BD 230918 - Sensi-Disc Penicillin, 10 Units, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Discs in Cartridge, EA
The BD 230918 - BD Sensi-Disc Penicillin 10 Units is a high-quality antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) disc used in clinical microbiology laboratories to determine bacterial resistance or sensitivity to penicillin. Each paper disc is precisely impregnated with 10 units of penicillin and supplied in a convenient, moisture-resistant cartridge that maintains potency and stability. Manufactured by Becton Dickinson (BD), this product is part of the renowned BD Sensi-Disc line, trusted globally for standardized performance and consistent diffusion characteristics in the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.
These discs are intended for use on Mueller-Hinton agar or other appropriate culture media in testing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates. They play a critical role in guiding clinical decisions on antibiotic therapy and supporting antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Key Benefits
The BD Sensi-Disc Penicillin 10U ensures precision, reproducibility, and compliance with CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines. Each disc delivers uniform antibiotic diffusion for accurate zone diameter readings. The discs are packaged in sealed cartridges containing a desiccant to protect them from moisture and environmental degradation. BDs strict manufacturing standards guarantee consistent antibiotic concentration and diffusion performance, minimizing variability across tests and laboratories. These discs enable rapid, cost-effective detection of bacterial susceptibility to penicillin, facilitating informed antibiotic selection and patient management.
Compatibility and Applications
The BD 230918 Penicillin Sensi-Disc is compatible with standard disc diffusion methods and can be used with both manual and automated susceptibility testing systems. It is suitable for use in:
- Clinical microbiology laboratories for routine susceptibility testing of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and other clinically significant bacteria.
- Hospital and reference laboratories conducting antibiotic resistance surveillance.
- Pharmaceutical, veterinary, and research institutions evaluating antibiotic efficacy.
- Public health laboratories monitoring resistance trends.
The discs are intended for use with properly standardized bacterial inocula and validated culture media to ensure accurate, reproducible results.
Usage Guidelines
Perform testing in accordance with the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method as outlined by CLSI standards. Prepare a bacterial suspension equivalent to a 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard and uniformly inoculate the surface of Mueller-Hinton agar. Using sterile forceps or a disc dispenser, place the BD Sensi-Disc Penicillin 10U onto the inoculated agar surface, ensuring firm contact. Incubate plates at 35 2C for 1618 hours under appropriate atmospheric conditions. Measure the diameter of the inhibition zone in millimeters and interpret susceptibility based on current CLSI interpretive criteria. Always store discs at 28C and allow them to equilibrate to room temperature before use to prevent moisture condensation.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The BD Sensi-Disc Penicillin 10U is FDA-cleared and CE-marked for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. It is manufactured in compliance with ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 9001 quality management standards and adheres to CLSI and EUCAST performance requirements for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Each production lot is tested for potency, diffusion consistency, and sterility to ensure reliable, repeatable results. BDs commitment to quality control guarantees consistent antibiotic activity and compliance with global diagnostic laboratory standards.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared to other antibiotic susceptibility discs, BD Sensi-Disc products are recognized for superior quality, reproducibility, and long shelf life. While competitor discs may show batch-to-batch variability or inconsistent antibiotic diffusion, BDs manufacturing process ensures precise antibiotic loading and uniformity. The BD cartridge system with integrated desiccant extends shelf stability and preserves potency longer than traditional packaging. The high consistency of zone diameters produced by BD discs enhances laboratory confidence and test reliability.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This product is used by microbiologists, clinical laboratory scientists, and healthcare professionals involved in diagnostic microbiology. Common users include:
- Clinical microbiology departments in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories.
- Reference and research laboratories studying antimicrobial resistance patterns.
- Pharmaceutical quality control and microbiology testing facilities.
- Academic institutions teaching antimicrobial susceptibility testing procedures.
The BD Sensi-Disc Penicillin 10U is particularly useful for detecting penicillin susceptibility in Gram-positive cocci and for validating laboratory antibiotic sensitivity workflows.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Store BD Sensi-Disc cartridges at 28C in a dry environment, away from light and humidity. Do not freeze. Before opening, allow the cartridge to reach room temperature to prevent condensation. Open the cartridge only when ready to use, and close immediately afterward to preserve remaining discs. Handle discs with sterile forceps or an automated disc dispenser to avoid contamination. Perform regular quality control using reference strains such as Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 to verify disc potency and consistency. Dispose of used discs and agar plates according to institutional biohazard procedures.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The BD 230918 - BD Sensi-Disc Penicillin 10U discs comply with all applicable FDA, CE, and ISO regulatory standards for in vitro diagnostic devices. They are non-hazardous, non-toxic, and contain pharmaceutical-grade antibiotic material embedded in inert cellulose filter paper. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from BD upon request for details on composition, handling, and disposal. The product is intended for professional laboratory use only and should be used by trained personnel following institutional biosafety and quality control guidelines.
How to Order
To order the BD 230918 - BD Sensi-Disc Penicillin (10 Units) in Cartridge, add the item to your cart and complete checkout through CIA Medical. We provide fast shipping, competitive pricing, and dependable customer support for hospitals, laboratories, and research institutions. For bulk orders, technical documentation, or product assistance, contact CIA Medicals customer service team at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page. Our representatives are available to assist with specifications, availability, and regulatory documentation.
