ABSTRACT
Automated microbiology test devices do not necessarily provide results more rapidly than use of manual test systems. Results generated by growth-based microbiologic methods to determine organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility are often merely confirmatory of initial clinical impressions and drug selection. Susceptibility test results may be used only to reassess ongoing therapy rather than guide its initial selection. An obvious setting for use of rapid results is a medically urgent situation which requires prompt and accurate diagnosis to prevent serious morbidity or mortality. The interest of clinical microbiologists in rapid test results has been largely restricted to the methods and instruments themselves, and thus restricted to only intralaboratory events. As microbiology laboratories establish the capability of producing rapid results, the physician users must be informed about the availability and capabilities of the new tests. Certain rapid test results are clearly intended to provide only "preliminary" information for initial patient management until more definitive tests can be completed.
