ILIS--An integrated laboratory information system. I. Biochemistry and hematology

IBM System 34 (central processing unit, 128 kilobytes; fixed disks, 128.4 megabytes) with seven cathode-ray tubes has been used by our clinical laboratories for the last 30 months. All data-entry programs are in a conversational mode, for on-line corrections of possible errors in patient identification and results. Daily reports are removed from the medical records after temporary and permanent cumulative weekly reports are received, which keep a three-month track of the results. The main advantages of the system are: (a) the increasing laboratory work load can be handled with the same staff; (b) the volume of the medical record files on the patients is decreased; (c) an easily retrievable large data base of results is formed for research purposes; (d) faster billing; and (e) the computer system is run without engaging any additional staff.