Comparison of the automicrobic system with API, enterotube, micro-ID, micro-media systems, and conventional methods for identification of Enterobacteriaceae.

Identification of Enterobacteriaceae by the AutoMicrobic System Enterobacteriaceae Biochemical Card was evaluated. Recent clinical isolates of enteric gram-negative bacilli (192) and glucose nonfermenters (3) were identified by the AutoMicrobic System, Micro-Media Systems, Micro-ID, API, and Enterotube II in comparison with conventional methods. The AutoMicrobic System and Micro-Media Systems correctly identified 97% of the organisms tested. Micro-ID, API, and Enterotube II correctly identified 94, 92, and 84% of the organisms, respectively. In addition to a high degree of identification accuracy, the AutoMicrobic System was convenient to operate and produced identification results in 8 h. Operation of the AutoMicrobic System also required minimal personnel time because it automatically monitored and interpreted the biochemical reactions and reported organism identifications. The AutoMicrobic System appears to be an efficient and accurate system for the identification of Enterobacteriaceae.