Final answer:
Sensitivity testing in microbiology is performed to determine the susceptibility of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test is a common method used for this purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sensitivity testing in microbiology is performed to determine the susceptibility of a microorganism to various antimicrobial drugs. This type of testing, also known as antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), helps identify the spectrum of activity and therapeutic dosage of the drugs. One common method of AST is the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test, which involves placing filter paper disks impregnated with different antibiotics on a plate with bacterial growth. The result is observed as a clear circular zone of inhibition around the disks, which determines the susceptibility or resistance of the bacteria to the drug.