ABSTRACT
Objective To introduce the construction and application of clinical microbiology laboratory data management expert system.Methods Firstly, the process management was introduced to clinical microbiology laboratory. Then the characteristics of data on each node of work process were analyzed, and SQL Server data table was created as the knowledge base of the expert system.Finally, VB6.0 was used to compile the knowledge acquisition module, reasoning desktop module and input/output interface procedures to finally construct the expert system.Rates of defect report, errors in bacterial identification and drug sensitivity test, delay in culture results reporting and average delayed days were compared before and after the application of the expert system.Results The expert system could be used for data management in process nodes like sample reception, information collection and input, bacteria culture medium selection, bacterial identification and drug sensitive test, interpretation of drug sensitivity results, comprehensive evaluation in bacterial identification and drug sensitivity results, report of negative result, report of positive result, blood culture, Mycoplasma culture, time limit of detection, and nosocomial infection indicators.No defect report was found after the application of expert system; rate of errors in selection of drug sensitivity test medium was reduced from 0.81% ( 31/3 836 ) in 2012 to 0.02%(1/5 433) in 2014;rate of delay in culture results reporting was reduced from 1.78% (320/17 983) to 1.18%(232/19 692), and the average delayed days was also reduced (3.8 d vs.3.2 d).Conclusion Clinical microbiology laboratory data management expert system can improve work efficiency and reduce errors, which can enhance the overall management of laboratory and the quality of clinical service.