An historical perspective on clinical laboratory information systems

ABSTRACT

The clinical laboratory environment represents a microcosm in which practical solutions to operational problems in medical informatics have gone hand in hand with the development of laboratory instrumentation and computer technologies. These achievements follow a typical pattern in technological development, leading from the specific to the inclusive. The history of laboratory computing offers insights, not only for the past, but also for the future.

REFERENCES

• 1: Sahal, D., Patterns of Technological Innovation, Addison-Wesley, London, 1981.
• 2: Foster, R., Innovation, the Attacker' s Advantage, Sumrait Books, N.Y., 1986.
• 3: Toynbee, A. J., A Study of History, Vol. XII, Reconsiderations, Chap. IX: "The Transitional Societies," Oxford University Press, N.Y. 1961, p. 331.
• 4: Ibid, Chap. XIX: "The Next Ledge," p. 562.
• 5: Encyclopedia Britanica, Vol. 6, "Office Machines and Appliances," Benton, Chicago, 1966, p. 24.
• 6: Ibid, Vol. 16, "Computing Machines, Electronic," p. 13.
• 7: Aller, R. D., Personal Communication, Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, CA.
• 8: Proceedings of The Second International Conference, "Computing in Clinical Laboratories," Birmingham, England, 1977, p. 7.
• 9: Johnson, J. Lloyd Associates, "Achieving the Optimal Information System for the Laboratory," Northbrook, IL, 1975.
• 10: Joseph G. Liscouski, Computers in the Laboratory: Current Practice and Future Trends, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 1984
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• 12: Krieg, A. F., et al., "A Definition and Classification of Clinical Laboratory Data Processing," Pathologist 33: 78-83, 1979.
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• 14: Aller R. D. and Elevitch, F. R. (eds.),} "Symposium on Computers in the Clinical Laboratory," Clinics in Laboratory Medicine No. 3: 1983, pp. 1-254.
• 15: Aller, R. D. and Elevitch, F.R., "The ABCs of LIS: Computerizing Your Laboratory Information System," American Society of Clinical Pathologists, Chicago, 198 6.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

Additional Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.3 LIFE AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
      Subjects: Medical information systems

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.2 HISTORY OF COMPUTING
      Subjects: Systems

General Terms:
Experimentation, Human Factors