[Computer experience and further developments in the respiratory function laboratory (author's transl)].

Abstract

Reported is on satisfactory results obtained with a small-size computer consisting of punching and scanning device, as well as plain writing machine in the respiratory function laboratory. Developed in on- as well as off-line processing by an own technical staff, a diagnostic and teaching program was established for all respiratory function routine methods with the advantages of a large number of cases examined, elimination of sources of error, considerable supply of data and information, automatic documentation and filing, plain writing, interpretation and evaluation of findings. In continuation of such works also the blood gas analysis has been included. These values as the total of disturbances of the pathophysiological acid-base status are considered and interpreted. Clinical correction is forced in this man-machine dialogue by automatic stops of the whole machinery before going on. Subsequently and in addition are computer alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure gradient, venous shunt and oxygen saturation and expressed utilizing the capacity of the small-size computer. Further developments in the respiratory function diagnostic- and teaching program for small-size computers--not too expensive in the building block principle - are intended.