What are the Common Methods of Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing?
Several methods are used in clinical settings, including:
- Disk Diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) Method: Antibiotic-impregnated disks are placed on an agar plate inoculated with the bacteria. Zones of inhibition around the disks indicate sensitivity. - Broth Dilution: Bacteria are exposed to different concentrations of antibiotics in a liquid medium to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). - E-Test (Epsilometer Test): A strip with a gradient of antibiotic concentrations is placed on an inoculated agar plate to determine the MIC. - Automated Systems: Instruments like the VITEK system provide rapid and standardized results.
