Evaluation of the PathoTec "Rapid I-D System" and two additional Experimental reagent-impregnated paper strips.

The PathoTec "Rapid I-D System" and two experimental test strips for ornithine decarboxylase and beta-galactosidase have been evaluated for accuracy and ability to identify 1,252 members of the Enterobacteriaceae obtained from fresh clinical specimens. Accuracy of identification with the commercially available test system was 94.7%; this level increased to 98.5% with the addition of the two experimental test strips. Average individual accuracy of the 12-strip test system on a side-by-side basis with similar conventional procedures was 98%. In addition, 103 gram-negative nonfermentors were accurately grouped. The PathoTec System was applicable to 95% of the primary isolation plates used and provided biochemical data within 4 h after inoculation. The conventional test procedures were applicable to 100% of the primary isolation plates used and produced data within 48 h.