Identifying blood group antibodies...can a computer help?

Antibody identification is one of the last areas of laboratory medicine to embrace computerization. This is due in part to the complex nature of antibody identification. Until recently, computer programs written to assist with antibody identification have been slow and cumbersome. However, technological advances in computer hardware have greatly improved the response time for these applications. Still, blood bank technologists sometimes shun assistance from the computer because they consider anti- body investigation as an intellectually stimulating aspect of their job that they do not wish to turn over to a computer. Computer programs for antibody investigation are probably most useful for technologists who perform antibody investigations infrequently. They can also be invaluable for experienced technologists performing complex investigations. When integrated with a computerized blood bank record-keeping system, antibody investigation software can improve storage and retrieval of test results. Database applications for retrieving rare cells and sera offer the potential to improve the productivity and capability of any anti- body investigation laboratory. And word processing applications greatly enhance the potential for generating meaningful reports of test results.