Lab method
Minimum inhibitory concentration
MIC susceptibility vocabulary
M-I-C
High-yield clue
MIC values require standardized breakpoint interpretation; they are not treatment instructions.
Overview
A susceptibility-testing concept describing the lowest concentration that inhibits visible growth under standardized test conditions.
Classification
- Susceptibility concept
- Antimicrobial vocabulary
Lab & identification clues
- MIC number vocabulary
- Breakpoint concept
- Broth dilution/E-test terms to recognize
Associations
- Kirby-Bauer
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Susceptibility categories
Commonly confused with
- Zone of inhibition
- MBC
Your notes
Original concept summary for coursework. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e and NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology; reviewed 2026-06. Describes vocabulary and interpretation concepts only; not a lab protocol and not for handling specimens or identifying patient isolates.