The future of diagnostic bacteriology

Abstract

Diagnostic bacteriology has changed little over the past 50years. Those changes that have occurred have been gradual but not fundamental. KIESTRA Lab Automation is a company specializing in total laboratory automation (TLA). Their methodology incorporates plate labelling and delivery, inoculation and spreading, incubation and digital image analysis. This has led to a paradigm shift in processing since decisions are made from images on a computer screen rather than examination of the actual plates. The result is the development of a skill mix based on the requirements of the service. This allows for the development of a lean and highly efficient laboratory. © 2011 The Authors. Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2011 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.