Which of the following test is NOT used for testing the efficacy of disinfectant?
Show Hint
E-test is exclusively used for determining the sensitivity of bacterial isolates to antibiotics, whereas Phenol Coefficient, Rideal-Walker, and Chick-Martin are classic disinfectant assays.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Disinfectants are chemical agents applied to non-living objects to destroy microorganisms. Their bactericidal potency is evaluated using standardized laboratory assays. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the purpose of each listed test:
- Phenol Coefficient: A standard measure of the bactericidal activity of a chemical disinfectant compared to pure phenol.
- Rideal-Walker (R-W) test: A widely used suspension test that calculates the phenol coefficient of disinfectants under specific laboratory conditions.
- Chick-Martin test: An improved modification of the Rideal-Walker test that evaluates disinfectants in the presence of organic matter (such as yeast suspension) to simulate real-world conditions.
- E-test (Epsilometer test): A laboratory method used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of an antibiotic against a specific bacterium using a plastic strip with a predefined antibiotic gradient. It is not used for disinfectants.
Therefore, the E-test is not used to test the efficacy of disinfectants. Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (C).