HL7 v2 Conformance Testing Tools

To better ensure seamless data exchange, implementers must develop messaging capabilities as specified in the standard. Testing aids in confirming or refuting a correct implementation. NIST provides a portfolio of testing tools to conduct conformance testing that implementers and testing bodies can use to determine conformance to an HL7 v2 Messaging Guide. NIST offers the tools and source code as public domain resources.

The NIST HL7 v2 testing tools are used by

• Implementers for self-testing,
• The ONC Health IT certification in support of CMS Meaningful Use,
• IHE Connect-a-thon testing events,
• HIMSS EHR Certification,
• AIRA Assessment,
• Local public health organizations for on-boarding purposes,
• And other stakeholders

The test tools provides both context-free testing and context-based testing. Context-free testing tests a message based on the technical requirements without any context. Context-based testing provides additional testing capabilities through the means of directed test cases and example messages. This kind of testing is a powerful mechanism, since it provides implementers with typical real world scenarios and example implementations thereof. Implementations that test for and confirm conformance to the standard are much more likely to interoperate seamlessly upon installation and, thus, will save time and money.

NIST has built and maintains a portfolio of tools for public use and download. See the list below. Furthermore, NIST provides a platform (link to platform page) in which stakeholders can build and maintain their own tools.

List of NIST Developed and Maintained HL7 v2 Conformance Testing Tools:

NIST HL7 v2 Tool and Resource Portal:  https://hl7v2tools.nist.gov

Domain Specific Tools:

Immunization Test Suite: https://hl7v2-iz-r1-5-testing.nist.gov

Syndromic Surveillance: https://hl7v2-ss-r2-testing.nist.gov

Laboratory Results: https://hl7v2-lab-testing.nist.gov

Public Health Laboratory Results Reporting: https://hl7v2-elr-testing.nist.gov

Laboratory Test Suite: https://hl7v2-lab-r2-testing.nist.gov

Patient Care Device (PCD):  https://ihe-pcd.nist.gov