Data Types
23 data types in HL7 v2.1
§2A.3 Data Types:Data types define the format and structure of values within message fields. They range from simple primitives (ST, NM, DT) to complex composite types (XPN, XAD, CX) that contain multiple components. Understanding data types is essential for correctly parsing and constructing HL7 messages.
AD
Address
6 components•Used in 7•Composite
CE
Coded Element
6 components•Used in 5•Composite
CE_0057
CE Bound to Table 57
RX1-14•Primitive
CK
Composite ID With Check Digit
3 components•Used in 6•Composite
CM
Used in 20•Primitive
CM_UNDEFINED
Undefined CM Data Type
Primitive
CN
Composite ID Number and Name
Used in 20•Primitive
COMP_ID_DIGIT
COMPOSITE ID W/CHK DIGIT
Primitive
COMP_ID_NAME
COMPOSITE ID AND NAME
Primitive
COMP_QUANT
COMPOSITE QUANTITY/UNITS
Primitive
CQ
Composite Quantity With Units
2 components•Used in 5•Composite
DT
DATE
Used in 19•Primitive
FT
Formatted Text Data
Primitive
ID
CODED VALUE
Used in 115•Primitive
NM
Numeric
Used in 49•Primitive
PN
Person Name
6 components•Used in 7•Composite
SET_ID
SET ID
Primitive
SI
SET ID
Used in 14•Primitive
ST
String Data
Used in 132•Primitive
TM
Time
Primitive
TN
Telephone Number
Used in 9•Primitive
TS
Time Stamp
Used in 29•Primitive
TX
Text Data
Used in 6•Primitive