How to Read Domain Specifications

Specifies the data type of the variable. Values for in this column are:

• Num for numeric data
• Char for character or alphanumeric data

Specifies applicable controlled terminology or formats with which to populate the variable. Values in this column are:

• The value for variable DOMAIN from CDISC Controlled Terminology (e.g., VS)
• Names of 1 or more CDISC Controlled Terminology codelist, with each codelist name in parentheses
• Short references to an external terminology (e.g., MedDRA)
• The name of an external ISO 8601 format

Specifies the role of the variable in the resulting dataset including information conveyed by the variable in the context of a data record and how the variable can be used. Values in this column are:

• Identifier for variables which identify the study, subject, domain, pool identifier, and sequence number of the record
• Topic for variables which specify the focus of the data record
• Grouping Qualifier for variables which are used to group together a collection of observations within the same domain
• Result Qualifier for variables which describe the specific results associated with the topic variable in a Findings dataset
• Synonym Qualifier for variables which specify an alternative name for a particular variable in an observation
• Record Qualifier for variables which define additional attributes of the observation record as a whole, rather than describing a particular variable within a record
• Variable Qualifier for variables which are used to further modify or describe a specific variable within an observation and are only meaningful in the context of the variable they qualify
• Rule for variables which express an algorithm or executable method to define start, end, and branching or looping conditions in the Trial Design Model datasets
• Timing for variables which describe the timing of the observation

Provides additional context for the intended use of the variable and may include:

• A description of the purpose of the variable and/or what the variable means
• Guidelines for variable use including rules for when or how the variable should be populated, or how the contents should be formatted
• Example values which could appear in the variable. Such values are intended to support understanding and are not intended to influence decisions regarding data to collect and subsequently represent in the variable. For guidance on the selection of data to collect, please refer to the appropriate regulatory authority.  

Specifies expectations for inclusion of the variable in the resulting dataset. Values in this column are:

• Req for variables which are Required and must be included in the resulting dataset and cannot be null for any record. Such variables are basic to the identification of a data record or are necessary to make the record meaningful. 
• Exp for variables which are Expected to be included in the resulting dataset, even if all values are null. Such variables are considered necessary to make the data record useful in the context of the domain.
• Perm for variables for which it is Permissible to include or exclude from the resulting dataset. Permissible variables must be included in the resulting dataset when data appropriate for the variable have been collected or derived, even if all values are null.