Kirby-Bauer test

The Kirby-Bauer test is a method used to determine how effective antibiotics are against specific bacteria. In this test, small discs soaked in antibiotics are placed on a special agar plate that has been inoculated with the bacteria. After incubating, the plate is examined for clear areas around the discs, known as zones of inhibition. These zones indicate where the bacteria could not grow due to the antibiotic's effects. By measuring the size of these zones, medical professionals can assess whether the bacteria are susceptible, resistant, or intermediate to the antibiotics tested, guiding treatment decisions.