At the National Center for Toxicological Research, long-term experiments with mice requiring the collection, storage, retieval, and analysis of an inordinate amount of data necessitated the development of an automated pathology information system. The system included automatic collection of mouse body and organ weights and hematologic findings; the use of mark-sensitive forms for the collection of gross and microscopic findings; and the use of computers for the storage, retrieval, and analysis of pathology data.
Validation of process automation c r e a t e s c h a l l e n g e s f o r l a b o r a t o r y d i r e c t o r s , q u a l i t y assurance u n i t s and r e g u l a t o r y a u t h o r i t i e s . The complexity of modern computer systems l i e s i n t h e software which d i r e c t s t a s k s . Direct examination of small software modules can be used s u c c e s s f u l l y by software vendors. Visual examination of r e p o r t s produced by d i f f e r e n t programs can demonstrate t h a t v a l u e s a r e i d e n t i c a l on a l l r e p o r t s . Complementary function t e s t i n g is another technique used t o v a l i d a t e software systems. When changes a r e made, r e v a l i d a t i o n is r e q u i r e d . Laboratories can r e v a l i d a t e using t e s t d a t a and a u t a n a t i c exception r e p o r t i n g . Testing is a t e c h n i c a l and time consuming t a s k , b u t one t h a t m u s t be c a r r i e d o u t t o h e l p ensure confidence i n automated processes and r e p o r t s .( 1 3 ) Software Engineering Technical Comnittee, "IEEE Standard for Software Test Documentation ,I1 The I n s t i t u t e
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