The computer in microbiology: future applications in test performance and reporting.

The use of minicomputers dedicated to laboratory use offers the greatest hope for continued progress in computerization of clinical microbiology. Such systems can be interfaced with microcomputers performing discrete tasks within the laboratory and with larger computers to form a total hospital or interhospital information system. As such systems are designed they should include features that allow ready access to the microbiologic data without reentry of primary results or delays of days to weeks. Many of these features have been accomplished in existing laboratory systems.