title: Computers in the clinical laboratory: what we have learned.
abstract: The clinical laboratory responds to a request for results by processing a specimen. The output is a report on a priority response. The role of the laboratory computer is that of a work allocation control system, which monitors and directs this intricate piecework activity. The operation is analogous to light industry. Effectiveness depends upon hardware reliability and internal laboratory control of the computer system.
mesh_terms: D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006747:Hospital Communication Systems; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013597:Systems Analysis