摘要：THE following note describes the utilization of MEDLINE search services at the University of Virginia: the case involved a middle-aged lady from Waynesboro, Virginia, who broke her hip. In the course of her initial evaluation at the Waynesboro Hospital, it was learned that her skin had reacted adversely to earrings, wristwatches, and other jewelry. The local orthopedist became concerned that her body might react to the metal appliances that were to be used in repairing the fracture. He inquired by long-distance telephone call to the manufacturer and was promised that samples of the metal would be sent to him immediately to test the patient's skin. Realizing that it might be many days to weeks before any important decisions could be made on this basis, he then consulted with an allergist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Virginia Medical School.
