Evaluation of the Autoscan Walkaway system for rapid identification and susceptibility testing of gram-negative bacilli.

We evaluated the performance of the Autoscan Walkaway (W/A) system (MicroScan, Sacramento, Calif.) in conjunction with the fluorometric Neg Combo panels for rapid identification and susceptibility testing of gram-negative bacilli. Fermentative and nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli were tested in parallel with the W/A system and the Cathra Repliscan replicator (C/R) system (Cathra, St. Paul, Minn.). Conventional biochemical testing and agar dilution testing were used to resolve the identification and susceptibility testing discrepancies. Of 495 clinical isolates tested, 445 (90%) were correctly identified by the W/A system and 483 (98%) were correctly identified by the C/R system. Repeat testing by using updated versions of the W/A system's computer identification software failed to demonstrate improved identification accuracy. For susceptibility testing, the W/A system demonstrated 5.6% total interpretative category errors, including only 0.9% major and very major errors. The comparative C/R system produced only 1% errors overall, including 0.2% major and very major errors. Although the W/A system is highly automated and is capable of producing results rapidly, our findings suggest that additional identification and susceptibility testing refinements are needed before the system will be suitable for routine use.