act
n SCC ASCII applications, the word ACT is a generic term used to describe the key that executes a function. This key can be used to begin the search or query process or to save information entered into the system. In the Introduction section in the user manual, describe the ACT function, then include a statement similar to this: ACT is a generic name; the actual key may be ESC, F12, or another key. Ask your System Administrator which key performs the ACT function on your system. SCC generally uses the F12 key to execute a function. In this manual, F12 is used to describe the ACT function.
Act
n SCC ASCII applications, the word ACT is a generic term used to describe the key that executes a function. This key can be used to begin the search or query process or to save information entered into the system. In the Introduction section in the user manual, describe the ACT function, then include a statement similar to this: ACT is a generic name; the actual key may be ESC, F12, or another key. Ask your System Administrator which key performs the ACT function on your system. SCC generally uses the F12 key to execute a function. In this manual, F12 is used to describe the ACT function.
Active Patient
Any patient that has not been discharged, and therefore active in the SoftWeb system.
ad hoc reports
Reports that the clients create to include the database information that they want. These reports are created with the SQL Ad Hoc Report Generator and are often accessed in an option called SQL Reports.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
autoreporting
The ability to automatically send information to a printed report.
Bactec
A Microbiology instrument.
bar code
The special identification code printed as a set of vertical bars of differing widths on books, grocery product, and other merchandise. Used for rapid, error-free input in such facilities as libraries, hospitals, and grocery stores, bar codes represent binary information that can be read by an optical scanner.
bar code reader
(Also bar code scanner.) An optical device that uses a laser beam to read and interpret bar codes, such as the Universal Product Codes found on grocery products and other retail items.
Bbparam
The Hosparam file of SoftBank specifications.
breakpoint
A location in a program at which execution is halted so that a programmer can examine the program’s status, the contents of variables, and so on. A breakpoint is set and used within a debugger.
Call List
A function that creates a list of doctors, clinics, and patients who need to be called with test results.
Census
A list of patients that have been entered into the SoftWeb system. Otherwise referred to as Patient Lists.
Console
A control unit, such as a terminal, through which a user communicates with a computer.
context-sensitive help
A form of assistance in which a program that provides on-screen help shows information to the user concerning the current command or operation being attempted.
crontab
A file that runs programs/databases in the background on our SCC systems.
daemon
A program associated with UNIX systems that performs a housekeeping or maintenance utility function without being called by the user. A daemon sits in the background and is activated only when needed.
data dictionary
A database containing data about all the databases in a database system. Data dictionaries store all the various schema and file specifications and their locations.
database
A file composed of records, each containing fields together with a set of operations for searching, sorting, recombining, and other functions.
Default
A predefined value used when the user does not specify an alternative. Defaults are built into a program (or set up within the program) when a value or option must be entered for the program to function.
download
In communications, to transfer a copy of a file from a remote computer to the requesting computer by means of a modem or network.
Drop-down list
A drop-down list is a brief list of items that appears to drop down from a field when a drop-down button is clicked. This list items are usually hard-coded into the system. Only one selection can be made from this list.
dynamic list
A dynamic list appears in a separate window, and is populated with records entered (usually in Setup) by the user/client. It can sometimes accept multiple selections.
ESC
n SCC ASCII applications, the word ACT is a generic term used to describe the key that executes a function. This key can be used to begin the search or query process or to save information entered into the system. In the Introduction section in the user manual, describe the ACT function, then include a statement similar to this: ACT is a generic name; the actual key may be ESC, F12, or another key. Ask your System Administrator which key performs the ACT function on your system. SCC generally uses the F12 key to execute a function. In this manual, F12 is used to describe the ACT function.
F12
n SCC ASCII applications, the word ACT is a generic term used to describe the key that executes a function. This key can be used to begin the search or query process or to save information entered into the system. In the Introduction section in the user manual, describe the ACT function, then include a statement similar to this: ACT is a generic name; the actual key may be ESC, F12, or another key. Ask your System Administrator which key performs the ACT function on your system. SCC generally uses the F12 key to execute a function. In this manual, F12 is used to describe the ACT function.
fax
a machine used to send or receive facsimile communications.
Field
A location in a record in which a particular type of data is stored. Fields vary in their maximum length and the type of data that may be placed in them.
Filter
A program or set of features within a program that read its standard or designated input, transforms the input in some desired way, and then writes the output to its standard or designated output destination. A database filter, for example, might flag information of a certain age.
flowchart
A graphic map of the path of control or data through the operations in a program or an information-handling system. Symbols such as squares, diamonds, and ovals represent various operations. These symbols are connected by lines and arrows to indicate the flow of data or control from one point to another.
free text
See free-form text. Example: Enter free text in the comment field.
free-form text
Text that is not constrained by the position of words/characters.
Full-text Search
The ability to search an entire Help system for a particular word or keyword.
gray scale
A sequence of shades ranging from black through white, used in computer graphics to add detail to images or to represent a color image on a monochrome output device.
gridline
Two sets of lines or linear elements at right angles to each other.
GUI
Graphical User Interface. A type of environment that represents programs, files, and options by means of icons, menus and windows on the screen. The user may select and activate these options by pointing and clicking with a mouse or, often, with the keyboard. A particular item (such as a scroll bar) works the same way to the user in all applications because the graphical user interface provides standard software routines to handle these elements and report the user’s actions.
Hard disk capacity
The amount of memory available on a PC fixed media storage device, usually measured in Mega (million) bytes (Mb) of memory.
hemogram
A complete detailed record of the findings in a thorough examination of the blood, especially with reference to the numbers, proportions, and morphologic features of the formed elements.
HIS
Hospital Information System — an information system in the medical arena that acts primarily to store patient demographics and issue patient charges. Such a system may also allow placement of orders and receive patient results.
HL7 Standards
Commonly utilized standards for interface communication in the healthcare arena.
Hosparam
Host Parameter Files — This file is a collection of programming parameters that control various aspects of the system behavior, e.g. reports, resulting, and collection issues. These are not available to the client for modification, but can be accessed by SCC personnel to modify system behavior
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. A set of tags used to mark the structural elements of text files. HTML files include tags that create hyperlinks to other documents on the Internet.
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The communications protocol on which the Web is based. HTTP sets rules for how information is passed between the server and the browser software.
Icon
A small image displayed on the screen to represent an object that may be manipulated by the user. By serving as visual mnemonics and allowing the user to control certain computer actions without having to remember commands or type them at the keyboard, icons are a significant factor in the user-friendliness of graphical user interfaces.
Index
A list of keywords the user may view to find topics within a Help system.
keypad
A menu of keyboard shortcuts that allows you to quickly enter a previously defined result/word/phrase with one keystroke.
Kill Process
This is a Unix command that forces the termination of a process.
Labparam
Hosparam file with SoftLab® specifications.
loadlist
A list of tests for one instrument requesting to be sent electronically to that instrument.
look-up
A function, often built into spreadsheet programs, in which a previously constructed table of values called a look-up table is searched for a desired item of information.
mainframe
A high-level computer designed for the most intensive computational tasks. Mainframe computers are often shared my multiple users connected to the computer by terminals.
Map
To translate one value into another.
Memory
The part of a computer that stores information or instructions. Memory can be RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), and is usually measured in Kilobytes (thousand) or Megabytes (million) bytes of memory.
Micparam
A Hosparam file of SoftMic specifications.
multifacility
A facility comprised of more than one structure, built to perform an operation or service.
multisite
A facility comprised of more than one structure, built to perform an operation or service.
My Term
My definition
National ID
The Canadian equivalent to USA’s Social Security Number.
Newsgroup
A collection of messages posted by individuals to a news server (a computer maintained by a company, group, or individual). Newsgroups exist on practically every subject. Messages can be posted and read by anyone who has access to that group.
on-site
Carried out or located at the place connected with a particular activity.
Page
An individual topic within a Help system.
Pane
A frame used to display program components.
Parameter
A value that is passed to a program to customize a program.
Patient Care
Patient care refers to a clinical plan that is developed to care for a specific patient. It can include therapy, length of stay, dietary restrictions, daily routines, or any other facet of patient handling other than treatment or diagnosis.
read-only
Capable of being retrieved (read) but not changed (written). A read-only file or document can be displayed or printed but not altered in any way; read-only memory (ROM) holds programs that cannot be changed; a read-only storage medium, such as CD-ROM, can be played back but cannot be used for recording information.
real-time
Of or relating to a time frame imposed by external constraints. Real-time operations are those in which the machine’s activities match the human perception of time or those in which computer operations proceed at the same rate as a physical or external process.
Refresh
To recharge dynamic random access memory chips (DARMS) so that they continue to retain the information stored in them.
Relational Database
A database or database management system that stores information in tables-(rows and columns of data) conducts searches by using data in specified columns of one table to find additional data in another table.
Replication
In a distributed database management system, the process of copying the database (or parts of it) to other parts of the network. Replication allows distributed database systems to remain synchronized.
Report
The presentation of information about a given topic, typically in printed form. Reports prepared with computers and appropriate software may include text, graphics, and charts.
Requisition
An order submitted for a test.
SCC Utility Menu
A menu of special features found in SCC software.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Server
A protocol for transmitting private documents via the Internet. SSL uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data.
single-sheet report format
A report that prints on one sheet only.
single-site laboratory
A facility comprised of one structure.
SQL
Structured Query Language. A database sublanguage used in querying, updating, and managing relational databases.
SQR
SoftQuery Results
stat
Abbreviation for L. statim, at once, immediately.
system
The system includes the computer and peripheral devices. It is not synonymous with, but can include, the system software.
System files
Setup files in a module for defining data elements used to operate the system, such as Individual Tests, Workstations, Doctors, Clinics, etc. From a SoftLab® perspective, those files found under the Main Menu option 6-Setup, which constitute the hlsys database. Other modules may have similar, parallel sets of files.
Task Management System (TMS)
SCC’s internal software used for documenting and processing tasks and Client complaints.
Template
A document containing static text that instructs users to include necessary information to support the project or process for which the template is used.
time frame
A period of time, especially with respect to some action or project.
toolbar
In an application in a graphical user interface, a row, column, or block of on-screen buttons or icons. When these buttons or icons are clicked on by the mouse, macros or certain functions of the application are activated.
Toolbar
In an application in a graphical user interface, a row, column, or block of onscreen buttons or icons. When you click these buttons or icons with the mouse, macros or certain functions of the application are activated.
Tour
Screen shots and information about a product displayed in sequential order. Designed for a user who wants to walk through a feature or a program.
turnaround time
The action of receiving, processing, and returning something.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator. An Internet address, as well as a standard method of naming files on the Web. A URL begins with a protocol name (such as http), followed by a colon and two forward slashes(//). Next comes the name of the internet server that the file is stored on, followed by directories that hold the file, separated by forward slashes(/). The filename comes last, as shown in the following example: http://www.mycompany.com/whatsnew.htm
user-defined
Allowing the user (client) to define a set of data that specifies the possible range of values of the set, the operations that can be performed on the values, and the way in which the values are stored in memory. Defining the data type allows a computer to manipulate the data appropriately.
username
The name by which a user is identified to a computer system or network. During the logon process, the user must enter the username and the correct password.
Variables
A name that stands for a value.
Version
The level of the software that is currently running on your system.
Web browser
Commonly called a browser. A software application for displaying HTML pages on the World Wide Web. Common browser applications include Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
workflow
A set of programs that aids in the tracking and management of all the activities in a project from start to finish.
worklist
A dynamic list of orders with defined tests that the end user can select to view the results screen or to enter test results.
WWW
World Wide Web. The graphical Internet hypertext service that uses the HTTP protocol to retrieve Web pages and other resources from Web servers.
WYSIWYG
(What You See Is What You Get). A development option that allows you to view items in the editor as they will display for end-users.