shows how SNOMED CT release files represent the logical model .


Representation of the logical model of SNOMED CT
Release file representation of the logical model
Logical ModelRelease File RepresentationsReferences
Concepts

Each concept is represented by a row in the release file.

4.2.1 Concept File Specification
Descriptions

Each description is represented by a row in the release file.

4.2.2 Description File Specification
Stated Concept Definitions

Each stated is represented by a set of rows in the , which follows the format of an OWL Expression Reference Set. Each row contains an that forms part of the definition of the   identified by the referencedComponentId.

Notes:

  • As well as representing the definitions of individual concepts, the represents characteristics of including transitivity, reflexivity and property chains.
  • The also follows the OWL Expression Reference Set pattern. It contains general information about the terminology, which is required by a but is not subject to significant changes between release versions.

This representation was introduced in July 2018 and, following a transitional period, now fully represents all stated concept definitions.

5.2.1.9 OWL Expression Reference Set

SNOMED CT OWL Guide

SNOMED CT Logic Profile Specification

Inferred Concept Definitions

Each inferred is represented by a set of rows in the release file. Each row in the set that defines a concept, represents a necessary, defining relationship with another concept. The column in the concept file row indicates whether the set of defining relationships is sufficient to define the concept.

4.2.3 Relationship File Specification
Other Related Information

Represented by a range of release files that conform to the extensible reference set file format.

Each row in a reference set refers to a concept or description as a member of the set.The extensible structure allows different types of related information to be associated with the referenced component.

5.2 Reference Set Types

Practical Guide to Reference Sets




  1. Prior to July 2018 the of concept definitions were represented by relationships in the  . During a transitional period between July 2018 and July 2019 the OWL reference sets were introduced. Since the end of that transitional period in July 2019, the stated relationship file is no longer maintained or distributed.
    The representation of the   of concept definitions is unchanged from the perspective of the release file structure. However, the nature and quality of the inferred relationships changed as a result of inferences derived from the enhanced definitions represented as axioms in the OWL axiom reference set.
    More information on these changes is available in this document in Section 5.2.1.9 OWL Expression Reference Set and a historical note on Representation of the Logical Model - Before July 2018. Detailed information about the representation of SNOMED CT definitions using OWL axioms is provided by the SNOMED CT OWL Guide and SNOMED CT Logic Profile Specification.
    The SNOMED CT E-Learning Presentation Updates to Support Advanced Description Logic also provides an overview of the reasons for these changes.