Blood gas analysis: a knowledge-based adviser for the interpretation of results

An intelligent knowledge-based system is being developed to assist clinicians with the interpretation of the results of blood-gas analysis in an intensive care unit. The system links directly to an automated blood-gas analyzer for data transfer, thus reducing the time-consuming interaction between computer and clinician. Knowledge held in frames is manipulated by a blackboard system to produce rapid diagnosis of acid-base disorders and underlying diseases. Deeper knowledge of the domain, held in a semantic network, is used to provide detailed explanation of the system's conclusions and to answer general queries about acid-base physiology.<>