Algorithm-derived, computer-generated interpretive comments in the reporting of laboratory tests.

The volume of laboratory and other data that physicians encounter daily is more than most can mentally process without oversight or error. Routine use of computer-generated reminders is one solution to this problem that is now widely suggested. We report our experience with the daily use of a user-written program of algorithm-derived, computer-generated comments in the reporting of chemical profiles and routine thyroid function tests in a busy medium-sized privately owned independent clinical laboratory.