Final answer:
Automated tests for antimicrobial susceptibility are faster and easier to perform than conventional methods, providing timely results that are crucial for effective patient care. the correct option is 3) They produce results more quickly than conventional tests AND they are easier to perform.
Step-by-step explanation:
Automated tests used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility:
There are several benefits to using automated tests for determining antimicrobial susceptibility. Automated tests are advantageous because they produce results more quickly than conventional tests such as the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay, which is beneficial in a clinical setting where timely results can have significant impacts on patient care.
Additionally, these tests are often easier to perform, as they can utilize systems such as 96-well microdilution trays and automated dispensing devices, reducing both the potential for human error and the time commitment for laboratory technicians. Automated methods allow for multiple antimicrobials to be tested simultaneously against a microbe, which accelerates the diagnostic process and assists in determining the most effective treatment faster than the traditional methods.