Antimicrobial susceptibility recording and reporting system for veterinary medicine

Objectives: To develop a system to (1) provide automated interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility results using animal species, specimen site and bacterial isolate identification criteria, (2) report antimicrobial susceptibility results, according to recommended use category and animal species approval status, (3) allow for changes in antimicrobial agent being tested and result interpretations without need for programming changes and (4) allow for intuitive data entry process without need for reference material. Design: Tables are used to match results and reporting categories to a test method, specific tests, animal species, specimen sites and bacterial isolates. Information used for interpretation of test readings is maintained in tables for user reference while entering results. Results: A table driven system was developed to account for variations in reporting due to antimicrobial susceptibility method used, animal species, bacterial isolate tested and the site from which bacteria isolate was recovered. Conclusions: This process provides for accurate reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility results and is easily adaptable to changes in reporting requirements. The system minimizes reporting criteria and decision-making requirements for technical laboratory personnel, while improving antimicrobial susceptibility reports generated for veterinary practitioners.