Microcomputer assisted interpretative reporting of protein electrophoresis data

A microcomputer based system for interpretative reporting of protein electrophoretic data has been developed. Data for serum urine, and cerebrospinal fluid protein electrophoreses as well as immunoelectrophoresis can be entered. Patient demographic information is entered through the keyboard, followed by manual entry of total and fractionated protein levels obtained after densitometer scanning of the electrophoretic strip. Protein patterns are coded, interpreted, and final reports generated. In most cases, interpretation time is less than one second. Computer misinterpretation is uncommon and easily corrected by edit functions within the system. Discrepancies between computer and pathologist interpretation are automatically stored in a separate data file for later review and possible program modification. Any or all previous tests on a patient may be reviewed, with graphic display of the electrophoretic pattern. The system is well-accepted by the laboratory staff, and allows rapid storage, retrieval, and analysis of protein electrophoretic data.