Development of multimedia educational system of diagnostic hematology

Cho, Han Ik; Yoon, Jong Hyun; Park, Sung Sup; Lee, Young Kyoung; Kim, Jae Suk; Jang, Yun Whan

Abstract

The basic laboratory test for diagnosis of hematological diseases most widely used is microscopic examination of blood smear slides. The purpose of development of integrated hematological management program of microscopic examination is to improve effectiveness of microscopic examination of blood smear slides and to offer references consistent and easy to use. The lists of various blood cells and hematological diseases were prepared, and 2,589 microscopic photo slides were made corresponding to these lists. The images made of microscopic photo slides were developed through multimedia PC and slide scanner. Thirty-seven references always used for hernatological diagnosis were arranged in the form of tables and figures. With integration of these images and references, an application software consists of functions such as reports of peripheral blood cell morphology and bone marrow examination, stepwise learning of diagnostic procedures, finding hematology atlas and references, and reports of other special hematology laboratory tests was developed. The development tool was Visual FoxPro (version 5 .Oa, Microsoft, USA). Internet hematology atlas contained in the homepage of Department of Clinical Pathology of Seoul National University Hospital were also prepared. The contents developed in this study may be a good guideline for diagnosis of hematological diseases. As a good supporting material, hematology atlas, references and internet homepage will be basic study materials that will help medical students and clinicians understand the workflow of hematological diagnosis.