Kirby-Bauer Test
The Kirby-Bauer Test is a laboratory method used to determine the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. In this test, a bacterial culture is spread evenly on an agar plate, and small discs containing specific antibiotics are placed on the surface. After incubation, the effectiveness of each antibiotic is assessed by measuring the zone of inhibition, which is the area around the disc where bacteria cannot grow.
This test helps healthcare professionals choose the appropriate antibiotic for treating infections. It is named after scientists A.W. Kirby and J.C. Bauer, who developed the method in the 1960s. The results guide effective treatment plans and combat antibiotic resistance.