Result of questionnaire surveys on the status of clinical microbiological examination in clinical laboratories in Kinki area: Understanding the current situation for standardization

Abstract

In contrast to progress in standardization in the field of clinical testing, standardization in clinical microbiological testing is gradual and inadequate because testing techniques and results are highly dependent on technicians’ skill and judgment. Prior to the microbiology section symposium sponsored by the Kinki branch of the Japanese Association of Medical Technologists, we performed a questionnaire survey that targeted microbiological testing facilities in the Kinki area. We surveyed the current status of testing, including the pretest process, smear testing, bacterial species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, tests to confirm bacterial resistance, blood cultures, and comments regarding result reporting. The results revealed that the current situation differs significantly depending on the facility, including the testing methods and methods of reporting comments on results. This survey may be useful to gain deeper insight into the current situation and to promote future standardization.