title: Artificial Neural Network Approach in Laboratory Test Reporting:  Learning Algorithms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the field of laboratory medicine, minimizing errors and establishing standardization is only possible by predefined processes. The aim of this study was to build an experimental decision algorithm model open to improvement that would efficiently and rapidly evaluate the results of biochemical tests with critical values by evaluating multiple factors concurrently.
  
  
  METHODS
  The experimental model was built by Weka software (Weka, Waikato, New Zealand) based on the artificial neural network method. Data were received from Dokuz Eylül University Central Laboratory. "Training sets" were developed for our experimental model to teach the evaluation criteria. After training the system, "test sets" developed for different conditions were used to statistically assess the validity of the model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After developing the decision algorithm with three iterations of training, no result was verified that was refused by the laboratory specialist. The sensitivity of the model was 91% and specificity was 100%. The estimated κ score was 0.950.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study based on an artificial neural network to build an experimental assessment and decision algorithm model. By integrating our trained algorithm model into a laboratory information system, it may be possible to reduce employees' workload without compromising patient safety.
authors.affiliation: From the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Dr Suat Seren Chest Disease and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Neurosciences, The Institute of Health Sciences drferhat5505@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ferhat
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Demirci
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, The Institute of Health Sciences Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine.
authors.forename: Pinar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Akan
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine.
authors.forename: Tuncay
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kume
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine.
authors.forename: Ali Riza
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Sisman
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine.
authors.forename: Zubeyde
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Erbayraktar
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Suleyman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sevinc
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D000069550:Machine Learning; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D012107:Research Design; D012984:Software
keywords: Autoverification; Biochemistry; Clinical laboratory; Information systems; Machine learning; Neural networks (computer)