E-test

An E-test is a laboratory method used to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics. It involves placing a plastic strip with a gradient of antibiotic concentrations onto a bacterial culture. As bacteria grow, they create an ellipse of inhibition around the strip. The point where bacterial growth stops along the strip shows the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), or the lowest antibiotic amount needed to prevent growth. This helps doctors choose the most effective antibiotic and dosage for treating infections efficiently.