Abstract
A punched-card system was developed to simplify the administrative aspects of the clinical chemistry laboratory. In it a three-part requisition and samples are matched and given a laboratory number. The third copy of the original laboratory requsition is a charge card also used as a name file for the day. Prepunched cards, coded for laboratory tests, are used for each test requested. The laboratory number is stamped and punched on each test card. All test cards are then sorted into laboratory test groups, after which the laboratory data and results are recorded on them. Cards are then sorted for laboratory number and rematched with the original laboratory requisitions, which remained in numerical order. Results are then copied directly onto the requisitions.
The system is more efficient, less susceptible to error, and simpler than other laboratory record systems.