Coordinated computer reporting of clinical microbiology data.

The importance of the incorporation of microbiology information into the laboratory cumulative report implies that continuing efforts need to be made to enhance the readability and style of such reports. In addition, the optimizing of laboratory work flow around a computer record-keeping system in microbiology is essential to guarantee technologist satisfaction with and usage of the system. The efforts and results of extending a commercially available system in the microbiology laboratory are discussed and compared with another approach using the same system base. The project led to smooth laboratory work flow and highly successful combined reports. Necessary software modifications are summarized.