Table 3 lists why an antibiotic is chosen over another one. Table 4 lists 10 steps to improve the physician's use of the laboratory. The laboratory is an excellent tool for the physician and should be used optimally. Finally, Table 5 lists the specific types of demographics that must accompany requisition forms. We can not emphasize enough that the requisition form directs the laboratory on what to do.
Incomplete forms leads to delays and possible misinterpretations.
The health care center must recognize a good specimen from a poor one. Proper instructions must be given to the patient. The laboratory can determine if the specimen is good or bad by performing a Gram stain. Gram stains can determine the value of the sputum specimen by examining for epithelial cells. The organism isolated was Streptococcus pneumoniae , one of the most common agent causing bacterial pneumonia.