NAACCR CPR Guidelines to be Incorporated into HL7 LRI Implementation Guide

The NAACCR Cancer Pathology Reporting (CPR) Guidelines – also known as Laboratory Electronic Pathology Reporting Guidelines Volume V – are being incorporated into HL7’s Laboratory Reporting Interface (LRI) Implementation Guide through the May 2026 HL7 ballot process.

This effort is led by Sandy Jones (contractor) in collaboration with NAACCR’s CPR workgroup.

HL7’s LRI is a standard implementation guide based on HL7 version 2.5.1 that supports the consistent electronic exchange of laboratory results. It covers a wide range of reporting domains including general lab results, microbiology, newborn screening, clinical genomics, and now cancer pathology reporting.

The LRI provides several key benefits. It promotes consistent implementation across laboratory systems (LIS) and offers standardized specifications for ambulatory laboratory reporting that can be broadly adopted.

Incorporating cancer pathology reporting into the LRI also offers important advantages. It allows for and strengthens collaboration with other HL7 laboratory workgroups, adapts to current administrative requirements, and aligns with current national standards. As part of this, NAACCR’s CPR workgroup will continue to update and maintain ownership of the CPR guidelines. The CPR workgroup will also remain responsible for updates to cancer pathology reporting, which will be reflected in both the NAACCR standards and in HL7’s LRI.

HL7’s ballot will open Friday, April 10, 2026, and close on Monday, May 11, 2026. During this period, HL7 members are allowed to vote on the proposed update and provide comments. Following the ballot close date, the LRI will go through a reconciliation process to review and address the comments. Once the reconciliation process is complete, the updated LRI guide including cancer pathology reporting will be published.

All HL7 members are encouraged to participate in the ballot.

Additional details about an upcoming webinar will be shared via NAACCR Listserv. The webinar will provide guidance on how the central cancer registry community can review the LRI guide and comment during the ballot period.