The future of diagnostic bacteriology

Abstract

Diagnostic bacteriology has changed little over the past 50 years. 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.