A thorough evaluation process for microbial identification systems should consist of both a technical and financial review, regardless if you are performing internal testing or outsourcing. All evaluations should include a detailed list of specifications to meet your laboratory’s objectives. Most laboratories perform evaluations by examining obvious system attributes and tangible features: work flow, automation, labor and technical requirements, cost of reagents and consumables, capital expenses and interfacing with laboratory information systems. A key component often neglected in the review process is the impact and effect of library databases on performance in a pharmaceutical environment, including comparing comprehensive depth of library entries, accuracy and relevancy to obtain a species level identification. Request the complete poster.