A computer program for interpreting immunophenotypic data as an aid to the diagnosis of leukemia

A computer program has been developed for interpreting the immunophenotypic data obtained in cases of leukemia. It has been designed as a logic program, and its reasoning is based entirely on that used by one experienced immunologist. For each case the program gives a conclusion (qualified if necessary), a summary of the underlying reasoning, and suggestions for any further investigations that may be of benefit. Its performance has been considered acceptable for every one of 400 past cases, and these include various uncommon and atypical conditions.