An improved computer-based, multi-channel system for automatic chemical analysis

A comprehensive laboratory computer system working round the clock

The special features of a laboratory computer system operated by laboratory staff around the clock are presented. The system provides registration of work, production of worksheets, on-line data acquisition and reporting results. The reasons for the special design features are discussed.

An on-line work scheduling and ward requesting pattern information system

The organisational efficiency of sample admission to the routine laboratory and the allocation to test methods has been improved by a scheduling system based on an on-line mini-computer. A flexible system has been constructed using multiple visual displays, which produce work allocation lists. Computer techniques have been developed which enable maximal use of the on-line system while retaining the general flexibility of high-level language coding, as implemented on an unsophisticated 12-bit processor. The file structure has been designed to provide cumulative information on the requesting patterns appropriate to any of the many sources of samples to the laboratory, and to allow the automatic merging of worksheet and laboratory data, the latter being generated and transmitted from a second mini-computer system.

Implementation of a British computer system for laboratory data handling

This paper describes the development and implementation of a small real-time British computer system for the handling of patient and test result data in the chemical pathology laboratories of the King's Health District (Teaching). Work destined for subsequent reporting by the computer system is entered by continuous on-line teletype. Test result data from multichannel analyzers are input using an on-line trace reader. Cumulative reports are printed both by line printer at the central laboratory and by on-line teletypes at two peripheral hospital laboratories. In a working day over 4000 new items of data are generated and 300-500 reports printed. The use of a trace reader as an inputing device and the method of employing a high capacity disk to give both speed of operation and limited archive facility are discussed.