Computer-assisted Differential Diagnosis of Laboratory Abnormalities and Follow-up Testing: Evaluation of the Accuracy of a Computer Program

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Abstract
An evaluation is made of a computer program which generates a differential diagnostic list given a set of input data obtained from an admission chemistry screening profile. The program is tested by supplying input data on patients for whom diseases are known. The laboratory data from 367 patients are examined. Accurate computer diagnosis is obtained in many disease categories. The original computer program is modified to suggest the follow-up tests indicated based on the diagnoses it makes. By using this program and some additional clinical input from the physician, the clinical pathologist can select the most appropriate computer diagnosis and begin the follow-up testing. Accelerated diagnosis and patient care should result.