Automation Techniques in Mycobacteriology

In this era of globalisation and pandemics, automation in clinical laboratories is in huge demand as it enhances the workflow process. Laboratory automation is one field which does not remain untouched and when it comes to automation in diagnosis of chronic diseases like tuberculosis it augments the long list of tests which are in current use. Mycobacterium spp. specially Mtb is one slow growing bacterium which requires a long waiting time till the diagnosis can be made and this could result in high mortality as is evident from large number of people who die due to tuberculosis. The automation in mycobacteriology tends to fasten this process and help in reduction of a large economic burden on developing countries where these diseases are endemic. Various automated methods have been introduced, when it comes to detecting Mycobacterium spp., covering spectrum from microscopy to molecular methods. This chapter addresses the need for automation in detecting Mycobacterium spp. along with various technologies which have brought a revolution in field of diagnosis and cure.