Figure 2.

Data clearinghouse system architecture. Data are extracted from the laboratory information network at contributing sites and encrypted into a flat file. These are then delivered by virtual private network (VPN)–secured file transfer protocol to the clearinghouse where they are subjected to data warehousing processes. Jurisdictional filters are applied to the data to construct reports with data appropriate for the recipient. KCHD, Kansas City Health Department; KDHE, Kansas Department of Health and Environment.