Walker

Definition

A walker is any organism or device used to test the effectiveness of antiseptics and disinfectants. It involves controlled exposure to microbial contaminants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Walkers are essential in determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antiseptics and disinfectants.
2. They can include bacterial strains, spores, or even mechanical devices simulating microbial surfaces.
3. Walker tests often involve exposing a surface to a disinfectant for a specific contact time before assessing microbial survival.
4. The outcome provides quantitative data on the efficacy of various antimicrobial agents.
5. Standardized walkers ensure consistent and reproducible results across different studies and applications.

Review Questions

• What is the primary purpose of using a walker in microbiological testing?
• How do walker tests help determine the MIC of antiseptics?
• Why is standardization important in walker tests?

Related terms

Antiseptic:

A substance that prevents or inhibits the growth of microorganisms on living tissue.

Disinfectant: Chemical agent used to eliminate or reduce pathogenic microorganisms on non-living surfaces.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC):

The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent required to prevent visible growth of a microorganism.