The use of computer technology in diagnostic tests and procedures. Probability-based computer systems store information on thousands of cases of different disorders detailing exact type, location, duration, symptoms, medical history, and diagnosis. A patient’s symptoms and medical history can be entered into a computer, which then compares the details with existing data and produces a list of the most likely diagnoses. Such technology is not currently in common use in hospitals, but is of value for people isolated from medical services, such as oil-rig crews. Computers programmed to interpret visual data, such as abnormal cells, have potential use in certain types of blood test and cervical smear tests. Computers are also used in investigative procedures such as CT scanning and MRI.
Computer-aided diagnosis |
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