The optochin test is a presumptive test that is used to identify strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Optochin (ethyl hydrocupreine) disks are placed on inoculated blood agar plates. Because S. pneumoniae is not optochin resistant, a zone of inhibition will develop around the disk where the bacteria have been lysed. This zone is typically 14mm from the disk or greater.
