A clinical virology database for a regional virology service

We describe a laboratory information system employing a virus and chlamydia database developed over seven years which is used by a regional laboratory, performing virus and chlamydia testing. The information system is implemented on a University mainframe computer and accessed by computer terminals in the laboratory. The database is used to identify patients, store patient test results, minimize clerical work and improve accuracy of reported results. The database also serves as a patient registry for use in education and research.