Description

Provides the minimum identification criteria that can be used to rapidly identify organisms commonly isolated from clinical specimens.

Ellen Jo Baron, PhD, D(ABMM)

Mary K. York, PhD, D(ABMM)

Mary Jane Ferraro, PhD, MPH

John H. Rex, MD, FACP

Barbara Ann Body, PhD, D (ABMM)

Betz A. Forbes, PhD, D (ABMM)

Freddie Mae Poole

Daniel F. Sahm, PhD

Fred C. Tenover, PhD, ABMM

John D. Turnidge, MD

Michael L. Wilson, MD

Abstract

Many microorganisms commonly isolated in human diagnostic microbiology laboratories exhibit specific morphologic or

biochemical traits that can be determined rapidly upon obtaining a pure colony. When such rapidly obtained parameters allow

reliable identification of the organism with a high degree of certainty, the necessity of performing more time-consuming tests is

decreased, and timely patient care is enhanced.

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document M35-A2—Abbreviated Identification of Bacteria and Yeast; Approved

Guideline—Second Edition includes the minimum identification criteria that can be used to rapidly identify a limited number of

organisms commonly isolated from patient specimens. Although these tests do not rule out an occasional misidentification, those

errors may not have important consequences with regard to patient outcome. Those situations in which rapid test results may

have limitations are described. Unless those exceptions provide clinically useful information, confirmatory identification need not

be done.

CONTENT PROVIDER

Clinical And Laboratory Standards Institute [clsi]

Volume 22, No. 18