Christopher Ronsick

Evaluation of a Fully Automated Research Prototype for the Immediate Identification of Microorganisms from Positive Blood Cultures under Clinical Conditions

ABSTRACT A clinical laboratory evaluation of an intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy (IFS)-based identification system paired to a BacT/Alert Virtuo microbial detection system (bioMérieux, Inc., Durham, NC) was performed to assess the potential for fully automated identification of positive blood cultures. The prototype IFS system incorporates a novel method combining a simple microbial purification procedure with rapid in situ identification via spectroscopy. Results were available within 15 min of a bottle signaling positive and required no manual intervention. Among cultures positive for organisms contained within the database and producing acceptable spectra, 75 of 88 (85.2%) and 79 of 88 (89.8%) were correctly identified to the species and genus level, respectively. These results are similar to the performance of existing rapid methods. IMPORTANCE A fully automated research platform was developed to identify microbial growth from positive blood cultures in <15 min. Because of the automated format, results can be generated during all shifts, with or without staffing, which in turn could promote more timely administration of target antimicrobial therapy. A fully automated research platform was developed to identify microbial growth from positive blood cultures in <15 min. Because of the automated format, results can be generated during all shifts, with or without staffing, which in turn could promote more timely administration of target antimicrobial therapy.

Author Correction for Hyman et al., Evaluation of a Fully Automated Research Prototype for the Immediate Identification of Microorganisms from Positive Blood Cultures under Clinical Conditions

Volume 7, no. 2, doi:[10.1128/mBio.00491-16][1], 2016. The following conflict of interest statement should be added: All authors except K.C.H. are or have been employees of bioMerieux, Inc. (L.B. has since retired). We have no other conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1128/mBio