Laboratory informatics is the application of computers and information systems to information management in the pathology laboratory. Effective information management is crucial to the success of pathologists and laboratorians. Informatics has become one of the key pillars of pathology, and the requirement for skilled informaticists in the laboratory has quickly grown. This article provides a wide-ranging review of pertinent aspects of laboratory informatics, and deals with important technical and management processes. Topics covered include personal computing, networks, databases, fundamentals and advanced functions of the laboratory information system, interfaces and standards, digital imaging, coding, hospital information systems and electronic medical records.
aDepartment of Pathology, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
bCenter for Pathology Informatics, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, L21, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
cDepartment of Pathology, North Shore Medical Center, 81 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970, USA
ABSTRACT