Antibiotic Testing

Antibiotics can be tested for efficacy in a myriad of ways. One of the most common is to view inhibition zones on a petri plate. A petri plate (typically 90 or 100 mm) can be inoculated with bacteria. Antibiotic impregnated wafers of different strains are placed on the plate. The plate is incubated at an optimal temperature (usually 37C) inside an incubator, like the Incufridge. As bacteria grows it may refrain from growing near an antibiotic that it is not resistant to. This area of inhibition is called an inhibition zone or zone of inhibition. An inhibition zone can be measured with a caliper, recorded and compared or an automated colony counter, like the IncuCount can automatically measure the inhibition zones, compare and automatically store the data with ease. Aseptic techniques should be employed. Petri plates should be properly disposed of after they are no longer needed, by sterilizing in an autoclave, like the Saniclave 50.