[The bacteriology laboratory of tomorrow].

The development of needs and the conditions for performing examinations in clinical bacteriology leads us to consider that bacteriological analysis should eventually: be closer to clinical requirements. This results in an accelerated bacteriology (whose response-times approach those of other biological specialties) and in a consideration of the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of the response; be less costly. This leads to an increase in productivity, and involves an introduction of computers, automatic systems for antibiograms and identification, and appropriate and inexpensive bioreagents; consider the requirements of the technicians in order to avoid diminishing the interest of the work. This development demands a recognition of needs, whether expressed or not, and a rejection of olds habits that are not adapted to the requirements of a bacteriology which is closer to the patient, quicker, and finally, less costly.