BBL™ Sensi-Disc™ Susceptibility Test Disc

BBL™ Sensi-Disc™ Susceptibility Test Disc

BBL™ Sensi-Disc™ Susceptibility Test Discs are standardized antimicrobial paper discs designed for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the disc diffusion method. Used in clinical microbiology and public health laboratories, these discs help assess the susceptibility of clinically significant bacteria to specific antimicrobial agents, supporting routine workflows for organism workup and resistance surveillance.

Each disc is impregnated with a precisely controlled amount of an antimicrobial agent and labeled for clear identification. When applied to the surface of an inoculated agar plate, the antimicrobial diffuses into the medium during incubation and may inhibit bacterial growth. After incubation, the resulting zone of inhibition can be measured and interpreted according to recognized interpretive criteria to categorize isolates (for example, susceptible, intermediate, or resistant) as defined by applicable standards and local laboratory policy.

Intended Use

BBL™ Sensi-Disc™ Susceptibility Test Discs are intended for laboratory use as part of standardized disc diffusion susceptibility testing procedures. They are used with appropriate agar media, standardized inoculum preparation, and controlled incubation conditions. Results are used in conjunction with organism identification, specimen source, and clinical context, and should be interpreted by qualified laboratory personnel following current guidance and laboratory protocols.

Key Features

• Standardized potency: Discs are manufactured to deliver consistent antimicrobial content to support reproducible diffusion testing.
• Clear identification: Disc labeling supports accurate selection and documentation of antimicrobial agents tested.
• Workflow compatibility: Designed for use with common disc dispensers, forceps placement, and routine bench procedures.
• Quality-oriented design: Produced for use within quality systems that include routine QC testing with reference strains.
• Broad testing utility: Suitable for many commonly tested bacterial pathogens when used with appropriate methods and interpretive criteria.

How the Discs Are Used in Disc Diffusion Testing

1. Prepare a standardized bacterial suspension from a pure culture following the laboratory’s method.
2. Inoculate the surface of an appropriate agar plate to create a uniform lawn of growth.
3. Apply selected BBL™ Sensi-Disc™ discs to the inoculated agar surface using sterile technique and proper spacing.
4. Incubate plates under controlled conditions appropriate for the organism group and medium.
5. Measure inhibition zones and interpret results using the current interpretive tables and laboratory reporting rules.

Quality Control and Laboratory Practice

Consistent performance in disc diffusion testing depends on adherence to standardized procedures, including media selection, agar depth, inoculum density, incubation atmosphere and time, and correct disc storage and handling. Laboratories should perform routine quality control using recommended reference strains and follow applicable standards (such as those issued by recognized organizations) to verify that zone diameters fall within expected ranges. Discs should be used before their expiration date and handled to minimize moisture and temperature exposure that may affect antimicrobial activity.

Storage and Handling Considerations

Maintain discs under the storage conditions specified by the manufacturer to preserve potency. Avoid unnecessary warming, humidity exposure, or prolonged time at room temperature during setup. Reseal containers promptly after retrieving discs, and track lot numbers and expiration dates as part of the laboratory’s documentation and traceability practices.

Product Summary

BBL™ Sensi-Disc™ Susceptibility Test Discs provide a dependable, standardized option for disc diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing in microbiology laboratories. When used within validated procedures and quality systems, they support consistent susceptibility assessments that contribute to timely, informed laboratory reporting and antimicrobial stewardship efforts.