Data processing in pathology laboratories: the extension of the Phoenix system into haematology

A computer data-processing system in the chemical pathology laboratories of the Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital was described recently. This has now been extended to include the haematology laboratory. In the main, the original 'Phoenix' programs were adaptable to the new subject, but two major new programs were required, one to deal with automated blood counting by the Coulter S and one to accept film examination results on-line. The programs and procedures have been thoroughly tested and in routine use since 1977. The results have fully justified their introduction.