Clinical value of rapid bacteriological results in nosocomial infections. Comparison with traditional methods
Vincent, P.; Izard, D.; Lebrun, T.; Sailly, J.C.; Arbon, G.; Hassoun, A.; Leclerc, H.
Presse Medicale 14(32): 1697-1700
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 2932722 Document Number: 245828
With automated analysers, bacterial identification and susceptibility testing can be performed in 4-5 hours instead of 12-18 hours with conventional methods. A controlled trial was carried out in the surgical ward of a university hospital to evaluate the clinical repercussions of these rapid methods. The automated analyser reduced delays in the laboratory by about 25%, and optimizing information transfer from laboratory to ward brought the reduction up to 50%. It was found that earlier results of susceptibility testing modified prescriptions and this may be expected to result in a more rational use of antibiotics.