Dealing with specimen problems in a computerised clinical chemistry laboratory.

The use of a laboratory computer system to deal with specimen problems is described. Problems such as 'insufficient material' or 'haemolysis' are entered by reception staff or by bench workers so that resolution of the problem will not be overlooked; problems are then listed and dealt with by the duty biochemist. Specimens on printed worksheets are annotated 'urgent' where appropriate. Results obtained on-line, which are above top standard, automatically cause the specimen to reappear on the next worksheet marked 'dilution required'. Data relating to its use over a three-month period are presented together with some comments on the causation of specimen problems and their prevention.