Updates include an expert rule database and epidemiology reporting package, which enhance the interpretation and reporting capabilities of the system
The most recent software updates for Aura Image - the powerful, easy to use antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) system from Oxoid - include an expert rule database and a new epidemiology reporting (AER) package.
Together, these new features further enhance the interpretation and reporting capabilities of the system, making Aura Image an indispensable tool for AST and infection control purposes.
The new expert rule database allows Aura Image to operate with the knowledge of an expert microbiologist.
This unique database is a comprehensive collation of over 300 important rules and opinions that have been gathered from some of the most eminent microbiologists in the AST field.
These rules have been developed to allow for certain drug-organism reactions that are not as simple or straightforward as they appear.
Learning and recognising these special circumstances normally comes with years of experience, but the Aura Image expert rule database now allows less experienced staff to benefit from the knowledge and experience of an expert system. Footnote rules from NCCLS and BSAC guidelines are also included in the database and user definable rules can be added if required.
The conditions and origin of each rule can be viewed and selected easily and an audit trail shows which rules have been applied and/or over-ridden.
The efficient and accurate surveillance capabilities of Aura Image assist infection control teams in the prevention of outbreaks of resistant strains in hospitals.
The epidemiology reporting (AER) system allows trends in resistance to be monitored closely over a period of time and provides early warning of any potential problems that may arise. AER reports are user-configurable, allowing graph type, time frame and range of search to be selected as required. Furthermore, favourite reports can be selected and run on a regular basis.
Supplied free-of-charge with Aura Image as a stand-alone software package, AER can be loaded conveniently onto a separate computer system, enabling the infection control team to access and use the software even when the Aura Image system is in use.
