Preliminary evaluation of the autoSCAN-3, an instrument for automated reading an interpretation of microdilution trays: identification of aerobic gram-negative bacilli.

The autoSCAN-3, an instrument for the automated reading and interpretation of Microscan microdilution trays, was evaluated for its ability to identify gram-negative bacilli. The results obtained by the visual reading of microdilution trays were compared with the results obtained with the machine. A total 387 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and nonfermenters were compared by both methods. In 369 instances (95%), the identification obtained by visual reading of the microdilution tray agreed with the identification obtained with the autoSCAN-3. In eight instances, the visual identification differed completely from that of the machine, and in nine cases, the machine was unable to provide an identification.