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BBL™ Sensi-Disc™ Metronidazole Elution Discs are to be used for determining the in vitro susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria to metronidazole by the broth-disc method.

In 1959 Schneierson¹ described a method for testing the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria. In this method a known concentration of antibiotic is impregnated on a paper disc and placed in a tube of broth. The antibiotic concentration approximates the concentration of the antibiotic achievable in the blood. This method was named the "broth-disc method." In 1972 Wilkins and Thiel² modified this method for testing anaerobes by placing the discs in a pre-reduced medium. The major advantage of the broth-disc method is that most anaerobic isolates can be tested for antibiotic susceptibility. The major disadvantage is that the degree of susceptibility or resistance cannot be determined. In 1990 the NCCLS no longer listed this method as an approved alternative method for susceptibility testing of anaerobes due to its unreliability and poor correlation with standard methods.

Control strains recommended for standardized susceptibility testing. Each time the test is performed, the following strains should be included: Clostridium perfringens ATCC™ 13124 (susceptible) and Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 6919 (resistant).

Quality control requirements must be performed in accordance with applicable local, state and/or federal regulations or accreditation requirements and your laboratory's standard Quality Control procedures. It is recommended that the user refer to pertinent NCCLS guidance and CLIA regulations for appropriate Quality Control practices.

Sensi-Disc brand discs are prepared by impregnating high quality absorbent paper with accurately determined amounts of antimicrobial agents. Discs are clearly marked on both sides with letters and numbers designating the agent and the drug content. Sensi-Disc agents are furnished in cartridges containing 50 discs each. The last disc in each cartridge is marked "X" and contains the drug as coded. The cartridges are for use in Single Disc Dispensers.

For in vitro Diagnostic Use.

Observe aseptic techniques and established precautions against microbiological hazards throughout all procedures. After use, prepared tubes, specimen containers and other contaminated materials must be sterilized by autoclaving before discarding.

In 1990 the NCCLS no longer listed this method as an approved alternative method for susceptibility testing of anaerobes due to its unreliability and poor correlation with standard methods.