A data processing system for haematology.

Before considering the use of data processing it is appropriate to define the function of the haematology laboratory within the hospital complex. The main function of that laboratory must be the provision of a system to define the haematological state of the patient. The second important function following on the first is the use of the haematologist's special skills in interpreting data presented and initiating further investigative procedures to establish the diagnosis. The first task, that of measuring accurately the haematological parameters of the patients, is very similar to the work of the biochemist. Almost all patients admitted to our group of hospitals have a routine blood count carried out on admission and in my opinion the laboratory must be organized in such a way that this is carried out with the minimum possible delay; whether this is carried out in association with the biochemists in a specially designed screening laboratory or is retained within the haematology laboratory itself is a matter for discussion, but a system must be devised whereby information is returned to the clinician in charge of the case as quickly as possible. The second type of service, consisting of interpretation and further, more sophisticated investigation, raises different problems and I propose to discuss these two aspects of the haematological service separately.