1.1 This test method is appropriate for materials in a variety of shapes and for materials
that are not necessarily sterile. This test method would be appropriate in situations
in which the amount of material is limited. For example, small devices or powders
could be placed on the agar and the presence of a zone of inhibition of cell growth
could be examined.
1.1.1 This test method is not appropriate for leachables that do not diffuse through agar
or agarose.
1.1.2 While the agar layer can act as a cushion to protect the cells from the specimen,
there may be materials that are sufficiently heavy to compress the agar and prevent
diffusion or to cause mechanical damage to the cells. This test method would not be
appropriate for these materials.