Computer system for data processing in a histopathology and cytopathology laboratory

Abstract

A computer system for data processing in a histopathology and cytopathology laboratory handling about 16,000 new specimens a year is described. The system is used for storing all data, producing the reports, identifying unfinished cases, retrieving previous reports for patients with new specimens, tabulating specific findings, making monthly reports of diagnoses of malignancy, correlating histologic and cytologic diagnoses, surveying findings according to organ and morphology, and billing. The introduction of the computer system has provided significant augmentation of productivity and a basis for quality control, scientific research and cytopathologic correlations.