How a Microbiology Laboratory Operates Using the Vitek System
The VITEK automated microbiology system is a new technology in the field of microbiology which is able to detect harmful organisms in the human body, identify the type of microorganism causing infection, and indicate the degree of susceptibility of the offending organism to various types of antibiotics ( 2006). Like most rapid microbiology tests, the Vitek system is a product that test for bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, and are easier and/or faster to use than conventional methods. These tests are generally designed to reduce the time, labor and costs of traditional methods, while improving the quality and effectiveness of the results (1997).
Basically the system does what a microbiologist normally does in the laboratory, only at a much faster speed, thereby speeding up the whole process of a patient’s treatment by providing the health care professional a clear, accurate diagnostic information and quick identification of the most effective medication. However, the whole Vitek system process cannot go on without a microbiologist at hand. Although the system does what a microbiologist normally does in the laboratory, it does not replace the microbiologist at all.
Unlike the conventional microbiology laboratories which use many types of equipments in the process of specimen identification and testing, the process with the use of the Vitek system is relatively simple. The process begins with a disposable plastic kit approximately the size of a playing card called a Test card. There are 30 wells contained in each card, which are loaded with the biochemical reagents or antimicrobials needed for the test to be performed. In contrast to the conventional method of microbiology testing, the Vitek system does not need the microbiologist to prepare the reagents or antimicrobials and manually apply them to the specimen. Using the Vitek system, each card already has the reagents and antimicrobials and applies them to the specimen in an automated manner. One series of cards in the Vitek system is used to identify the organism, while the other is used to determine its susceptibility to various antibiotics.
A Test Card is then marked with a sample number that the Vitek system’s computer will read automatically. The card is then prepared to receive a sample by means of a transfer tube. The microbiologist does not need to apply manually the sample into the card’s wells, instead it is done automatically by the system. After the samples are vacuum-drawn into the card’s wells, the cards are then sealed and loaded into the Reader/Incubator of the system for the process of incubation. In the conventional method, this process of incubation is manually done by the microbiologist from the transfer of the sample to the timing of the incubation period.
During the incubating cycle which varies approximately from four to 24-hours depending on the nature of the test, a photo-optical scanner periodically scans each specimen, monitoring changes in cell growth, which are reported automatically to the computer. When growth reaches a predetermined level set by the system, it indicates the presence of pathogens. This is how easy the microbiology tests go with the Vitek system. A preliminary report may then be requested at any time and the final report is printed automatically as soon as the results are available.
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