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Epsilometer Test (Etest)
Indications:
- bacterial infection
- estimation of antibiotic sensitivity
Clinical significance:
- simple way of estimating the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of an antibiotic to an organism
- some debate about how reliable it is, especially with MRSA [1]
Procedure:
- uses a drug-impregnated strip that has a gradient of antibiotic concentration, from high to low
- find where the 'elipse' of inhibition crosses the strip
Notes:
- specimen preparation is not described
General
minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)
point of care test
References
- Sax PE
ID Learning Unit - The Etest
HIV and ID Observations
http://blogs.jwatch.org/hiv-id-observations/index.php/id-learning-unit-the-etest/2012/06/12?q=pfw-featured