Computerization in microbiology

Computerization of the clinical microbiology laboratory is finally coming of age. Operations and functions easily adapted from other clinical laboratories have already been implemented in the microbiology laboratory, e.g., fiscal, clerical, and other administrative housekeeping chores. Similarly, storage, retrieval, and analysis of banks of data easily collected and filed have also been successfully accomplished in microbiology for several years. The more challenging problems of computerization still deserve and require the attention of microbiologists. These problems lie in the smooth sequential formulation and transmission of clinical microbiological test results from the laboratory to clinical records; the manipulation of relevant data by the computer prospectively for the detection and prediction of nosocomial infections or miniepidemics; and the development of programed lessons and examinations for computerized instruction, retraining, and examination of technologists and other individuals interested in microbiology.