A microcomputer-based clinical microbiology and epidemiology system in a community hospital.

The author describes the structure of a comprehensive microcomputer-based microbiology and epidemiology system as implemented in a 150-bed community hospital. The article illustrates how the program provides more efficient, cost-effective, clinically relevant microbiology laboratory reports to clinicians. The author hopes the following discussion will lessen the reluctance of small laboratories to introduce microcomputers into the laboratory.