E-test
The E-test gradient strip also uses the Mueller-Hinton agar type plates but instead of a disk, there is a gradient strip where the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antimicrobial can be interpreted. Similar requirements of no overlap and incubation are required and interpretations and MICs can be reported. Both Kirby-Bauer and E-test plates can be read manually or by using an instrument that takes a picture of the plate and based on user information, can read zone sizes or strip MIC levels and provide the interpretations.
Microbroth Dilution
Microbroth dilutions are usually set on a type of microtiter plate (ie, 96-well disposable tray) where different concentration levels of antimicrobials are in each well. Many of the platforms available can be read manually or with an instrument and several only can be read with an instrument. The platform then also provides the interpretation for the MIC levels.
35. MediaLab. "E-test." MediaLab, Inc. image. 2022.36. Allain, Dorothy. "This image depicts a 96-well microtitration V-plate, which was being used to conduct a microtiter direct agglutination tests (DAT)..." CDC Public Health Image Library (PHIL). Public domain. 1974. Accessed July 28, 2023. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=14943
