Evaluation of techniques for the presentation of laboratory data: support of pattern recognition.

Two tabular and two graphical techniques for the presentation of laboratory test results were compared in a reaction-time experiment with 22 volunteers. The experimental setup was designed to determine whether one or more of the presentation techniques facilitated the recognition of four predefined combinations of abnormal test results. Using a conventional, tabular presentation technique as a reference, faster median response times were obtained with each of the other three presentation techniques, irrespective of pattern.

Evaluation of techniques for the presentation of laboratory data. II: Accuracy of interpretation.

Four tabular and two graphical techniques for the presentation of laboratory test results were evaluated in a reaction time experiment with 25 volunteers. Artificial variables and values were used to represent sets of 12 laboratory tests to eliminate the possible effects of clinical experience. Analyses focused on four types of errors in interpretation.

Evaluation of techniques for the presentation of laboratory data. I: Time needed for interpretation.

Four tabular and two graphical techniques for the presentation of laboratory test results were evaluated in a reaction-time experiment with 25 volunteers. Artificial variables and values were used to represent sets of 12 laboratory tests to eliminate the possible effects of clinical experience. Analyses focused on reaction times for correctly classified sets of data.

Graphical non-linear representation of multi-dimensional laboratory measurements in their clinical context.

A polygon-based graphical representation of laboratory test results using nonlinear scaling is described. It is argued that the nonlinearity of the scale and the use of colors in the representation facilitates interpretation of the test result in its relationship to the standard reference range and critical clinical decision levels. Preliminary results suggest that this representation may be fruitfully used to enhance the efficiency of the information transfer from the clinical chemistry laboratory to clinicians.