[Viewpoints on preparations for integrating data processing systems in routine microbiology diagnosis]

The enormously risen and further increasing numbers of examinations and tests in microbiological diagnostics within the last years need new methods for treatment. One possibility to meet the higher requirements for information of the clinic without loss in quality at constant staff is the integration of the microcomputer technique into the laboratory as direct "tool". Demands for a qualitatively high empirical antimicrobial chemotherapy, chemotherapy according to antibiotic susceptibility tests, indicated use of antimicrobial drugs and control measures of infectious processes in general are met only by means of a fast information processing. The microcomputer technique in the laboratory provides also the chance to automate still manually performed tests and comprises according to algorithm the strict observation of the diagnostic process and its control. The application of the microcomputer technique on the one hand means for the technical assistant the omission of much manually performed work, on the other hand enables work of higher quality and supports decisions in the diagnostic process. Mathematical and statistical calculations are no longer connected with great losses of activity. The actual need for information of the clinician is met in time in different ways.