The reliability of diagnoses by technician,computer, and algorithm

Described a computer-assisted system for intake assessment. Previous evaluation studies are reviewed. Two experiments (N = 30; N = 35) are reported that compared the reliability of a diagnostic procedure that involves technicians, a structured interview schedule, and a computerized diagnostic program with diagnoses made by clinicians. Results show that the computer-assisted technician approach is as reliable as the conventional method.     

A computer interfaced,programmed stimulator for intracranial self-stimulation

The design and performance characteristics of a computer interfaced, preprogrammed stimulator suitable for intracranial self-stimulation research are described. This low cost, multifunctional unit eliminates the necessity for external programming equipment and, when employed in conjunction with a computer, provides for direct, on line collection and storage of data.     

Microbiology subsystem of a total, dedicated laboratory computer system.

The computer system used by the Microbiology Service of the Clinical Pathology Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health is discussed. This microbiology subsystem is a part of a dedicated on-line laboratory computer system used by the entire department. The laboratory computer is connected on-line to a hospital computer which provides patient admission, transfer, and discharge data. Mark sense worksheets and cathode ray tube terminals are used for result entry and correction. Cumulative patient reports are printed. Results for both active and completed accessions can be easily retrieved on cathode ray terminals in the laboratory. All laboratory data are archived on magnetic tape from which a research data base and microfiched laboratory records are generated. The manner in which the system is integrated in the routine operation of the microbiology laboratory is emphasized. In addition, some of the costs, benefits, liabilities, and pitfalls associated with the introduction of the computer in the laboratory are reviewed. Finally, we have presented our concept of some of the future enhancements to our present system and some of the directions in which any future microbiology system might develop.     

Rapid screening for bacteriuria using a particle counter, pulse-height analyser, and computer.

A system for the rapid screening of urines for the presence of bacteriuria has been devised using a Coulter Counter Model ZBI linked to a multichannel pulse-height analyser (Coulter "Channelyser") with computer analysis of the output. In a series of 215 urines containing growth of a single pathogen of more than 100 x 10(6)/l (greater than 100 000/ml) satisfactory level of sensitivity (99.1%) was obtained using only two different amplification settings by means of a brief treatment (5-10 seconds) of the undiluted specimen with low intensity ultrasound; 85-90% of mixed growths of 10 x 10(6)/l (greater than 10 000/ml) were detected. Sonication did not improve the results in this group. Specimens showing abnormal cyturia of more than 10 x 10(6)/l (greater than 10 000/ml) but no growth on culture were positive in 33% of cases without the use of ultrasound but in 72% after sonication.     

Interpretive reporting by computer

This article reviews experiments using a computer to report and interpret laboratory results automatically. The routine use of the computer for this in one laboratory is described, and future developments are discussed.     

Laboratory diagnosis by computer

A computer program develops a pattern for each patient by representing the results of a series of chemistry tests in terms of deviation from normal. Possible diagnoses are selected by comparing this pattern to a table of disease-associated patterns.     

Glaucoma consultation by computer

This paper describes a computer-based system for consultation in the diagnosis and therapy of glaucoma. The reasoning procedures interpret the findings of a particular patient in terms of a causal-associational network (CASNET) model that characterizes the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical course of treated and untreated diseases.The major new features of this program are: (a) generation of complex interpretations from a qualitative model of a disease process; (b) reasoning about detailed follow-up management of a patient; (c) incorporation of alternative expert opinions about subjects under debate; and (d) its testing and updating by a collaborative computer-based network of glaucoma researchers.