Cohort code generation routines within SAS Health: Cohort Builder 2.1.1 create unique SAS format names by appending sequential letters of the alphabet, such as A, B, C, and so on.

When more than 26 format names are generated, and the end of the alphabet is reached, the next ASCII character is used. However, then the result is an invalid SAS format name.

This issue is addressed beginning in SAS^® Health: Cohort Builder 2.1.2. The application will continue to cycle through the 26 letters of the alphabet but extends the length of the format name by progressing from format-nameZ to format-nameAA, format-nameBB, and so on.

Operating System and Release Information

Viya on Linux: An update for this issue is available for SAS Viya 3.5. For instructions on how to access and apply software updates, see the Updating Your SAS Viya software section in the SAS Viya 3.5 for Linux Deployment Guide at