An open pathology computer system.

THE PROBLEM Departments of pathology are becoming ever more reliant on computer systems. These systems are used to record, store, transmit, and print pathology reports; calculate results, sometimes using interfaces with the machines used for analysis; and produce statistical analyses of results. Many pathologists may be satisfied with the performance of their computers, but others are frustrated by the inability of their systems to carry out straightforward tasks or to provide functions that should be well within the capability of modern systems. Core functions usually work reliably, but it may be very difficult to take forward developments, even though they ought to be well within the capability of modern systems. Users may be unable to make full use of the data that they have entered on to their systems.