The HSRC at UPMC Health System functions as an electronic laboratory reporting system, although the state and local health departments are not yet ready to receive real-time messaging from the system. Currently, it sends email alerts to the director of the laboratory and hospital infection control group about positive cultures for organisms that are required to be reported to public health in the state of Pennsylvania. 30 It also sends messages to hospital infection control when it detects organisms that cause nosocomial infections. These organisms include Clostridium difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.