Question

Discussion/Conclusions: 7. Discuss the parameters required for successful interpretation of the susceptibility testing using the Kirby Bauer Method.

Answer 1

Kirby Bauer method is used to determine the sensitivity of a bacterium to various antimicrobial drugs and is used to select appropriate antibiotics to treat infection. The parameters required for successful interpretation of the susceptibility testing using Kirby Bauer method is:

1. zone of inhibition:measure zone( area of no growth) sizes after overnight incubation (at 37 degree celcius) in milimeters using a ruler or template.
2. Kirby Bauer sensitivity log: zone sizes should be entered into the KB sensitivity log along with patient information.
3. well isolated colonies only from Blood agar plate (BAP) should be used as specimen.
4. standardized size of inoculated organism should be used, using BBD prompt system.
5. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) should be determined by microdilution as described by national committee for clinical laboratory (NCCLS) standards .