Microdilution antibiotic susceptibility test: examination of certain variables.

A semiautomated microdilution susceptibility test is described. The effect of certain parameters such as inoculum size, growth media, incubation conditions, and inoculum dispensing systems was studied. Both medium type and inoculum size caused significant variations in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of certain antibiotic-organism combinations. No effect on MIC was observed as a function of incubator type. Efforts to read a reproducible MIC value in less than 12 h failed. A commercially available wire pronged inoculator was determined to be inaccurate and unsafe. Disposable dropper pipettes proved to be economical, accurate, and precise. Although a standard method for microdilution antibiotic susceptibility testing is not proposed, data are presented which show that future attempts at standardized procedures are mandatory if inter- and intralaboratory reliability is desired.