Microbiology subsystem of a total, dedicated laboratory computer system

Abstract

The computer system used by the Microbiology Service of the Clinical Pathology Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health [USA] is discussed. This microbiology subsystem is a part of a dedicated on-line laboratory computer system used by the entire department. The laboratory computer is connected on-line to a hospital computer which provides patient admission, transfer and discharge data. Mark sense worksheets and cathode ray tube terminals are used for result entry and correction. Cumulative patient reports are printed. Results for active and completed accessions can be easily retrieved on cathode ray terminals in the laboratory. All laboratory data are archived on magnetic tape from which a research data base and microfiched laboratory records are generated. The manner in which the system is integrated in the routine operation of the microbiology laboratory is emphasized. Some of the costs, benefits, liabilities and pitfalls associated with the introduction of the computer in the laboratory are reviewed. Concepts of some of the future enhancements to this system and some of the directions in which any future microbiology system might develop are presented.