Observation result

OBX carries observation and result data in HL7v2 messages. It transmits lab results, vital signs, diagnostic findings, and any measured or observed clinical data. OBX segments are found in ORU (unsolicited observation), ADT, and other message types.

Configure an MLLP channel in Zato to listen for incoming HL7v2 messages. Your Python service builds or receives OBX segments directly:

from zato.hl7v2.v2_9 import OBX, CWE

obx = OBX()
obx.value_type = 'NM'
obx.observation_identifier = CWE(
    identifier='2345-7',
    text='Glucose'
)
obx.observation_value = '182'

Use the validate function to check field lengths, cardinality, required fields, and datatype conformance:

from zato.hl7v2 import validate_message

result = validate_message(raw_oru)
if result.is_valid:
    print('Message is valid')
for error in result.errors:
    print(error.message)

Yes, you can map OBX fields to a FHIR Observation resource:

from zato.fhir.r4_0_1 import Observation

obs = Observation()
obs.status = 'final'
obs.code = obx.observation_identifier
obs.valueString = obx.observation_value

Use semantic Python names instead of positional notation:

# Instead of OBX.3, use:
obx.observation_identifier

# Instead of OBX.11, use:
obx.observation_result_status

# Instead of OBX.5, use:
obx.observation_value

Zato connects to any system that speaks HL7v2 over MLLP or FHIR over REST. This includes Epic, Cerner, Meditech, Allscripts, and other EHR platforms.

Yes, Zato has built-in MLLP support for sending and receiving HL7v2 messages. MLLP channels handle the framing protocol automatically.

Zato supports HL7 v2.9, which is backward compatible with earlier versions including v2.3, v2.5, and v2.7. Standard segments and datatypes are available as typed Python classes.

Yes. Zato handles both HL7v2 and FHIR natively, so you can parse v2 messages and build FHIR resources with IG-specific extensions in the same service. Typed Python classes are available for both protocols, including extensions from US Core, UK Core, Da Vinci, and other Implementation Guides.