PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “LABORATORIES, MEDICAL”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Centralization of all medical laboratory data by laser disk filing system].

In recent years, the medical laboratory system is being widely applied. We describe the medical laboratory system of our Saga Medical School Hospital, including the electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) laser disk data filing systems. The main computer system of FUJITSU M-730/4 (main memory of host computer 13 MB) handles a large amount of data, in the fields of chemistry, hematology, serology, microbiology, blood banking and histology laboratory. All 17 chemistry and hematology automatic analyzers are linked through communication lines to the main computer. The important tasks of this system are data processing, storing of information in the database, data reporting and quality control statistics. This laboratory system is also connected to the total hospital information system of FUJITSU M-760, main memory 48 MB. For pattern recognition, ECG and EEG laser disk data filing systems have been constructed. The main purpose of these filing systems is mass storage of analog data signals in laser disk, computer assisted analysis and data communication. ECG and EEG analog data are converted into digital form by the analog-to-digital converter, and then transmitted over hospital telephone lines to the central computer system for analysis. The computer assisted statements are then sent back to the ECG terminals at the nurse station. As necessary, after the physician reads over the ECG, statements are printed in the final reports. These optical reporting systems are also linked to the total hospital information system. One of the main tasks in the laboratory is the control of the seemingly endless paper work.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical Laboratory Information Systems↗

Charting the course of medical laboratories in a changing environment.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, dramatic changes have occurred in the organization, number and type of tests, and role of medical laboratories in healthcare. The role of laboratory professionals has undergone a radical change, which calls for greater analytical accuracy, and more stringent test selection, and interpretation of results. METHODS: The ancillary role of clinical laboratories in the past was analyzed in order to understand why the change has taken place, and to identify old and new areas in which laboratory information is largely used for improving upon decision making for treatment, and patient management. RESULTS: The availability of real-time laboratory results and more effective tests, the enhanced clinical consulting role, the involvement in therapeutic decisions, the efforts to prevent rather than cure disease, the shift from anecdotal care to evidence-based medicine, and the assessment of outcome for laboratory tests have all contributed to the changing role and duties of medical laboratories. CONCLUSIONS: Crucial elements in sustaining the changes in the role and contribution of medical laboratories to a high-quality healthcare are the ability of laboratory professionals to: guarantee the quality of laboratory tests irrespective of where they are performed; improve the quality of services; improve clinical outcomes; and perform joint clinical/laboratory research projects. A key factor in effecting the change has been the awareness of the importance of the knowledge and skills required for the new role of laboratory professionals.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗

The prevalence of atopy and hypersensitivity to latex in medical laboratory technologists.

Members of the Alberta Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists were invited to take part in a study of sensitivity to latex gloves. A total of 230 persons volunteered; 108 (47%) had no problems with gloves, and 122 (53%) reacted to latex gloves. A history was obtained regarding atopy, smoking, years in laboratory medicine, and the nature of the problem with latex gloves. Serum was assayed for the total IgE level and the presence of IgE with specificity to common inhalant allergens and to latex. The affected group had an increased population of subjects with an atopic history and a higher incidence of a raised IgE level and a positive screen for inhalant allergens. In the affected group, there was no relationship between the total IgE level and severity of skin reaction. However, smoking was related to severity of reaction and was more common in the groups with a more severe reaction. Three subjects were positive for IgE specific for latex; there were no other data distinguishing them from latex-negative subjects.

Adult↗

Standards for the medical laboratory--harmonization and subsidiarity.

An International Standard, ISO 15189, specifically for 'Quality management in the medical laboratory' for use by accrediting 'bodies that recognize the competence of medical laboratories,' is expected to be published shortly. The origins, content and limitations of the new standard are discussed and the diversity of current arrangements for accreditation is reviewed. A new International Standard is an important step towards harmonization of laboratory practice but an accreditation system is more than its standards and a harmonized approach to the treatment of noncompliances found at inspection is important. Experience gained in writing national standards can improve the approach to the drafting and improvement of International Standards. Recognition of the principle of subsidiarity aids rather than hinders progress to harmonization and empowers the 'fourth element' (the laboratories to be accredited) to be a part of the accreditation process.

Chemistry, Clinical↗

[Past, present and future of external quality assessment of medical laboratory testing in Japan].

In Japan, three major bodies have conducted external quality surveillance of medical laboratory performance: the Japan Medical Association, the Japan Association of Medical Technologists, and the Japan Society of Registered Medical Laboratories. Although these systems are working very well to elevate the quality of laboratory tests, each has adopted its own surveillance system with little communication. All of these surveillance systems have problems in the evaluation of laboratory proficiency. Thus, the 3 bodies should be unified first to establish an efficient National External Quality Assurance Scheme. New IT technology should also be introduced into the system in the future.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗

Research and development of a radioisotope dose calibrator with background alarm used in nuclear medical laboratories.

In this study, research and development of a prototype background alarm levelled radioisotope dose calibrator for nuclear medical laboratories was emphasized. The aim was to develop a standard performance, economical dose calibrator (self-made) from the ion-chamber to the microcomputer. Dose calibrators are used in nuclear medical laboratories for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The device is developed using an ion chamber filled with 2 atm pressure argon gas, 3N201 dual gate mosfet for the extremely high impedance preamplifier, an Intel 8052AH microcontroller for the microcomputer, ADC0804 for the A/D conversion, a Phillips 2 x 16 character display, and other components. Correction factors are used for each radioisotope after the activity measurements, that can be updated and kept in the Ni-Cd rechargeable battery-powered RAM memory. To provide safety in nuclear medical laboratories, background activity values are measured.

Calibration↗

Academic rank and salary status of medical laboratory sciences faculty.

The combined emergence of medical laboratory science as a body of knowledge and the emphasis of decreasing the use of health care funds for education have occasioned the development of medical technology programs as academic programs and the employment of qualified laboratory practitioners in university faculty positions. Establishment and maintenance of strong educational programs in the university setting requires that faculty salaries compare favorably with those available in clinical practice and that faculty members meet their institutions's criteria for appointment/promotion at each academic rank. Twenty institutions of higher education with medical technology programs organized as academic departments were surveyed in 1978 and 1980 to determine faculty size, salaries by rank and increases over two years, and criteria for appointment/promotion at each academic rank. Salary data are compared with clinical practice and with other academic disciplines. Data presented will be of value to existing and planned programs and to individuals considering an academic position.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Safety in the medical laboratory.

The clinical laboratory has achieved an enviable record for safety even though the opportunities for accident and misfortune are ever present. This article provides an overview of what constitutes an adequate safety program for a laboratory, as well as a list of sources from which more detailed information can be obtained.

Accident Prevention↗

Additional Essential Criteria for Quality Systems of Medical Laboratories. European Community Confederation of Clinical Chemistry (EC4) Working Group on Harmonisation of Quality Systems and Accreditation.

Essential Criteria for Quality Systems of Medical Laboratories have been published recently by the European Community Confederation of Clinical Chemistry (EC4) Working Group on Harmonisation of Quality Systems and Accreditation. The Essential Criteria address the majority of critical aspects of quality management in the medical laboratory. They have been accepted by the EC4 General Assembly and are endorsed by the Forum of European Societies for Clinical Chemistry (FESCC). However, a supplement to the Essential Criteria was necessary, addressing two aspects, which are only partly covered by the Essential Criteria: the management of resources and point of care testing. Thus, the EC4 Working Group on Harmonisation of Quality Systems and Accreditation has decided to formulate Additional Essential Criteria for Quality Systems of Medical Laboratories, directed at the issues of management of resources and point of care testing. Criteria on management of resources address financial aspects, information logistics and acceptance by clients. Criteria on point of care testing address responsibilities, education of non-laboratory staff and operational aspects. The Additional Criteria are supplementary to the previously published Essential Criteria and should be read as an integral part of these.

Accreditation↗