Disk Diffusion Method
The Disk Diffusion Method is a laboratory technique used to assess the effectiveness of antibiotics against specific bacteria. In this method, small paper disks impregnated with antibiotics are placed on an agar plate that has been inoculated with the bacteria. As the antibiotics diffuse into the agar, they create a concentration gradient, inhibiting bacterial growth in the surrounding area.
After incubation, the plate is examined for clear zones around the disks, known as zones of inhibition. The size of these zones indicates how effective each antibiotic is against the bacteria. This method is widely used in microbiology to guide treatment decisions for infections.