Innovative index system for reporting microbiology laboratory results.

A new computerized format for presenting microbiology laboratory results has been designed and evaluated. This new system uses an index format providing a concise summary of the status of each test ordered and the results for each test organized by the source of the specimen on the first page of the report. This is followed by complete, detailed microbiology results sorted in reverse chronological order. This new system was significantly (P < 0.05) faster and easier to use than a standard source-category reporting system used in many hospitals. In addition, the index format was overwhelmingly preferred by the individuals evaluating both systems.