Highlights of CLSI Document – Abbreviated Identification of Bacteria and Yeast - M35-A2, Second Edition

The second edition of M35-A2 Abbreviated identification of Bacteria and Yeast contains many more identifications than the first edition, including14 species from 11 genera. Biothreat agents and agents that can be highly infectious to laboratory personnel have been added to improve rapid detection of these agents and minimize exposure of personnel to them. User-friendly tables have been included, and safety precautions are presented in detail. A summary of these improvements, as well as a review of the details for identification of the newly added species, is presented. Use of the document will allow laboratories to rapidly identify greater than 90% of the clinically important species isolated from clinical specimens without performing expensive multi-test systems or using overnight test methods that result in delays in reporting significant findings to caregivers.