BACTERIAL SENSITIVITY TEST Meaning and
Definition
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The bacterial sensitivity test, also known as the antibiotic susceptibility test or antimicrobial susceptibility test, is a diagnostic technique used in medical laboratories to determine the effectiveness of various antibiotics against a specific strain of bacteria. It is an essential step in guiding healthcare professionals in choosing the most appropriate antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections.
The test involves obtaining a sample of the bacteria, often from a patient's bodily fluid or tissue, and culturing it on a solid medium. Once the bacteria have multiplied, small discs or wells containing different antibiotics are placed onto the culture. The test measures the bacterial growth around each antibiotic, revealing which drugs are inhibiting or killing the bacteria.
Bacterial sensitivity test results are typically reported as the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), which indicates the lowest concentration of the antibiotic that effectively inhibits bacterial growth. The results are compared to interpretive criteria established by expert organizations, such as the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), to determine whether the bacteria are susceptible (sensitive), intermediate, or resistant to specific antibiotics.
The test is crucial in guiding antimicrobial therapy, as it helps healthcare professionals select the most appropriate antibiotic based on its ability to eradicate the target bacteria. It also aids in preventing the development of antibiotic resistance by avoiding the use of antibiotics to which bacteria have become resistant. Additionally, bacterial sensitivity testing provides valuable data for monitoring and tracking trends in antibiotic resistance in different regions or healthcare settings.
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