SNOMED CT Observable entity

Concepts in this hierarchy can be thought of as representing a question or procedure which can produce an answer or a result. For instance, Left ventricular end-diastolic pressue (observable entity) could be interpreted as the question "What is the left ventricular end diastolic pressure?" or "What is the measured left ventricular end-diastolic pressure?"

Observables are entities that could be used to code elements on a checklist or any element where a value can be assigned. Color of nail (observable entity) is an observable. Gray nails (finding) is a finding.

One use for Observable entities in a clinical record is to code headers on a template. For example, Gender (observable entity) could be used to code a section of a template titled "Gender" where the user would choose "male" or "female". "Female gender" would then constitute a finding. 

Working Group: Observable & Investigation Model