Pharmaceutical Division Microbiology

Antibiotic Assay Testing

An antibiotic is a substance that can inhibit the growth of a micro-organism. During the manufacture of an antibiotic there is a requirement to measure the potency of an antibiotic.

The potency of an antibiotic can be measured using the current EP/BP antibiotic assay. This involves assaying a relatively high concentration of pure drug using the large plate bioassay method.

The potency of an antibiotic is then determined by comparing the zones of inhibition of growth of a sensitive micro-organism which is produced by known concentrations of antibiotic tested and a reference standard.

The following antibiotics can be assayed both as raw materials and when incorporated into finished products.

• Bacitracin
• Colistin Sulphomethate Sodium
• Erythromycin
• Framycetin
• Gentamycin
• Kanamycin
• Neomycin
• Nystatin
• Polymixin B
• Spiramycin
• Streptomycin
• Tobramycin
• Vancomycin

Other antibioitcs not on the above list may also be assayed following the requirements specified in the phamacopeia or customer requirements.

Contact ILS - for further information and prices on antibiotic assay testing