Aurora Burlington Charges $55 for Susceptibility Testing Using Kirby Bauer Method
Aurora Medical Center Burlington offers a medical service known as susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer method, priced at $55. This test is a critical laboratory procedure used to determine the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacteria isolated from a patient’s sample. By placing antibiotic-impregnated discs on an agar plate where bacteria have been cultured, the test measures the inhibition of bacterial growth, thereby helping healthcare providers choose the most effective antibiotic treatment for infections. The $55 charge reflects the cost of materials, laboratory expertise, and analysis required to perform this essential diagnostic test.
What is susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer method? – Susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer method is a laboratory procedure that assesses the effectiveness of antibiotics against specific bacteria by observing the inhibition of bacterial growth around antibiotic discs on an agar plate.
Why is susceptibility testing important? – This testing is crucial for guiding healthcare providers in selecting the most effective antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections, ensuring targeted therapy and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
How much does the Kirby-Bauer susceptibility test cost at Aurora Medical Center Burlington? – The test costs $55, which covers the expenses related to materials, laboratory expertise, and the analysis required to perform the test.
How is the Kirby-Bauer test performed? – The test involves culturing bacteria on an agar plate and placing antibiotic-impregnated discs on the surface; the area around each disc where bacteria cannot grow indicates the antibiotic’s effectiveness.
Who should undergo susceptibility testing? – Patients with bacterial infections that require antibiotic treatment may undergo susceptibility testing to ensure the prescribed medication is effective against the specific bacteria causing the infection.
Can the Kirby-Bauer method be used for all types of bacteria? – While widely used, the Kirby-Bauer method is most effective for certain types of bacteria, and alternative methods may be employed for others based on laboratory standards and guidelines.
How long does it take to get results from the Kirby-Bauer test? – Results typically take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the growth rate of the bacteria and laboratory processing times.
Is the Kirby-Bauer method the only way to test antibiotic susceptibility? – No, there are other methods such as broth dilution and automated systems, but the Kirby-Bauer method is a standard, cost-effective approach widely used in clinical laboratories.
