[The development of an information network for new techniques in clinical microbiology]

In accordance with changes in our life styles and our social and biological environment, the techniques and methods of clinical microbiology must change and develop. New techniques, such as selected zone culture, direct drug susceptibility test, ATP bio-luminescence assay on membrane filter and expiratory gas analysis are among these developments. To ensure equal development among medical laboratories, an information network concerning these new microbiological methods in needed. An enormous quality of information can be contained and managed usefully by a two dimensional bar-code system. Clinical microbiology must not only contribute to clinical medicine but also respond to changes in the social and biological environment, and must include cost effectiveness, and preservation of natural resources. Using the new techniques effectively and introducing automatic systems will facilitate practical, useful and rapid clinical microbiological diagnoses.