Interfacing the Clinical Laboratory: A Primer for LIS Managers

ABSTRACT: On-line clinical instrumentation is an essential part of today's laboratory environment. This presentation addresses the clinical instrument interface process including methods, considerations and alternatives that laboratory personnel should be aware of when selecting, contracting for or developing an LIS. Additional detail is provided to assist in the specification of interface requirements, to describe what one might expect to encounter during installation and debugging, and to outline the typical avenues for obtaining technical support. And finally, the authors take a look at the future for on-line instrumentation in view of progressing technology and government regulation.

NOTE: This presentation was originally presented in January of this year. Due to its popularity, it is being repeated so that those who missed it the first time may earn credit.

LEVEL: BASIC

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this presentation the participant will be able to do the following:

1. Describe the laboratory in terms of a hospital's "total data transactions".
2. Name the three primary factors which constitute a complete instrument interface.
3. List the components of a complete interface specification.
4. Discriminate between a unidirectional and a bidirectional interface.
5. Describe various, commonly used interface architectures.
6. Describe various attempts at clinical interface standardization.
7. Discuss various aspects of planning clinical laboratory interfaces.
8. Define the concept of "data buffering".
9. Describe basic interface troubleshooting procedures.
10. Gain experience in online, educational communications.

P.A.C.E. Credits and Cost

Succesful completion (by electronic post-quiz) will earn participants 4.0 Contact Hours of P.A.C.E. credit.

This is a FREE presentation for Med TechNet subscribers; others: $29.00 (US Dollars)

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Med TechNet credits are approved for clinical laboratory continuing education requirements in California.

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Last Updated: Wednesday, November 11, 1998