Lab Device Dispenses Testing Discs

Disc diffusion is one of the simplest and most widely used methods for testing sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics. Now, a new disc dispenser is available for use with 120 mm square plates, which are commonly used in some European countries, including France and Belgium.

Disc testing is a very flexible technique that can test a wide variety of antibiotics and concentrations. A variety of disc dispensers has always been available from Oxoid (Basingstoke, UK). Oxoid France (Dardilly Cedex, France) has now launched a new square dispenser to complement the range. Designed to accommodate 16 cartridges, the robust ergonomic design, light weight, and smooth action of the dispenser permit easy use with one hand. The dispenser ensures precise positioning of antibiotic discs on the agar surface, and a plunger-lock system indicates if one or more antibiotic disc cartridges are empty, thus preventing contamination of the pins.

Each square dispenser is provided with a box which incorporates a desiccant to help maintain a suitable environment for the antibiotic panel while being stored in a refrigerator. The box has a clear plastic lid to allow for the easy identification of the dispenser in each box.

To obtain accurate and reproducible results, a key point is the quality of the discs. There are three main international standards for potency of antibiotics in the discs, and manufacturers do not all produce to the same standards. Oxoid produces to the DIN specification, the tightest international standard. Close links with pharmaceutical companies enable Oxoid to rapidly introduce new discs into the already comprehensive range.



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