5
3 No response from the host computer
The analyzer waits 15 seconds and then changes to termination phase (transmission of an
<EOT> character) and displays an error message.

5.4.3 Termination phase (Analyzer  Host computer)

The analyzer transmits an <EOT> and does not wait for any returned character.
The analyzer changes to Idle line mode.

5.4.4 Example of an exchange (Analyzer  Host computer)

Analyzer Host computer

<ENQ> --------->

<--------- <ACK> (ou <EOT>)

<STX> 1 [DATA1]<ETX>[C1][C2]<CR><LF> --------->

<--------- <ACK> (ou <EOT>)

<STX> 2 [DATA2]<ETX>[C1][C2]<CR><LF> --------->

<--------- <ACK> (ou <EOT>)

<STX> 3 [DATA3]<ETX>[C1][C2]<CR><LF> --------->

<--------- <ACK> (ou <EOT>)

<EOT> --------->

No response expected
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5 Exchange Protocol
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Record definitions
6
6 Record definitions

6.1 Message header record

Purpose: to identify the sender.

Example of a message header record on the analyzer:

H | \ ^ & | | | 99 ^ 2.00 | | | | | | | P | 1.00 | 19941213100400 <CR>

Description of a message header record on the analyzer:

Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

7.1.1 Record type ID

H = Header record (48h) YES YES

7.1.2 Delimiter definition YES YES

| = Field delimiter (7Ch)

\ = Repeat delimiter (5Ch)
^ = Component delimiter (5Eh)
& = Escape delimiter (26h)

7.1.3 | Message control ID NO NO

7.1.4 | Access password NO NO

7.1.5 | Sender name or ID

99 = Analyzer ID number1 YES YES

(numeric from 1 to 99)

^
2.00 = Version number of the ASTM YES YES
protocol on the analyzer

7.1.6 | Sender mailing address NO NO

7.1.7 | Reserved field NO NO

7.1.8 | Sender telephone number NO NO

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6 Record definitions

Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

7.1.9 | Sender characteristics NO NO

7.1.10 | Receiver ID NO NO

7.1.11 | Comments or special instructions NO NO

7.1.12 | Processing ID

P P = production YES NO
Q = quality control YES NO
T = training NO NO
D = debugging NO NO

7.1.13 | Version # YES NO

1.00 = Version level of ASTM specifications

(E 1394-91)

7.1.14 | Date and time of message YES NO

19941213 format: yyyymmddhhmmss

100400 yyyy = year
mm = month
dd = day
hh = hour
mm = minutes
ss = seconds

<CR> Carriage returns

1 For the analyzer, this parameter is defined in System - Settings, tab Settings 2.
(see chapter 4)

6.2 Patient information record

Purpose: to give information about the patient.

Implementation example on the analyzer:

P|1| | | Info1^ Info2^Info3^Info4<CR>
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Record definitions
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Description of a Patient Information Record on the analyzer:

Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

8.1.1 Record Type ID YES YES

P = Patient record(50h)

8.1.2 | Sequence Number YES YES

1

8.1.3 | Practice Assigned Patient ID NO NO

8.1.4 | Laboratory Assigned Patient ID NO NO

8.1.5 | Patient ID No.3 YES YES

Info1 = 16 Alphanumeric characters max.

Info2 = 12 Alphanumeric characters max.

Info3 = 6 Alphanumeric characters max.

Info4 = 4 Alphanumeric characters max.

<CR> Carriage return

Fields corresponding to paragraphs 8.1.6 to 8.1.35 of the E 1394-91 standard are not
supported. In downloading mode (host computer to analyzer), if these fields exist, they
are ignored. In uploading mode (analyzer to host computer), the record format described
above is used.
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6 Record definitions

6.3 Test order record

Purpose:
- In downloading mode (Host computer  Analyzer), this record is used by the host
computer to give orders to the analyzer (STA Compact Max®): list of tests to be run.
- In uploading mode (Analyzer  Host computer), this record is used by the analyzer to
give the sample identification.

Implementation example in downloading mode (host computer to analyzer):

O | 1 | 00120025 | | ^^^10 \ ^^^11 \ ^^^12 | R <CR>

Implementation example in uploading mode (analyzer to host computer):

O | 1 | 00120025 | | | R <CR>

Description of a test order record:

Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

9.4.1 Record Type ID

O = Order record YES YES

9.4.2 | Sequence number YES YES

1

9.4.3 | Specimen ID YES YES

00120025 = 16 Alphanumeric characters max.

9.4.4 | Instrument specimen ID

Send sequence number (in the
System - Settings, Settings 2 tab):

=> Activated YES NO

=> Not activated NO NO
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Record definitions
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Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

9.4.5 | Instrument specimen ID NO YES

Universal test ID part 1

^

Universal test ID name

^

Universal test ID type

^

Manufacturer’s or local code

10 = ID of the first requested test (1)
\ = Repeat field delimiter
^
^
^
11 = ID of the second requested test (1)
\ = Repeat field delimiter
^
^
^
12 = ID of the third requested test (1)

9.4.6 | Priority
R
R = Routine YES YES
S = Stat YES YES
A = As soon as possible NO NO
C = Callback NO NO
P = Preoperative NO NO

<CR> Carriage return

1 On the analyzer, these identifications are the transmission test numbers defined for
each test main units (see Reference Manual, chapter Methodologies.).
The analyzer can accept a maximum of 12 tests for each sample.
Transmission rank must be beneath or equal to 255.

Fields 9.4.7 to 9.4.31 as defined in the ASTM Specifications E 1394-91 are not
supported. In downloading mode (Host computer  Analyzer), if these fields exist, they
are ignored. In uploading mode (Analyzer  Host computer), the record format described
above is used.
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6 Record definitions

6.4 Result record

Purpose: to send results to the host computer.

Result Record example on the analyzer:

R | 1 | ^^^10 | 100 | % | | | | F | | | | 19941213100400 <CR>

Description of a result record on the analyzer:

Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

10.1.1 Record Type ID YES NO

R = Result record (52h)

10.1.2 | Sequence number YES NO

1

10.1.3 | Universal Test ID YES NO

Universal Test ID part 1

^
Universal Test ID name
^
Universal Test ID type
^
Manufacturer’s or local code
10 = ID of the test1

10.1.4 | Data or measurement value YES NO

100 = Test result

10.1.5 | Units YES NO

% = Unit of the test result2

10.1.6 | Reference ranges NO NO

10.1.7 | Result abnormal flags NO NO

10.1.8 | Nature of abnormality testing NO NO

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Record definitions
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Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

10.1.9 | Result status

F F = Final results YES NO

C = Correction of previously NO NO
transmitted results

P = Preliminary results NO NO

X = Results cannot be done, request NO NO

will not be honored

I = In analyzer, results pending NO NO

S = Partial results NO NO

M = This result is a MIC level NO NO

R = This result was previously NO NO

transmitted

N = This result record contains NO NO

necessary information to run a new
order

Q = This result is a response to an NO NO

outstanding query

V = Operator verified/approved NO NO
result

10.1.10 | Date of change in analyzer NO NO

normative values or units

10.1.11 | Operator identification NO NO

10.1.12 | Date/Time test started NO NO

10.1.13 | Date/Time test completed YES (3) NO

19941213 Format: yyyymmddhhmmss
100400 yyyy = year - mm = month

dd = day - hh = hour
mm = minutes - ss = seconds

<CR> Carriage return

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6 Record definitions

1 For the analyzer, this identification is the transmission test number defined for each
related test unit (see Reference Manual, chapter Methodologies)
Transmission rank must be beneath or equal to 255.
2 List of units available on the analyzer:

Units Result format

Sec., reference time xxx.x

%, mg/dl xxxxx

DO, DO/mn x.xxx

Ratio, INR, g/l, ng/ml, U/ml, xx.xx

Ul/ml, µg/ml

UA1, UA2, UA3 0 to 3 decimal

3 Is only used while uploading quality control results.

One record is used for each result. If for a requested test result can be expressed in 3
different units, then there will be 3 records.
In the case of a rediluted test, record is only sent in main unit. Record for a result in
secondary unit is not sent in this case.

On the analyzer, a result record is always followed by a manufacturer information record

(see below, chapter 6.7).

Field 10.1.14 as defined in the ASTM Specifications E 1394-91 is not supported. In

downloading mode (Host computer Analyzer), if this field exists, it is ignored. In
uploading mode (Analyzer  Host computer), the record format described above is used.
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Record definitions
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6.5 Request Information Record
Purpose: for the analyzer, request of the working list (tests to be run).

Implementation example of a Request Information Record:

Q | 1 | ^ 00120025 <CR>

Description of a resquest information record:

Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

12.1.1 Record Type ID YES NO

Q = Request information record

12.1.2 | Sequence number YES NO

12.1.3 | Starting range ID Number YES NO

Computer system patient ID

^
Specimen ID
00120025 = 16 Alphanumeric characters max.

<CR> Carriage returns

Field 12.1.4 à 12.1.13 as defined in the ASTM Specifications E 1394-91 are not
supported. In downloading mode (host computer  Analyzer ), if these fields exist, they
are ignored. In uploading mode (Analyzer  Host computer), the record format described
above is used.
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6 Record definitions

6.6 Message Terminator record

Purpose: last record of message.

Implementation example of message terminator record:

L | 1 | N <CR>

Description of a terminator record:

Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

13.1.1 Record Type ID YES YES

L = Terminator record

13.1.2 | Sequence number YES YES

13.1.3 | Terminator Code

N N = Normal termination YES NO

T = Sender aborted NO NO

R = Receiver requested abort NO NO

E = Unknown system error NO NO

Q = Error in last request for NO NO

information

I = No information available from last NO NO

query

F = Last request for information NO NO

precessed

<CR> Carriage return

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Record definitions
6
6.7 Maufacturer information record
Purpose: to transmit result error code and result alarm code.

Implementation example of Manufacturer information record:

M | 1 | A | @ <CR>

Description of a Manufacturer information record:

Supported
Paragraph
number in Upload Reception
Character Field description (Analyzer (Host
E 1394-91
 computer
standard 
Host
computer) Analyzer)

15.1.1 Record Type ID

M = Manufacturer information record YES NO

15.1.2 | Sequence number YES NO

15.1.3 | Error code YES NO

A A = Validated (see error code list

below)

15.1.4 | Alarm code YES NO

@ @ = No alarm (see alarm code list

below)

<CR> Carriage return

On the analyzer a Manufacturer information record always follows a result record to

indicate the error and the alarm codes of the result.

Examples:
R | 1 | ^^^10 | 100 | % | | | | F | | | | 19941213100400 <CR>
M | 1 | A | @ <CR>
R | 2 | ^^^11 | 13.2 | sec. | | | | F | | | | 19941213100400 <CR>
M | 2 | A | @ <CR>
R | 3 | ^^^12 | 1.23 | INR | | | | F | | | | 19941213100400 <CR>
M | 3 | A | @ <CR>
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6 Record definitions

Definition of error codes:

Characters ASCII Code Error code definition

'0' 30h "internal error"

'1' 31h "to be validated"
'2' 32h "tech error"
'3' 33h ">Mmax."
'4' 34h "<Mmin."
'5' 35h "Dif>Tol"
'6' 36h "QNS" (insufficient quantity of
plasma)
'8' 38h "linearity"
'A' 41h "validated"

For "0", "2", "3", "4", "6" or "8" error codes, the value "0" is transmitted to the SIL in the
Result record.
For "1", "5" or "A" error codes, a result is transmitted.
Definition of alarm codes:

Characters ASCII Code Alarm description

'@' 40h No alarm

'A' 41h Result Confirm with T > Tmax

'B' 42h Not used

'C' 43h Quality control Out of range or not done

'D' 44h Quality control Overrident

'E' 45h Needle n° 3 No level detection

'F' 46h Needle n° 2 No level detection

'G' 47h Needle n° 1 No level detection

'H' 48h Result Value in primary units skewed

'I' 49h Result Dilution change

'J' 4Ah Result Rerun test

'K' 4Bh Reagent drawer Temperature out of limit

'L' 4Ch Syringe Maintenance date overdue

'M' 4Dh Not used

'N' 4Eh Not used

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Record definitions
6

When several alarm codes are assigned to a result, only the code with the highest priority
is transmitted. Alarm codes are classified from "@" to "N" with highest priority for code
"@".
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6 Record definitions
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 ASTM PROTOCOL
Typical contents of some messages
7

7 Typical contents of some messages

7.1 Result transmission (Analyzer  Host computer)

Each message refers only to one sample:
- Header record
- Patient record
- Test order record
- Result record
- Manufacturer information record
- Message Terminator record

7.2 Request for a working list

Each message refers only to one sample:
- Header record
- Test order record
- Message Terminator record

7.3 Working list return

Each message refers only to one sample:
- Header record
- Patient record
- Test order record
- Message Terminator record
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7 Typical contents of some messages
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 ASTM PROTOCOL
Flowcharts (ASTM)
8

8 Flowcharts (ASTM)

8.1 Sequencing of Reception / Transmission

Fig. 1 - Sequencing of Reception / Transmission

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8 Flowcharts (ASTM)

8.2 Acquisition of a frame sent by the host computer

Fig. 2 - Acquisition of a frame sent by the host computer

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Flowcharts (ASTM)
8
8.3 Establishment phase (Analyzer  Host computer)

Fig. 3 - Establishment phase (Analyzer => Host computer)

* n: number of on error retries, defined in System - Settings Setting 2 tab (see chapter 4)
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8 Flowcharts (ASTM)

8.4 Transfer phase (Analyzer  Host computer)

Fig. 4 - Transfer phase (Analyzer  Host computer)

* n: number of on error retries, defined in System - Settings Setting 2 tab (see chapter 4)
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Flowcharts (ASTM)
8
8.5 Termination phase (Analyzer  Host computer)

Fig. 5 - Termination phase (Analyzer  Host computer)

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8 Flowcharts (ASTM)
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Example of traces (ASTM)
9

9 Example of traces (ASTM)

9.1 Transmission of patient file (Analyzer  Host computer)

Analyzer 16:09:50 The analyzer resquests

connection to host computer
<ENQ>

Host computer 16:09:50 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:50 The analyzer sends the header

record
<STX>1H|\^&|||99^2.00|||||||P|1.00|
19950227160750<CR><ETX>2A<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:09:50 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:50 The analyzer sends the Patient

record
<STX>2P|1|||GISCARD^Gaston^Serv.1^Gr.A
<CR><ETX>5D<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:09:50 Host computer answers OK

<ACK> (Acknowledge)

Analyzer 16:09:50 The analyzer sends the test order

record.
<STX>3O|1|6|||R<CR><ETX>B7<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:09:50 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:50 The analyzer sends the first result

record: TP at 100%
<STX>4R|1|^^^1|100|%||||F||||<CR><ETX>DE<
CR><LF>

Host computer 16:09:51 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:51 The analyzer sends the

Manufacturer Information record
<STX>5M|1|A|C<CR><ETX>BB<CR><LF> for the first result.
Error Code = validated, Alarm
Code = Quality Control: out of
range or not done

Host computer 16:09:51 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
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9 Example of traces (ASTM)

Analyzer 16:09:51 The analyzer sends the second

result record: TP at 10,8 s.
<STX>6R|2|^^^10|10.8|sec||||F||||
<CR><ETX>5D<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:09:51 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:51 The analyzer sends the

Manufacturer Information record
<STX>7M|2|A|C<CR><ETX>BE<CR><LF> for the second result
Error Code=validated, Alarm
Code = Quality control: out of
range or not done

Host computer 16:09:51 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:01:51 The analyzer sends the third

result record: TP with INR=1,00
<STX>0R|3|^^^11|1.00|INR||||F||||
<CR><ETX>FF<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:01:51 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:51 The analyzer sends the

Manufacturer Information record
<STX>1M|3|A|C<CR><ETX>B9<CR><LF> for the third result
Error code = validated, Alarm
Code = Quality control: out of
range or not done

Host computer 16:09:51 Host computer answers OK

<ACK> (Acknowledge)

Analyzer 16:09:51 The analyzer sends the fourth

Result record: reference time for
<STX>2R|4|^^^12|12.3|Tém.||||F|||| TP=12.3 s.
<CR><ETX>90<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:09:51 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:52 The analyzer sends the

Manufacturer Information for the
<STX>3M|4|A|C<CR><ETX>BC<CR><LF> fourth result
Error Code = validated, Alarm
Code = Quality control: out of
range or not done

Host computer 16:09:52 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:51 The analyzer sends the fifth

Result record: Fibrinogen at
<STX>4R|5|^^^3|4.56|g/l.||||F|||| 4.56 g/l
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Example of traces (ASTM)
9
Host computer 16:09:52 Host computer answers OK
(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:52 The analyzer sends the

Manufacturer Information record
<STX>5M|5|A|C<CR><ETX>BF<CR><LF> for the fifth result
Error Code = validated, Alarm
Code = Quality control: out of
range or not done

Host computer 16:09:52 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:52 The analyzer sends the sixth

Result record: Fibrinogen at
<STX>6R|6|^^^30|11.9|sec||||F|||| 11.9 s.
<CR><ETX>65<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:09:52 Host computer answers OK

<ACK> (Acknowledge)

Analyzer 16:09:52 The analyzer sends the

Manufacturer Information record
<STX>7M|6|A|C<CR><ETX>C2<CR><LF> for the sixth result
Error Code = validated, Alarm
Code = Quality control: out of
range or not done

Host computer 16:09:52 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:52 The analyzer sends the message

Terminator record.
<STX>0L|1|N<CR><ETX>03<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:09:52 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge).
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:09:52 The analyzer sends an END of

<EOT> Transmission.
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9 Example of traces (ASTM)

9.2 Request for a working list

Analyzer 16:11:52 The analyzer requests

connection
<ENQ>

Host computer 16:11:52 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:11:52 The analyzer sends the header

record
<STX>1H|\^&|||99^2.00|||||||P|1.00|
19950227160953<CR><ETX>2F<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:11:52 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge).
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:11:52 The analyzer sends the request

information record for patient
<STX>2Q|1|^ESSAI<CR><ETX>8F<CR><LF> ESSAI.

Host computer 16:11:52 Host computer answers OK

<ACK> (Acknowledge).

Analyzer 16:11:53 The analyzer slends the message

terminator record
<STX>3L|1|N<CR><ETX>06<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:11:53 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge).
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:11:53 The analyzer sends an END of

transmission
<EOT>

The analyzer is allowed to transmit several messages Request for a working file one
after the other without allowing the intermediate return of these (see chapter 3.1 and
standard E 1381-91).
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Example of traces (ASTM)
9
9.3 Working list return

Host computer 16:11:53 The host computer requests

connection to the analyzer
<ENQ>

Analyzer 16:11:53 The analyzer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Host computer 16:11:53 The host computer sends the

header record
<STX>1H|\^&|||99^2.00|||||||P|1.00|
19950227161153<CR><ETX>28<CR><LF>

Analyzer 16:11:53 The analyzer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Host computer 16:11:53 The host computer sends the

patient record for patient ESSAI
<STX>2P|1|||BRUN^Didier^Essai^Site
<CR><ETX>DF<CR><LF>

Analyzer 16:11:54 The analyzer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Host computer 16:11:54 The host computer sends the

Test order record for patient
<STX>3O|1|ESSAI||^^^1\^^^2\^^^3 ESSAI
|R<CR><ETX>92<CR><LF>
Analyzer 16:11:54 The analyzer answers OK
(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Host computer 16:11:55 The host computer sends the

message Terminator record
<STX>4L|1|N<CR><ETX>07<CR><LF>

Analyzer 16:11:55 The analyzer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Host computer 16:11:55 The host computer sends an

END of transmission
<EOT>

This message Working List Return can also be used to add tests, to rerurn tests or to
modify the priority code.
To add tests, Test order record has to include the local codes of tests to be added.
To rerun tests, it has to include the local codes of the tests to be rerun.
And, to modify only the priority code for a patient file already present in the analyzer
Working File, short Test Order records can be used:
- example to modify priority code from routine to stat: O|1|ESSAI|||S<CR>.
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9 Example of traces (ASTM)

9.4 Transmission of a quality control result

(Analyzer  Host computer)

Analyzer 16:10:48 The analyzer requests

connection to the host computer
<ENQ>

Host computer 16:10:48 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:10:48 The analyzer sends the header

record with processing ID = Q for
<STX>1H|\^&|||99^2.00|||||||Q|1.00| quality control
19950227160848<CR><ETX>33<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:10:48 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:10:48 The analyzer sends the patient

record
<STX>2P|1|||<CR><ETX>B3<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:10:48 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:10:48 The analyzer sends the test order

for the STA®-COAG CONT P
<STX>3O|1|12352|||R<CR><ETX>7E
(12352)
<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:10:48 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge).
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:10:48 The analyzer sends the result

record: TP at 30% the 24th
<STX>4R|1|^^^1|30|%||||F|||| February 95 at 08h51
19950224085100<CR><ETX>7E<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:10:48 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:10:48 The analyzer sends the

Manufacturer Information record
<STX>5M|1|A|@<CR><ETX>B8<CR><LF> Error Code = validated, Alarm
Code = none

Host computer 16:10:48 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>
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Example of traces (ASTM)
9
Analyzer 16:10:48 The analyzer sends the message
Terminator record
<STX>6L|1|N<CR><ETX>09<CR><LF>

Host computer 16:10:48 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:10:48 The analyzer sends an END of

transmission
<EOT>

9.5 Test of the line

Analyzer 16:08:14 The analyzer requests

connection to the host computer
<ENQ>

Host computer 16:08:14 Host computer answers OK

(Acknowledge)
<ACK>

Analyzer 16:08:14 The analyzer sends an END of

transmission
<EOT>
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9 Example of traces (ASTM)
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