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4.4.9 Conjunction component (ST)

Definition: This non-null component indicates that a second timing specification is to follow using the repeat delimiter. This field can take three values:

a) S = Synchronous

Do the next specification after this one (unless otherwise constrained by the following components: ORC-4^4-start date/time and ORC-4^5-end date/time).

An "S" specification implies that the second timing sequence follows the first, e.g., when an order is written to measure blood pressure Q15 minutes for the 1st hour, then every 2 hours for the next day.

b) A = Asynchronous

Do the next specification in parallel with this one (unless otherwise constrained by the following components: ORC-4^4-start date/time and ORC-4^5-end date/time). The conjunction of "A" specifies two parallel instructions, as are sometimes used in medication, e.g., prednisone given at 1 tab on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and at 1/2 tab on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.

c) C = This is an actuation time

It will be followed by a completion time for the service. This code allows one to distinguish between the time and priority at which a service should be actuated (e.g., blood should be drawn) and the time and priority at which a service should be completed (e.g., results should be reported).

For continuous or periodic services, the point at which the service is actually stopped is determined by the components ORC-4^5-end date/time and ORC-4^3-duration, whichever indicates an earlier stopping time. Ordinarily, only one of these components would be present, but if one requested an EKG with the specification

 ^1^QAM^X3^D10 

then the EKG would be done for only three days since the number of repeats (3) defined the earlier stopping time.

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