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SNOMED CT® Release Format 1 (RF1) Guide - ihtsdo

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2.2.2.1.1.2. Refinement attribute names<br />

A defining relationship of the base concept can also be refined by applying a name that is a subtype of the<br />

defining attribute name. For example, if the defining relationship specifies a | procedure site | this may be<br />

refined to | procedure site - direct | or | procedure site - indirect |.<br />

2.2.2.1.1.3. Refinement of defining Relationship groups<br />

If a refinement is applied to one of the defining relationships within a relationship group, it is the group a whole<br />

that is refined.<br />

It is also permissible for a stated (close-to-user) expression to refine a relationship without grouping the refined<br />

relationship or without fully enumerating the group of which it is part. In this case, resolution to an inferred<br />

structure should apply the ungrouped relationship value (or partially enumerated group) as a refinement of<br />

any group to which that refinement can be appropriately applied.<br />

2.2.2.1.1.4. Nested refinement of defining Relationships<br />

The value of a defining relationship may itself be refined. In this case the value of the relationship becomes<br />

a post-coordinated expression rather than a precoordinated concept.<br />

This occurs most frequently in the following situations:<br />

Laterality refinement<br />

The laterality qualification applies to the value of the | procedure site | or | finding site | relationship and is<br />

logically nested under site.<br />

(Note lateralization is discussed separately)<br />

Refinement of situation with explicit contexts<br />

The | associated finding | or | associated procedure | is a | clinical finding | or | procedure |, which may itself<br />

be refined (e.g. with severity).<br />

2.2.2.1.2. Applying values to qualifiers<br />

2.2.2.1.2.1. Applying values to individual qualifiers<br />

A qualifying relationship of the base concept can be used to apply a refinement. The nature of the allowable<br />

refinement using qualifiers is determined by the value of the "refinability property" of the qualifying relationship.<br />

Not refinable<br />

The qualifier can only be used to refine the base concept by applying the qualifying value specified in the<br />

distributed table.<br />

Refinable<br />

The qualifier can be used to refine the base concept by applying the qualifying value specified in the distributed<br />

table or any subtype of that value.<br />

Mandatory to refine<br />

The qualifier can be used to refine the base concept by applying a subtype of the qualifying value specified<br />

in the distributed table. It cannot be applied with the specified value itself as this is a non-specific grouping<br />

value for possible refinements.<br />

This approach to refinement is fully supported by the <strong>SNOMED</strong> CT Concept Model.<br />

2.2.2.1.2.2. Grouping qualifier refinements<br />

In theory the value of a qualifier may apply only to the content of one relationship group.<br />

Structure and Content <strong>Guide</strong> | 47<br />

© 2002-2012 International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation CVR #: 30363434

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