2062665-001 G 7 
HL7 Interface: HL7 Standard Background
HL7 Communication
HL7 messages are passed between computer systems whenever a valid 
transaction occurs. For example, receiving a completed test result on the 
monitor system would cause an HL7 message to be generated and sent. After a 
message is sent, the receiving system processes the message. When processing 
is complete, the receiving system is designed to generate an application level 
acknowledgment that is returned to the sending system.
Since the HL7 standard provides flexibility in message content and format, and 
in communication protocol options, its implementation requires mutual 
agreement between the sending and receiving computer systems on the 
following items:
 message formats
 acknowledgment protocol
 communication protocol
 data handling
Communication between HIS personnel and GE interface personnel is essential 
to determine the customer-specific use of the HL7 standard.
NOTE: This document is not intended to provide instructions for implementing 
and using the HL7 standard. Details of the HL7 standard can be found in 
Health Level Seven Version 2.6.
Observation results interfaces
The HL7 observation results reporting interface for this device is for unsolicited 
trended data. ORU messages are sent unsolicited to the host at a user-
configured time interval. The monitor HL7 outbound interface pauses to wait for 
an application level acknowledgment form the host. The HIS typically uses the 
trended result message content in either of the following ways:
 To make test results available for access on the hospital computer system.
 To generate charges for completed tests.