Laboratory Identification of Pathogenic Fungi Simplified

laboratory data processing into a total hospital system. The general conclusion was that at the present time a small dedicated computer under laboratory control is preferable. Brian Bull of Loma Linda University describes the preparation of updated patient summaries by magnetic tape typewriters as an interim measure until computerized data processing is better developed. The second section presents evaluation by independent laboratories of new automatic instruments for clinical chemistry, hematology, and bacteriology. Precision, accuracy, versatility, efficiency, and cost are discussed. One wishes that they had all followed a uniform experimental protocol. All of the chemical instruments tested are of the discrete sample handling type with the exception of the autoanalyzer. Most of these instruments unfortunately depend upon single point calibration and commercial secondary serum standards, a deficiency emphasized in the book by Donald Young of the National Institutes of Health. Errors in two different instruments were traced to inaccurate commercial standards. Discussing the automation of enzyme measurements, Seligson presents a new approach to kinetic assays that provides as a measure of reaction rate a single absorbance value which is suitable for computer processing. Michael Berry of the University of California describes a means of automating traditional kinetic assays. Arthur Babson argues for single point enzyme assays as opposed to the more widely accepted and approved kinetic methods. This book provides no absolute conclusions or definitive answers, but provides a good composite picture of the state of the art as of February, 1969.