A combined data- and knowledge base system for the interpretation of metabolic investigations of erythrocytes from hemolytic and polycythemic patients.
A knowledge based-information system has been constructed to facilitate and standardize the interpretation of data obtained from specialized analyses in laboratory medicine. For illustration the system was applied to metabolic studies of erythrocytes from patients in whom hereditary disorders are suspected to explain the presence of a hemolytic anemia or polycythemia. The study includes assay of the catalytic activity of ten different enzymes and the concentration of some key metabolites. The knowledge based system is an excellent tool for documentation, updating and transfer of knowledge about the interpretative process. This will reduce the risk that changes in this process are made without sound motivation and documentation. Furthermore, the statistical and graphic features of the system provide data for long-term quality assessment and insights into reference sample groups which are used to update decision limits. A few cases are used to illustrate the advantages of the system.
de Verdier
C H
CH
Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Groth
T
T
Wiener
F
F
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D011086:Polycythemia / Q000175:diagnosis*