[Electronic data processing system for clinical microbiology].

Abstract

A computerized clinical microbiology data storage and retrieval system, which was introduced at the Institute of Medical Microbiology 14 month ago, is described. This institute has to perform routine diagnostic microbiology for hospitals in the Kanton of Zuerich including the university hospital. In addition, it serves as a public health laboratory for Zuerich and adjacent districts. Patient and physician data are entered into a data station IBM 3741 and stored on discettes. Each afternoon, these data are printed on special report forms, which then are transferred to the diagnostic laboratories. After completion of the investigation, a copy of this form containing the results is sent to the physician. Every two weeks, the information stored on the discettes are converted onto the magnetic tape "discette". In addition, the original report form, containing the codified results and the fees, are read by an optic reader, which transfers the information onto the tape "report". Both tapes then serve the computer to print the accounts as well as to summarize the results monthly in form of the medical statistics. These provide valuable information to enhance patient care. All data are stored in a cumalative microbiology data bank for later retrieval.