Computerized hematology: operation of a high-volume hematology laboratory

Abstract

Operation of automated hematology testing, on-line to a laboratory-dedicated computer, is described. The computer stores, retrieves and monitors the results of two Model S Sr. Coulter Counters, three Technicon platelet counters, one Electra 600-D, and six leukocyte differential consoles, which are interphased to the computer. All other hematology tests are batch-entered via the keyboard of cathode-ray tubes. The computer generates specimen labels, worksheets, and lists of incomplete tests, monitors all on-line instruments, and performs all the calculations used in the procedures of quality control. Results are available instantaneously on cathod-ray tubes strategically located in patient-related areas throughout the institution. These can be obtained as all of the results for a given day or as cumulative summaries or histogram-type plots of results for a given day.