A semi-automated method for the culture, identification and susceptibility testing of bacteria direct from urine specimens
Henrichsen, C.; Moyes, A.
Medical Laboratory Sciences 44(1): 50-58
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0308-3616 PMID: 3309532 Document Number: 288302
The feasibility of using a multipoint inoculator to semi-automate the quantitative culture, identification and susceptibility testing of bacteria direct from 3094 samples of urine has been examined. After preliminary microscopic screening and quantitative culture, samples showing the presence of bacteria were diluted 1 in 50 and inoculated onto a series of agar plates containing single 'break-point' antibiotic concentrations and biochemical identification media. Discrepancies in susceptibility results obtained from break-point and disc methods were confirmed by MIC. Identification results were compared with those obtained from a commercial system and conventional criteria. Agreement between methods was found to be 91.8% for identification and 93% for susceptibility testing. The combined susceptibility and identification results, available within 24 h of receipt of the specimen, gave 81.1% correlation with the reference methods.