[Computer networks in clinical practice--a histology data bank system].

In hospital and in private practice huge amounts of data have to be managed. Conventional storage and documentation techniques are being replaced more and more by the use of computers. Local area networks based on the interconnection of stand-alone PC workstations offer several advantages over non-communicating systems. The use of computer networks solves many communication problems and in this way improves the flow of information. The interconnection may be achieved by step-by-step integration of preexisting elements. This paper presents a database system for archiving routine histology data and illustrates the use of a computer network in a dermatology department.