Boolean Algebra for Laboratory Diagnostics in Medicine

Background: Medical diagnostic tools have become increasingly complex in the last decade. Numerous permutations are necessary to come to the correct decision on how to treat a patient. Aim: This study used Boolean algebra to define laboratory parameters by disease entity. We assigned each parameter to a group of disease entities. Since we did not want to give the impression that the respective list of diseases strictly determined the laboratory parameters, we used the mathematical symbol ≈ for approximation in the equations. Results: A system of linear Boolean equations permitted assignment of each laboratory parameter to a set of disease entities. Addition of the linear equations by use of the axioms of Boolean algebra resulted in assignment of a disease entities to laboratory parameters. Conclusion: Linear Boolean equations may have the potential to become part of diagnostics in medicine.