Format/length:	an14
HES item:
National Codes:
Default Codes:

Notes:

Definition:
This is a mandatory data element and is a sequentially incremented number for each message within an interchange.

Usage:

For each message within an interchange the CDS MESSAGE REFERENCE is assigned to provide a unique identity (within an interchange). Although the data is configured in a 14 alpha-numeric format, a maximum value of 9999999 is permitted in the format of n7. Wrap around from 9999999 to 1 must be supported. 

This data element is also known by these names:

Context	Alias
plural	CDS MESSAGE REFERENCES