Consenso latinoamericano sobre la importancia de un sistema de gestión de datos microbiológicos para apoyar el programa de optimización de uso de antimicrobianos (PROA): Recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia. Parte 1 / Latin American consensus on the importance of a microbiological data management system to support antimicrobial use optimization program (PROA): Evidence-based recommendations. Part 1

La resistencia antimicrobiana es una amenaza para los logros de la medicina moderna y una de las medidas más efectivas para contrarrestarla son los programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA), en el cual el laboratorio de microbiología es uno de los principales componentes. La aplicación efectiva de tecnología de la información en los procesos es fundamental, pero existe poca información en Latinoamérica sobre el desarrollo y la articulación de las herramientas tecnológicas para apoyar los PROA. Este consenso hace recomendaciones sobre la gestión de los datos microbiológicos para la toma de decisiones. En la Parte I, se presentan las recomendaciones en cuanto al uso de un sistema informatizado de gestión de datos microbiológicos en la práctica clínica, los requerimientos de datos y de reporte en el laboratorio de microbiología, y los contenidos del sistema de gestión de calidad avanzado en el laboratorio. En la Parte II, se discuten los requerimientos de información para la gestión de PROA en estadios intermedios, iniciales y avanzados por el laboratorio y la farmacia; así como la integración del equipo de PROA con el Comité de Prevención y Control de Infecciones y la información para la gestión de PROA a nivel gerencial.

Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to the achievements of modern medicine and one of the most effective measures to counteract it is antimicrobial use optimization programs (AMS), in which the microbiology laboratory is one of the main components. The effective application of information technology in the processes is fundamental, but there is little information in Latin America on the development and articulation of technological tools to support AMSs. This consensus makes recommendations on the management of microbiological data for decision making. In Part I, recommendations on the use of a computerized microbiological data management system in clinical practice, data and reporting requirements in the microbiology laboratory, as well as the contents of the advanced quality management system in the laboratory are presented. In Part II, the information requirements for AMS management in intermediate, initial, and advanced stages by the laboratory and pharmacy are discussed; as well as the integration of the AMS team with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and the information for AMS management at the management level.

Predictors of weight reduction in a Nigerian family practice setting

Objectives: This study identified the predictors of weight reduction among adult obese patients in a Family Practice Setting and developed a statistical model to predict weight reduction. Design: A prospective cohort design. Setting: The Family Practice Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria Participants and study tools: Obese adults were recruited into a three-month weight reduction program. Patient Information Leaflets were used for counselling, while questionnaires were administered to obtain socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Potential predictors were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Zung Depression Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Garner's Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), 24-hour dietary recall and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure and Fasting Lipid Profile were assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis with a significance set at α0.05. Results: Most 99(76.2%) of the 130 participants achieved weight reduction and had a median weight change of -2.3kg (IQR-4, -0.5), with 66 (66.7%) out of 99 attaining the weight reduction target of 10%. The regression model showed predictors of weight reduction to be Total Cholesterol [TC] (p=0.01) and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol [LDLC] (p=0.03). The statistical model derived for Weight reduction = 0.0028 (LDL-C) -0.029 (TC)-0.053 (EAT-26) +0.041(High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol). The proportion of variance of the model tested was R 2 = 0.3928 (adjusted R2 = 0.2106). Conclusion: Predictors of weight reduction among patients were eating attitude score, Total Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipid and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol levels. A statistical model was developed for managing obesity among patients

Sistema de Laboratorios Remoto para el estudio de la Microbiología y Parasitología Médica / Remote Laboratory System for the study of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology

Introducción: como parte del proceso de formación de enfermeros, médicos y tecnólogos de la salud son habilitados temas relacionados con la microbiología. Sin embargo, a partir del conjunto de medidas de seguridad y la disponibilidad de recursos físicos, no es posible el estudio de diversos microorganismos. Objetivo: desarrollar un Sistema de Laboratorios Remoto para la práctica de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Materiales y métodos: el sistema de Laboratorios Remoto posee un microscopio electrónico controlado mediante una interface de comunicación con un ordenador conectado a la red. Resultados: se obtuvo como resultado un Sistema de Laboratorios Remoto que puede ser accedido mediante Internet o la red institucional. Facilita el estudio y la interpretación de diferentes muestras biológicas. Brinda un conjunto de reportes y estadísticas que permiten realizar análisis históricos de comportamiento. Conclusiones: a partir del desarrollo de las prácticas de laboratorios a distancia, es posible el estudio de diferentes microorganismos sin riesgos biológicos para el estudiante(AU)

Introduction: as part of the training process for nurses, physicians and health technologists, topics related to microbiology are enabled. However, based on the set of security measures and the availability of physical resources, the study of various microorganisms is not possible. Objective: to develop a Remote Laboratory System for the practice of the subject Medical Microbiology and Parasitology. Methods: the Remote Laboratory System has an electronic microscope controlled by a communication interface with a computer connected to the network. Results: a Remote Laboratory System that can be accessed through the Internet or the institutional network. The system facilitates the study and interpretation of different biological samples and also provides a set of reports and statistics that allow for historical behavior analysis. Conclusions: from the development of remote laboratory practices, it is possible to study different microorganisms without biological risks for the student(AU)

Design and implementation of a clinical laboratory information system in a low-resource setting

Background: Reducing laboratory errors presents a significant opportunity for both cost reduction and healthcare quality improvement. This is particularly true in low-resource settings where laboratory errors are further exacerbated by poor infrastructure and shortages in a trained workforce. Informatics interventions can be used to address some of the sources of laboratory errors.Objectives: This article describes the development process for a clinical laboratory information system (LIS) that leverages informatics interventions to address problems in the laboratory testing process at a hospital in a low-resource setting.Methods: We designed interventions using informatics methods for previously identified problems in the laboratory testing process at a clinical laboratory in a low-resource setting. First, we reviewed a pre-existing LIS functionality assessment toolkit and consulted with laboratory personnel. This provided requirements that were developed into a LIS with interventions designed to address the problems that had been identified. We piloted the LIS at the Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi.Results: We implemented a series of informatics interventions in the form of a LIS to address sources of laboratory errors and support the entire laboratory testing process. Custom hardware was built to support the ordering of laboratory tests and review of laboratory test results.Conclusion: Our experience highlights the potential of using informatics interventions to address systemic problems in the laboratory testing process in low-resource settings. Implementing these interventions may require innovation of new hardware to address various contextual issues. We strongly encourage thorough testing of such innovations to reduce the risk of failure when implemented

Parasitismo intestinal en escolares de la Unidad Educativa del Milenium. Cantón Penipe, Ecuador / Intestinal parasitosis in students of Unidad Educativa del Milenio. Town of Penipe, Ecuador

La población infantil tiene mayor probabilidad de ser afectada por enteroparasitosis, debido a la inmadurez inmunológica y que sus hábitos higiénicos aún se encuentran en desarrollo. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, con enfoque mixto; cuya población objeto de investigación estuvo constituida por 382 escolares de la Unidad Educativa del Milenium. Cantón Penipe, Ecuador, cuyas edades oscilaron entre 5 y 11 años. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, a partir del cual se seleccionaron 133 alumnos matriculados desde el primero a séptimo año de educación básica, durante el periodo octubre 2017 ­ febre-ro 2018, los que se habían realizado exámenes de heces fecales en los últimos seis meses, y cuyos tutores legales emitieron el consentimiento informado. Entre los individuos estudiados prevaleció el género femenino. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentaban parasitismo intes-tinal (53,38%). La incidencia parasitaria es más frecuente en niños con edades comprendidas entre los 8 y 10 años, para un 54,13%. Entre los informes con positividad, se observó un predominio del reporte de Entamoeba coli (48%) y Entamoeba histolytica con un 42%. La mayoría de los casos positivos mostraron poliparasitosis.

The infant population is more likely to be affected by enteroparasitosis due to immunological immaturity and their hygienic habits that are still in development. An observational and descriptive study with a mixed approach was carried out. The study population was constitu-ted by 382 students ranged between 5 and 11 years of age from Unidad Educativa del Mile-nio, town of Penipe, Ecuador. A non-probabilistic sampling was done for convenience, 133 students enrolled from the first to seventh year of basic education were selected, during the period October 2017 - February 2018. They had had the stool exams in the last six months. Legal tutors of students signed the informed consent. The female gender prevailed among the individuals studied. The majority of patients did not have intestinal parasitism (53.38%). The parasitic incidence is more frequent in children aged between 8 and 10 years, for 54.13%. It was observed a predominance of the report of Entamoeba coli (48%) and Entamoeba histolytica with 42% among the reports with positivity. Most of the positive cases showed polyparasitosis.

Automation and productivity in the clinical laboratory: experience of a tertiary healthcare facility

Clinical laboratories for in vitro diagnostics are facing pressure to preserve cost control while providing better services through new initiatives. Laboratory automation is a partial answer to this problem, having come a long way from the early days of clinical laboratory testing. The journey and implementation of automation in the Singapore General Hospital's Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory has allowed for sustained performance in the light of increasing workload and service commitments amid an evolving healthcare environment. Key to realising predicted outcomes is the optimisation of workflow processes, reduction of errors, and spatial placement of specimen reception and analytical areas. This paper gives an overview of our experience with automation in the clinical laboratory and its subsequent impact on service standards.

An Automated Draft Report Generator for Peripheral Blood Smear Examinations Based on Complete Blood Count Parameters

BACKGROUND: Complete blood count (CBC) results play an important role in peripheral blood smear (PBS) examinations. Many descriptions in PBS reports may simply be translated from CBC parameters. We developed a computer program that automatically generates a PBS draft report based on CBC parameters and age- and sex-matched reference ranges. METHODS: The Java programming language was used to develop a computer program that supports a graphical user interface. Four hematology analyzers from three different laboratories were tested: Sysmex XE-5000 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan), Sysmex XN-9000 (Sysmex), DxH800 (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA), and ADVIA 2120i (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Eschborn, Germany). Input data files containing 862 CBC results were generated from hematology analyzers, middlewares, or laboratory information systems. The draft reports were compared with the content of input data files. RESULTS: We developed a computer program that reads CBC results from a data file and automatically writes a draft PBS report. Age- and sex-matched reference ranges can be automatically applied. After examining PBS, users can modify the draft report based on microscopic findings. Recommendations such as suggestions for further evaluations are also provided based on morphological findings, and they can be modified by users. The program was compatible with all four hematology analyzers tested. CONCLUSIONS: Our program is expected to reduce the time required to manually incorporate CBC results into PBS reports. Systematic inclusion of CBC results could help improve the reliability and sensitivity of PBS examinations.

Sistema de información de la red nacional de laboratorios de salud pública en el Perú (Netlab) / Information system of the national network of public health laboratories in Peru (Netlab)

Los sistemas de información de laboratorio clínico, producen mejoras en la calidad de la información, la reducción de los costos del servicio, disminución de la espera para obtener resultados, entre otros. En el proceso de construcción de este sistema de información, el Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) del Perú ha desarrollado e implementado un aplicativo a través de Internet basado en la web, para comunicar, al personal de salud (laboratoristas, epidemiólogos, gestores de estrategias sanitarias, médicos tratantes, etc.), los resultados de las pruebas de laboratorio que se realizan en el INS o en los laboratorios de la Red Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud Pública el cual es llamado NETLAB. Este artículo presenta la experiencia de la implementación de NETLAB, su situación actual y las perspectivas de su empleo, así como su contribución en la prevención y control de enfermedades en el Perú.

Clinical laboratory information systems produce improvements in the quality of information, reduce service costs, and diminish wait times for results, among other things. In the construction process of this information system, the National Institute of Health (NIH) of Peru has developed and implemented a web-based application to communicate to health personnel (laboratory workers, epidemiologists, health strategy managers, physicians, etc.) the results of laboratory tests performed at the Peruvian NIH or in the laboratories of the National Network of Public Health Laboratories which is called NETLAB. This article presents the experience of implementing NETLAB, its current situation, perspectives of its use, and its contribution to the prevention and control of diseases in Perú.

Sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial: relato de experiência de uma ferramenta transformadora para a gestão laboratorial e vigilância em saúde / Laboratory Environment Management System: account of an experience with a transformational tool for laboratory management and health surveillance

Objetivo: apresentar o relato da experiência de implantação do sistema Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial (GAL) como ferramenta de monitoramento e controle de exames laboratoriais, essencial à gestão e ao acompanhamento dos programas de saúde pública brasileira. Métodos: o GAL foi proposto como ferramenta de monitoramento e controle de exames laboratoriais, essencial à gestão e ao acompanhamento dos programas de saúde pública brasileira. O relato foi elaborado a partir de pesquisa documental. Resultados: o GAL tem favorecido a comunicação da informação, fornecendo subsídios para a melhoria na divulgação dos resultados dos ensaios e exames diagnósticos e planos estratégicos na área de saúde. Conclusão: após a implantação do GAL, houve uma melhora substancial na forma de gestão da informação adotada pelos laboratórios de saúde pública.

Objective: to present a report on the experience of implanting the Laboratory Environment Management (GAL) system as a tool for monitoring and controlling laboratory tests. Methods: GAL has been proposed as a tool for monitoring and controlling laboratory tests, vital to the management and monitoring of public health programs in Brazil. The report was compiled from documentary research. Results: GAL has favoured the communication of information, providing input for improving the dissemination of assay and diagnostic test results as well as strategic plans for health. Conclusion: following GAL’s implantation, there has been a substantial improvement in information management by public health laboratories.

Application of Middleware to Automated Hematology Analyzers / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: Test results in a laboratory are simply relayed to the laboratory information system through the interface. Middleware facilitates and manages the interaction between applications across heterogeneous computing platforms. We applied middleware to automated hematology analyzers in a clinical laboratory. METHODS: We used HemLink (Beckman Coulter Korea, Korea) as middleware between the laboratory information system and hematology analyzers. It provides quality control programs including the Westgard multirule chart and moving averages. RESULTS: Unlike the previous system, middleware does not require manual input of the quality control results. Amendment of quality control, if necessary, could be done without the help of hospital information teams. Identification of abnormal results with patient information could be achieved with moving averages. Morphology flags and system flags are checked at remote computers. CONCLUSIONS: Management of quality control results of hematology analyzers was easy via middleware. Thus, middleware could be useful to connect proficiency testing programs with HemLink and to compare results from laboratories using the same middleware.

Development and Evaluation of a Laboratory Information System-Based Auto-Dilution and Manual Dilution Algorithm for Alpha-Fetoprotein Assay

No abstract available.

Installation of Network-Connected Point-of-Care Blood Glucose Meters / 임상검사와정도관리

Point-of-care (POC) testing is desirable because of both the ease with which it can be administered and its short turnaround time. However, because standard POC devices cannot transmit test results automatically to a laboratory information system (LIS), each result must be recorded by hand. This inconvenience not only increases the possibility of clerical errors, but also limits the proper use of test results. If POC test results are not saved in the LIS, it is hard to either monitor patients' health trends or to quality control (QC) the test results. In this paper, we describe how we have solved these problems by connecting 250 POC blood glucose test devices to the LIS via a local area network (LAN). After connecting the POC devices (we used the Accu-Chek Inform II; Roche Diagnostics, Germany) to a manufacturer-provided POC data management system (Roche's Cobas IT 1000; Roche Diagnostics), we developed our own interface program for delivering data from the Cobas IT 1000 system to the LIS. By installing a program to scan the identification barcode worn by patients on their wrists, network-connected POC devices enable users to omit extra ordering, receiving, and recording processes, and they also reduce the possibility of patient misidentification. Such a system also provides an effective way for physicians to follow both the current and accumulated test results of patients. We note that performing QC on glucometers and the sending of data via LAN to the LIS are necessary steps to monitor both patients' results and the QC of those results.

Design and Realization of Integrated Management System for Data Interoperability between Point-of-Care Testing Equipment and Hospital Information System / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to design an integrated data management system based on the POCT1-A2, LIS2-A, LIS2-A2, and HL7 standard to ensure data interoperability between mobile equipment, such as point-of-care testing equipment and the existing hospital data system, its efficiency was also evaluated. METHODS: The method of this study was intended to design and realize a data management system which would provide a solution for the problems that occur when point-of-care testing equipment is introduced to existing hospital data, after classifying such problems into connectivity, integration, and interoperability. This study also checked if the data management system plays a sufficient role as a bridge between the point-of-care testing equipment and the hospital information system through connection persistence and reliability testing, as well as data integration and interoperability testing. RESULTS: In comparison with the existing system, the data management system facilitated integration by improving the result receiving time, improving the collection rate, and by enabling the integration of disparate types of data into a single system. And it was found out that we can solve the problems related to connectivity, integration and interoperability through generating the message in standardized types. CONCLUSIONS: It is expected that the proposed data management system, which is designed to improve the integration point-of-care testing equipment with existing systems, will establish a solid foundation on which better medical service may be provided by hospitals by improving the quality of patient service.

Assessment of completion of forms requesting skin biopsies / Avaliação do preenchimento de solicitações de biópsias da pele

BACKGROUND: Information contained in request forms for histopathological examinations is essential for interpreting tissue changes observed in microscopy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the adequacy of information provided on forms requesting skin biopsies. METHOD: Assessment, in two health institutions, of 647 forms requesting skin biopsies in order to determine the completeness on the forms of the clinical details/items considered necessary for undertaking skin biopsies. RESULTS: Of the total 18 items on the forms, 7 were found to relay complete information in under 10% of the forms and only 9 items were correctly completed in over 80% of the requests. CONCLUSION: We concluded that information on many of the essential items required for a correct interpretation of the anatomopathologic examination was missing from the request forms.

FUNDAMENTOS: As informações contidas nas requisições de exames histopatológicos são fundamentais para a interpretação das alterações teciduais observadas na microscopia. OBJETIVO: Verificar a frequência do preenchimento de itens de requisições de biópsias da pele. MÉTODO: Avaliação do preenchimento de 647 solicitações de biópsias de pele, em duas instituições de saúde, em relação aos itens considerados necessários. RESULTADOS: De um total de 18 itens avaliados, 7 foram preenchidos em menos de 10% das requisições e 9 foram preenchidos corretamente em mais de 80% das requisições. CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se uma insuficiência do preenchimento de itens fundamentais para uma interpretação adequada do exame anatomopatológico.

Study on integration solution of laboratory small system and LIS / 中国医疗器械杂志

The current 5 kinds of integrated solutions are analysed and compared to accomplish the connecting demand between laboratory small systems and LIS systems. According to different scenarios and specific needs, we have adopted suitable technical solution for the integration to complete connection requirements.

Correlation between Carbapenem Prescription Trends and Imipenem Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii at an Intensive Care Unit between 2006 and 2010

Carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii has increased rapidly worldwide. It is generally assumed that carbapenem prescription in a hospital has a significant impact on imipenem resistance in A. baumannii. However, there are few studies validating these assumptions with statistical data. We performed a surveillance study to investigate the relationship between carbapenem prescription trends and the imipenem resistance rate of A. baumannii in an ICU. Carbapenem prescription data in the WHO anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC)/defined daily dose (DDD) format for the period from 2006 to 2010 were obtained from the hospital electronic pharmacy records. In the same period, microbiologic data for the ICU were extracted from the laboratory information system. Imipenem resistance rates of A. baumannii increased from 4.3% in 2006 to 83.8% in 2010 (P <0.05; r2=0.85). Carbapenem prescription had increased from 19.71 DDD per 1,000 inpatient-days in 2006 to 36.99 DDD per 1,000 inpatient-days in 2010 (P <0.05; r2=0.95). Carbapenem prescription rate correlated with the imipenem resistance rate in A. baumannii (P <0.05; R=0.9). The results of our study demonstrated a correlation between carbapenem prescription trends and imipenem resistance in A. baumannii.

Satisfacción del usuario que requiere exámenes de laboratorio urgentes, Costa Rica / User satisfaction requires urgent laboratory tests, Costa Rica

Antecedentes: A través de un nuevo concepto holístico de calidad se han venido realizando algunos estudios de satisfacción de los usuarios de servicios de salud en el área metropolitana del país. Sin embargo en la Región Huetar Atlántica, no se había realizado ninguna publicación de esta clase de estudios. Objetivo: Analizar la satisfacción del usuario del laboratorio clínico del Área de Salud de Cariari que se realiza exámenes urgentes bajo las dimensiones de capacidad de respuesta, accesibilidad, cortesía, confort, comunicación y profesionalismo. Materiales y Método: Estudio cuantitativo, de concepción positivista, basada en entrevistas aplicadas a los pacientes en una muestra de 344 pacientes, todos usuarios del laboratorio clínico del Área de Salud de Cariari. Resultados: Destaca la insatisfacción en el tiempo de respuesta del laboratorio clínico, especialmente la espera de los pacientes para recibir el resultado. Discusión: Con el fin de mejorar la satisfacción de los pacientes se debe reforzar el recurso humano, automatizar pruebas y adquirir equipos de mayor capacidad de procesamiento.

Background: Based on a new holistic quality concept, some patients’ satisfaction studies have been carried out in the Central Valley of our country. However, in the Huetar Atlantic Region, such studies have never been published. Objective: Analyze the satisfaction of patients who undertake urgent laboratory tests at Cariari Health Area through the implementation of a research performed under the dimensions of responsiveness, accessibility, courtesy, comfort, communication and professionalism. Materials and Methods: Aquantitative,positivistconception, based on interviews applied to patients in a sample of 344 patients, all users of a clinical laboratory of the Cariari Health Area. Results: Highlights the dissatisfaction with the response time of the clinical laboratory, especially the waiting time for patients to receive the result. Discussion: In order to improve patient satisfaction should be increased human resources, automated testing, and acquire equipment with higher processing capacity.

Analysis of Discarded Blood Components at a University Hospital in Korea / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: When it comes to wasting blood components, it usually means wastage before transfusion due to several reasons such as improvement of the patient's condition, death of the patient, delay of blood returning, etc. Yet blood components can sometimes can be wasted after a transfusion is started and this is referred as residual blood wastage. In this study, we analyzed the rate and causes of discarded blood components that are not used and the residual blood wastage in order to help reduce the rate of blood component wastage. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2010, the number of and the reasons for discarded blood components without use and residual blood wastage were analyzed by reviewing the laboratory information system and wastage statements at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital. RESULTS: The number of blood components issued during the study period was 24,001 units. Among them, the number of units discarded without use was 162 units (0.7%) and the number of units of residual blood wastage was 115 units (0.5%). Among the reasons for the discarded blood component without use, improvement of the patient's conditions ranked as 1st with 80 units (49.5%) and death of the patient ranked as 2nd with 42 units (25.9%). The biggest reason for the residual blood wastage was transfusion-related side effects with as many as 52 units (45.2%). Other than side effects, the wastage of residue from pediatric transfusion were 48 units (41.7%), followed by delay of surgery with 5 units (4.3%) and patients' refusal with 4 units (3.5%). CONCLUSION: The wastage of residue from pediatric transfusion was the second most common cause of residual blood wastage in our hospital. According to this, we should evaluate the routine use of pediatric transfusion bags and their cost-effectiveness in our hospital.

Investigation of Positive Streptococcus pneumoniae Urinary Antigen Test Results in a Korean University Hospital / 대한임상미생물학회지

BACKGROUND: The Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen test (SPUAT) (Binax Now, USA) was developed for detecting polysaccharide C in urine samples for rapid diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). To validate positive results of these tests, we retrospectively investigated all positive results obtained from the emergency room of a Korean university hospital among patients with suspected CAP. METHODS: One hundred twenty-three positive SPUAT results were abstracted and analyzed from the authors' laboratory information system among the SPUAT results performed from 1,143 pneumonic patients admitted from the emergency room of a university hospital between 2007 and 2008. Medical records, including conventional microbiologic analysis results, were reviewed in detail for all positive test results. RESULTS: Among 123 patients with the positive SPUAT results, 24 patients were excluded due to hospitalization history during the preceding month. Nine of 99 patients (9.1%) with suspected CAP had confirmed pneumococcal pneumonia upon conventional sputum or blood culture. Thirty-five positive results (35.4%) showed other microorganisms upon conventional methods, which might be due to possible cross-reactivity. Among those, 23 positive results were considered bacterial pneumonic agents, and 12 positive results were regarded as urinary tract infection strains or contaminating agents. Fifty-five positive SPUAT results (55.6%) showed negative conventional microbiologic growth, and some positive SPUAT results might be caused by true pneumococcal infection although without cultural evidence. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective study demonstrated that a positive SPUAT result typically does not agree well with conventional culture methods, suggesting that the value of a positive SPUAT result in etiology determination may be limited under practical conditions in a university hospital.